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LATE TERM ABORTION: WHAT TO EXPECT

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There are three types of abortions…

  • The Abortion Pill
  • Surgical Abortion (suction)
  • Late Term Abortion 

In this blog we are going to cover the 3rd type of abortion (Late Term) and what to expect. 

Late term abortions are performed after 22 weeks from the LMP (Last Menstrual Period).  This procedure takes approximately 2-3 days and is at greater risk to the life and health of the mother.

A lethal injection of a medication (Digoxin or potassium chloride) may be injected directly into the baby’s head, the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord or directly into the fetal heart to end the baby’s life and to avoid delivery of a live baby.  The Cervix is softened using luminaria or a vaginal medication for 2-3 days prior.  Delivery is then induced which could last up to 10 to 24 hours and then the dead baby is delivered.  Occasionally, the uterus must be scraped to remove the placenta. 

As with any surgery, it comes with its risks.  The longer you wait to have an abortion the greater the risks and serious complications such as: 

  • Hemorrhaging - some bleeding is normal, however there is a risk of severe bleeding caused by things happening during the surgery process.
  • Incomplete Abortion – This happens when some of the fetal tissue is left. It can cause severe hemorrhaging, infection and can leave you infertile due to scarring from a D&C that may be required.
  • Infection – As with any surgery, insertion of instruments or fetal tissue left can cause infection. Sepsis, a total body infection can occur which is life threatening.
  • Organ damage – instruments used can puncture the uterus or cervix requiring surgery to repair
  • Blood Clots – These are extremely dangerous. They can travel to your lungs, heart, brain etc. and can cause damage, even death.
  • Anesthesia complications – local anesthesia, antibiotic and pain meds may cause an allergic reaction resulting in convulsions, heart complications and in severe cases, death.
  • Death - There is always a risk of death, but the risk increases 38% for each week after eight weeks. 

    Possible side effects:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fever and Chills

 

If you have questions, please contact us at Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center @ 417.455.0100.

Some of this information was taken from “Before you Decide” magazine.

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THREE THINGS NEEDED BEFORE AN ABORTION
THE ABORTION PILL THROUGH THE MAIL