If you are pregnant and are thinking of the abortion process? You need to consider preparation in advance to avoid potential risks before getting an abortion. From confirming the pregnancy status to determining intrauterine location and gestational duration, there are several factors to consider for abortion preparation. Additionally, it is important to evaluate any medical conditions that require management or influence the choice of abortion procedure.
Getting ready for an abortion can be a highly personal and often complicated experience. Individuals may terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons, personal choice, or emotional and practical considerations. Understanding what is involved and what to expect during the procedure is vital for your safety and well-being.
This guide offers reliable and supportive information about abortion preparation to support individuals as they make an important decision and feel empowered through the process. With these considerations taken into account, individuals can experience the process with confidence, dignity, and the compassion they deserve.
Counselling and Decision Making
Counseling is the initial step for abortion preparation in which individuals voluntarily receive support, additional information, and guidance from a professional. This process offers the individual unbiased information about risks, benefits, and abortion procedures.
- Clarify the doubts related to the procedure
- Helps in making informed decisions
- Maintain privacy
- Support the needs of the woman
- Prevent imposing personal beliefs and values
- Ensure emotional support
Medical History
It is important to take a detailed medical history before proceeding to find contraindications to medical or surgical abortion methods and to identify risk factors for complications. This includes
- Discussing current medications
- Allergies
- Chronic diseases
- Previous surgeries and pregnancies
This makes the process easy by detecting the potential risk and choosing the safest abortion procedure. Taking medical history also ensures any specific precautions are considered, like bleeding disorders or cardiovascular conditions. This precise data helps to avoid the severe outcomes and prioritize individual safety.
Physical Examination
For abortion preparation, it is essential to examine the individual physically to find the underlying issues and abnormalities that can negatively affect the abortion process, such as cervical exams, which can help identify the signs of infection. For physical examination, it is crucial to determine the accurate gestational age through ultrasound to choose the best method and manage the process safely. The exam is carried out professionally with patient consent and comfort as priority throughout.
- General health evaluation to check for signs of weakness, lethargy, anaemia
- Abdominal assessment to palpate for the uterus
- Speculum examination to check the external genitalia for abnormalities
- Bimanual examination to assess the adnexal masses
Laboratory and Other Investigations
Laboratory tests are done to make sure that the individual is medically fit for abortion. The following tests are vital when necessary to manage the risks on time and ensure a safe abortion method.
- Pregnancy test to confirm
- Blood test for complete blood count CBC
- Screening for STIs for detection
- Ultrasound for determining the location of the pregnancy
- Hemoglobin for suspected anaemia
- Cervical cancer screening
- HIV testing
- Kidney and liver function tests
- Rhesus (Rh)-testing
