The choice you have to make about your unplanned pregnancy is not an easy one. It's not just about the practical problems that a baby brings. It's also about your feelings, beliefs and personal values. The information given here is to help you explore what each option (parenting or adoption or abortion) might mean for you in your situation. but it is important that you also take into account deeper emotional concerns. |
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Abortion
What's involved?
In Britain, many women each year decide to end their pregnancies by having an abortion. About half of these take place in NHS hospitals and the remainder in private clinics. Methods of abortion used vary according to the stage of pregnancy and what's available in your area. Below is a general description of methods used at different stages, but you will need to check details with your GP or local pregnancy counselling centre. Before an abortion, you are required to sign a consent form. Two doctors also have to agree to the procedure.
Early abortion....
Before the 15th week of pregnancy, the termination is usually done under general anaesthetic, which means you are asleep. After the neck of the womb has been gently opened, a tube is inserted into the womb and the contents are removed by suction. In a few clinics, a suction abortion can be performed with a local anaesthetic, which means that you stay awake during the procedure. After an abortion, you may experience bleeding and pain similar to period pain.
RU486
This is a method of abortion which may be more widely used in future. It is only suitable for those under 35 years of age and who are less than 9 weeks pregnant. A tablet is given orally, followed by a vaginal pessary 36-48 hours later. The abortion takes place within 4-8 hours, usually with bleeding and stomach cramps similar to a heavy period. A check-up is given 8-12 days later.
Later abortions....
Abortions after 15 weeks are either done surgically under general anaesthetic. or by induced labour and delivery. Abortion is illegal after 24 weeks of pregnancy except for foetal abnormality or if the mother's life is in danger.
What are the risks?
In a few instances the following physical complications may occur:
-- infection; antibiotics are given routinely after an abortion but if infection is persistent. it can lead to infertility in a very small number of women
- unusual bleeding. which may need further treatment
- damage to the cervix. which can lead to future miscarriages
- some studies show a higher susceptibility to breast cancer.
Emotional Effects
Most women feel relief after an abortion but later some women find difficulty coming to terms with the experience. They may have a sense of loss, anger, grief, guilt, shame or sadness.
Some women are tearful. have bad dreams or find it difficult to be near babies or pregnant women. Others report wanting another baby straight away. Anniversary dates can be difficult times. Relationships can be tense or even break down.
-Post-abortion stress can occur in women who:
- felt under pressure to do what someone else wanted
- were uncomfortable with abortion before they became pregnant
- felt dictated to by their circumstances
- had strong maternal feelings they tried to 'keep down'
- had previously suffered from depression
- had a late abortion or one for foetal abnormality
Foetal Development....
It may be important for you to understand more about foetal development so that you know how you feel about it in relation to abortion. If so. the leaflet The First Nine Months gives this information sensitively and is available from your local pregnancy counselling centre or from CARE Confidential on 0800 028 2228.
