Pregnancy Termination

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511580987.008

Chapter 6 - Pregnancy Termination

from Part I - ANTEPARTUM

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 May 2010

John Patrick O'Grady,

Martin L. Gimovsky,

Lucy A. Bayer-Zwirello and

Kevin Giordano

F. P. Bailey and

Heather Z. Sankey

Show author details

John Patrick O'Grady: Affiliation:
Tufts University, Massachusetts
F. P. Bailey: Affiliation:
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tufts University School of Medicine Boston
Heather Z. Sankey: Affiliation:
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tufts University School of Medicine Boston

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Summary

This chapter reviews the history and epidemiology of modern pregnancy termination. In this review, the surgical and medical techniques appropriate for various gestational ages are presented, potential complications are considered, and the psychological issues surrounding abortion are discussed. Most women requesting termination of pregnancy are self-referred. Physicians who care for pregnant patients should assess the patient's attitudes toward the gestation at the time of the first prenatal visit. The initial assessment of gestational age is based on the last reported menstrual period and the physical examination. The method chosen for pregnancy termination depends on the period of gestation, the experience and preference of the operator, and the extent to which safe options are available that fit the patient's desires. The most common operative complication of pregnancy termination is uterine perforation. Failure to interrupt an intrauterine pregnancy occurs in less than 0.5 percent of suction-curettage patients.

Keywords

gestational ages physical examination pregnancy termination uterine perforation suction curette surgical procedures

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Type: Chapter
Information: Operative Obstetrics , pp. 119 - 144
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511580987.008 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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