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Medical Termination Of Pregnancy – MTP

With Dr. Niraj Mahajan

Medical termination of pregnancy (Abortion)

Abortion / Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)

Medical Termination of Pregnancy refers to legal method of abortion which is done intentionally, during early to mid-pregnancy. In India, as per revised MTP Act (2021), it  allows abortion/MTP to be performed till 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Common grounds for Abortion/MTP

  • Contraception failure
  • Grave danger to woman’s health.
  • Pregnancy as a result of sexual assault.
  • Anomalous fetus.

Choice between Medical Abortion and Surgical Abortion

  • <= 9 weeks – Medical method or Surgical method as outpatient procedure
  • 9-13 weeks – Surgical abortion
  • 13 – 24 weeks – Medicines with or without surgical procedure as inpatient.
  • For pregnancy is <= 7 weeks; medical method has success rate upto 97%.
  • Surgical abortion is preferred if patient desires concurrent tubal ligation or IUCD (CuT) insertion.
  • Final choice of medical or surgical abortion is offered to the pregnant woman after explaining pros and cons of each procedure.

Places where MTP can be performed

  • MTP centre approved by the government to work according to the MTP Act.
  • Medical abortion can be performed at a clinic, but the doctor needs to be attached to the government approved MTP center.

FAQs

Q1: Is it safe to terminate pregnancy at 6 weeks?

Ans: It is most safe to terminate pregnancy early on. Abortion pills are most effective before 7 weeks. Mifepristone and misoprostol pills are used in combination. However, it can also be performed surgically using vacuum aspiration and/or evacuation.

Q2- Continuous bleeding for 1-month after abortion pills.

Ans: Bleeding for one months after abortion pills is not normal. Bleeding can occur from 4-14 days from the day of taking the pills. If bleeding still persists after 14 days, gynaecologist needs to be consulted immediately to confirm the completeness of abortion. Ultrasound will confirm if any products are remaining in the uterus. Retained products needed to be removed surgically to prevent further complications like infection and infertility.