NU 321 Abortion

What is the definition of an elective abortion?

An abortion performed at the woman's request.

What is a therapeutic abortion?

An abortion performed for reasons of maternal or fetal health or disease.

What is the most common method of abortion in the United States?

Aspiration.

What are the primary methods used for first-trimester abortions (less than 9 weeks)?

Aspiration (vacuum or suction) and medical abortion (using medications).

Which two medications are commonly used together for a medical abortion?

Mifepristone (RU 486) and misoprostol.

What is the mechanism of action of Mifepristone?

It binds to progesterone receptors and blocks their action.

What is the function of methotrexate in a medical abortion?

It stops rapid cell replication.

What is the role of misoprostol in a medical abortion?

It causes uterine contractions.

What is a significant risk associated with the use of methotrexate and misoprostol?

Both medications are teratogenic.

What procedure is typically used for second-trimester abortions?

Dilation and evacuation (D&E), which involves the use of forceps.

What are osmotic dilators, such as laminaria, used for in abortion procedures?

They are used to dilate the cervix prior to the evacuation of the uterus.

What is the general timeframe for a dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure?

It can be done up to 20 weeks, but is usually performed between 13 and 16 weeks.

What occurs during the first day of a third-trimester abortion procedure?

Preoperative care is provided, and fetal demise is induced by medication to stop the baby's heart.

What is the 'intact dilation and extraction' (D&X) procedure?

A procedure typically performed late in the second or third trimester where the fetus is partially delivered feet-first, the skull is decompressed, and then the head is delivered.

What are the common long-term emotional consequences reported after an abortion?

Patients may experience feelings of regret, guilt, or relief.

What percentage of abortions are attributed to rape and incest respectively?

Approximately 1% due to rape and 0.5% due to incest.

Is D&C (dilation and curettage) legal in all U.S. states?

Yes, it is legal in all states when used to treat a miscarriage.

What are the four main types of induced abortion procedures mentioned?

Aspiration, medication, labor induction, and surgery (hysterectomy or hysterotomy).

Why is the cervix required to be dilated more extensively in second-trimester abortions compared to first-trimester?

Due to the increased size of the fetus.

What is the purpose of using hypertonic solutions like saline or urea in labor induction abortions?

They are used to induce uterine contractions.