Abortion In 6-Month Pregnancy
"I am 6-month pregnant but don't want a baby now" - if this thought is ringing in your mind, it means you are unsure about having a baby.
Though Abortion is highly condemned in society and illegal in various countries, some mothers don't have any other choice but to opt for an abortion in 6-month pregnancy. After all, you are the sole decision-maker in this case, as this is your body. Here learn everything about Abortion and the associated risks and safety measures for expedited recovery. Let's start by knowing the legal limit & various types of Abortion.
Legal Limit To Abortion
Every country has a legal limit, and almost every country follows the same. This is a 24-week term that an abortion can be performed under medical guidance. Doctors prefer a two-week gap and adhere to a 22-week time limit. But in India, the legal time is 20 weeks according to MTP Act. The act also instructs that termination only can follow if the woman's life is at risk due to pregnancy.
Types Of Abortion
In general, there are three types of Abortion you can go for. These are Medical Abortion, Vacuum Aspiration, Dilation & Extraction.
1. Medical Abortion
A medical abortion happens when a woman follows her doctor's advice and takes two abortion pills to end her pregnancy. The first medication will bring the pregnancy to an end. The second pill stimulates the uterus to contract, resulting in the passage of the pregnant tissue. You may feel a little discomfort due to uterine contractions.
Every woman who had a medical abortion will experience something different. Some women equate the sensation to cramping after heavy menstruation. Others may experience more severe cramping.
2. Vacuum Aspiration
Vacuum abortion or surgical Abortion is performed by sucking the tissue out. Because pain medications are provided throughout the procedure, vacuum aspiration is usually painless. However, you may experience a strong pulling or tugging sensation during the surgery.
There is a chance that you may experience severe cramping for a couple of days after this type of Abortion and some bleeding or spotting for up to 2 weeks. The doctor will numb the cervix with an injection or medication before performing the aspiration. They may occasionally recommend general anesthesia, although this is rare.
3. Dilation & Extraction
Dilation is a type of surgical Abortion performed if a woman is pregnant for more than 13 weeks. Dilation and Extraction are alternatively known as D & X. During dilatation, the lady is put to sleep with a general anesthetic. This means she won't be aware of the therapy and won't be able to feel any discomfort.
Your doctors will use dilators, which are nothing but little rods to open your cervix. Then they will use forceps and suction to remove your pregnant tissue. After a dilation and evacuation, a lady may experience cramps for 1 or 2 days. She may experience spotting or bleeding for up to two weeks.
Termination Of Pregnancy: Pros, Cons & Safety Measures
1. Medical Abortion
You can experience various types of advantages of medical Abortion, such as you can have it during the first trimester, and there is no need for surgery or the use of anesthetics.
However, it is not safe during the second trimester, so you can't opt for an abortion in 6-month of pregnancy. Only a small amount of the treatment is done in a clinic, and the individual can experience unpleasant cramps.
It is rarely ineffective, but it is always good to have a partner or acquaintance around for support when the tissue is passing. It would help you take the safety measures and a routine checkup to recover faster.
2. Vacuum Aspiration
It is effective during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It's quick, taking about 5–10 minutes to finish. Some women may experience cramps, sweating, nausea, or a combination of these symptoms, even though it is usually painless.
The use of general anesthesia is not required. The safety measures you can take after this are relaxation for up to an hour, antibiotics to avoid infection, and avoid sex for at least one week after therapy. This is also unavailable in the 2nd trimester, so it will not serve you in Abortion in 6-month pregnancy.
3. Dilation & Extraction
D & X is the only abortion method accessible throughout your 6-month pregnancy. It is a safe and effective method of stopping pregnancy. But you may witness some complications of this process such as infection, heavy bleeding, injury to the uterus, etc.
As mild pain and cramping may linger for a few days after treatment, and some bleeding may last up to two weeks, it is necessary to rest adequately.
Does Abortion In 6-Month Pregnancy Hurt?
Abortion is different for everyone; for some, it is exceedingly awful, while for others, it is just a little uneasy. Your level of discomfort is influenced by the medications you take, what stage of pregnancy you are in, and how much cramping and pain you suffer. The majority of the time, it feels like terrible menstruation cramps.
You may have cramping following an abortion. You'll probably want to relax for a day or two, but most people are back to normal the next day.
Refrain from taking unwanted abortion pills and visit a doctor. Your doctors and nurses will do all they can to make your Abortion as comfortable as possible. Pain relievers, numbing medicines, and sedation, if necessary, will be administered.
Suggested Read: All You Need To Know About Abortion Pills
Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines
Before you opt for Abortion, ensure you have carefully taken your decision. Furthermore, take time to ponder whether you want to continue the pregnancy and give birth to your baby. Talk with your family or the person you trust. If necessary, consult an expert, and don't just resort to terminating the pregnancy at home.
Before and after Abortion, keep yourself mentally optimistic. Many women fear that the pregnancy after Abortion may be hard if they abort their first baby. In some cases, some women may have a complication in conceiving after Abortion, but take clinical advice to diagnose the right cause of it and don't blame yourself for your decision on Abortion.
After an abortion, make sure you take enough rest and medicine to heal faster. It would help if you avoided excessive tension before and after Abortion. Also, remember that you should give your mind positive inputs and stay optimistic about the future.
Recommended Read: Reduce Chances of a Broken Condom
Conclusion
To summarize, before you opt for an abortion in 6-month pregnancy, consult with a specialist. It is always better to have safe sex rather than Abortion. If both of you are not planning to have a baby, you can consult with a doctor and get medical assistance to control unwanted pregnancies. Moreover, you should avoid taking too much pressure or becoming anxious about your pregnancy and opt for self-medication. Remember, you need special guidance to stay healthy. Hence, it will be better to have over-the-counter medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What will happen if you are 6-month pregnant?
In 6 months, the fetus' lungs have fully developed, and he or she may begin concentrating on sounds outside the uterus. You can feel their hiccups as they shift their eyeballs under their still-closed eyelids.
Q2. What are the symptoms of being 6-month pregnant?
In your 6-month pregnancy, you may experience leg cramps. Backache and heartburn are common side effects. Your urge to urinate may rise as the growing uterus strains on your bladder.
Q3. What are the chances of surviving a 6-month premature baby?
Premature infants born at 34 to 36 weeks have a nearly 100% chance of survival and have the same long-term health opportunity as full-term new-borns. Consult with your doctor to be sure.
Also Read: Everything That You Need To Know About Abortion