Experiences, Feelings and Thoughts of Women Undergoing Second Trimester Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Abstract

Main ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore women's expectations and experiences of undergoing second trimester abortion.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using a screening questionnaire and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Thirty-one women filled out the questionnaire and 23 of them were later interviewed. The questionnaires were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.Most Important FindingsIndications for the abortion were fetal malformation or unintended pregnancy. The women expressed similar feelings and these were irrespective for the reason for having an abortion. Both physical and mental pain was experienced during the abortion process and described by the women. Taking the mifepristone-pill was experienced as especially emotionally difficult for many participants. Professional support from the staff together with support from the partner, a friend or relative helped in transforming the worries related to something unknown to feelings of coping with a new and hard experience. Prior to the abortion most women stated that they did not want to view the fetus but women who chose to view the fetus described this as a way of confronting the reality and an opportunity to say farewell to the pregnancy/fetus. The analysis of the interview transcripts revealed five themes mirroring the women's experiences, thoughts and feelings related to the abortion.ConclusionsThe decision to undergo second trimester abortion sometimes exposes women to strong and conflicting emotions which are irrespective for the reason for having an abortion. Despite this women do not regret their decision to terminate the pregnancy. This analysis shows that their rational thinking outweighs their emotionally difficult feelings. It is important for the attending staff to be responsive to the needs of each individual woman whatever the indication is for the abortion.

Patient Information Websites About Medically Induced Second-Trimester Abortions: A Descriptive Study of Quality, Suitability, and Issues

“…In accordance with our findings, previous research has highlighted that patients who read printed patient information criticize these materials by calling attention to the use of patronizing language, including a conveyed attitude that the doctor knows best [27]. Nonjudgmental and respectful attitudes are indicators of quality abortion care [20], and are highly desired by women who seek abortions [17,41]. Many women who terminate a pregnancy regard the decision as emotionally painful [16,17,42] and are at risk of significant psychological consequences [43].…”

“…Nonjudgmental and respectful attitudes are indicators of quality abortion care [20], and are highly desired by women who seek abortions [17,41]. Many women who terminate a pregnancy regard the decision as emotionally painful [16,17,42] and are at risk of significant psychological consequences [43]. Contact with unsuitable and disrespectful information could potentially increase these difficulties and aggravate psychological morbidity.…”

“…However, people who undergo the procedure describe that they feel insufficiently informed about it, resulting in unanswered questions and unpreparedness [15-18]. To feel adequately prepared and well-informed, they search the Web for supplemental information about pregnancy terminations [17,18,21]. However, inductive qualitative research indicates issues with searching difficulties and poor website quality [18], calling attention to the need for systematic investigations that draw more generalizable conclusions.…”

Caring for victims of sexual violence, part III: pregnancy after rape – integrative review

“…Encontraram mulheres que consideraram o feto como uma criança, desde o início da gestação, necessitando auxílio profi ssional com ati tude empáti ca para que estas VVS se senti ssem seguras durante a IG 28 . Algumas mulheres buscam mais informação e apoio em quem já viveu esse dilema do que junto aos profi ssionais dos serviços de saúde.…”

“…Mulheres com GIPE são focadas na dor física e têm medos antecipados de sangramento e morte, enquanto as mulheres com anomalias fetais se concentram mais na dor mental 28 . Após a IG, o alívio é a impressão dominante e se expressa com maior frequência do que a culpa.…”