The influence of medical abortion compared with surgical abortion on subsequent pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Seven prospective cohort studies (12484 cases) were included in this review of the respective effects on the next pregnancy of medical and surgical abortion in early pregnancy. The incidence of miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage was significantly lower in the pregnancy following a medical abortion. No other significant differences were found. With respect to the outcome of the next pregnancy, first-trimester medical abortions may thus be safer than the surgical option.

The effect of method and gestational age at termination of pregnancy on future obstetric and perinatal outcomes: a register‐based cohort study in Aberdeen, Scotland

“…Bracken and colleagues reported no adverse effects on birthweight in subsequent pregnancies related to gestational age at TOP. A systematic review of seven observational studies also found no associated increased risk of preterm delivery for medical versus surgical TOP . In contrast, Atrash and colleagues suggest that surgical TOP leads to an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage and low birthweight.…”

“…It is plausible that trauma caused by cervical dilatation and uterine evacuation during surgical TOP could damage the cervix and it is possible that late gestational age terminations could lead to a greater risk of spontaneous preterm delivery in future pregnancies. Few studies have specifically investigated the effect of different methods of termination on future obstetric and perinatal outcomes, or the effect of the gestational age at which TOP is carried out …”

Is mifepristone 100mg an effective alternative to standard dose for medical abortion

“…Currently, however, agents are available which can terminate pregnancy if administered orally, vaginally or parenterally, obviating the need for the surgical procedures, and thus reducing the complications associated with the procedure. Furthermore, the incidence of miscarriage and postpartum haemorrhage has been found to be significantly lower in the pregnancies following a medical abortion (15). In September 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone (also known as "RU-486"), the first drug specifically designed for use as a method of medical abortion.…”

Ethical Issues in Maternal and Child Health Nursing: Challenges Faced By Maternal and Child Health Nurses and Strategies for Decision Making

“…For example, the patient's right to self-determination, autonomy, includes the right to refuse treatment that may be beneficial to the pregnancy outcome for the foetus. [19] Consideration of ethical approaches can help nurses as they encounter ethical dilemmas. [20] There are a variety of ethical approaches.…”

“…[19,20] The Utilitarian Approach: This approach posits that ethical actions are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil and provides for the greatest good for the greatest numb. [19,20] Ethical issues and challenges in maternal and child health nursing Maternal and child health issues often involve conflicts in which a woman behaves in a way that may cause harm to her foetus or is disapproved of by some or most members of society. [16] Conflicts between a mother and fetus occur when the mother's needs, behavior, or wishes may injure the foetus.…”