Pregnant and abortion
Unwanted pregnancy: what now? If a pregnancy is completely unexpected and undesirable, you can opt for an abortion. This is not an easy choice at all. An abortion can be performed up to a certain gestational age. How does an abortion work and where can you go for an abortion?
Unwanted pregnancy
Pregnancy is not always desirable. That may sound strange to some, but the pregnant woman may be in a phase of her life in which a pregnancy or a child does not fit. This may, for example, be related to age: very young women or older women are often unable to raise a child. Financial reasons also count. A child costs a lot of money. It is also possible that the child’s father does not want anything to do with it: the pregnant woman is then completely alone. Physical complaints can also be a reason to have an abortion, as can rape. In short: there are several reasons that could lead to this decision.
Not everyone is in favor of abortion. You have pros and cons. Some are very strongly against it. That is possible and allowed: everyone is allowed to have their own opinion about this. It is important to respect other people’s choices. No one can look into someone else’s life and judge it. An abortion is therefore a personal choice that the pregnant woman has carefully considered.
Abortion: yes or no?
You are pregnant, but you don’t want it. You have doubts. To do or not to do? Because you can’t raise a child now. But it is your own child. Choosing an abortion is a terribly difficult choice. The longer you wait to make that choice, the more difficult it becomes. And even when the choice is ultimately made, you continue to have doubts. The first step is to discuss it with your partner, or with your parents or a good friend. Someone who can be trusted and has no judgment of his own. Advice like: ‘but if I were you…’ is of no use to you. Because they are not you.
It helps to list everything, possibly on paper: can you afford it, can you still finish your studies or what about your work? Are you on your own or does someone help you? How old are you and how do you see the future with a child? Do you have physical complaints or was the child conceived under special circumstances that make you not want it?
In some cases the choice is made quickly and the woman is sure of her decision, in some cases it takes a little longer and the wrong choice can sometimes be made. That is why the law has set some rules for abortion.
Mandatory reflection period
Because many women have considerable doubts, there is a mandatory reflection period of five days. This means that the woman first comes to the abortion clinic and has an interview there. All the pros and cons of an abortion are discussed. Then the pregnant woman goes home and is given five days to think about everything. If she still wants the abortion after five days, it will be performed. Some women change their mind within these five days and the abortion will not be performed. These rules do not apply to overdue treatment. Overdue treatment is an abortion up to 16 days overdue. So a very early abortion.
How does an abortion work?
An abortion can be performed in three ways, depending on the gestational age. The woman can often still choose during an early pregnancy. The more advanced the pregnancy, the more difficult an abortion will be. It is therefore important not to wait too long before making the choice, but sometimes there is no other option.
Abortion pill
This consists of three pills that are taken vaginally. The first pill is taken in the clinic and loosens the fetus from the uterine wall. Blood loss may already occur. The second cock is taken at home, on the second day. Labor pains are induced which expel the fetus. This can be accompanied by a lot of blood loss. The third pill is taken four hours later. This must always be taken to ensure that the expulsion takes place properly. In one in twenty cases the abortion does not go well: a curettage will still have to be undergone. The abortion pill can be used up to 8 weeks after the last menstrual period. (8 weeks pregnancy)
Suction curettage
A suction curettage is performed until approximately 12 weeks of pregnancy. The woman lies with her legs in stirrups, and the cervix is locally anesthetized and disinfected. A speculum (duckbill) is inserted. A thin tube of 6-8 mm is inserted, which is used to suction the uterus. This takes several minutes. Particularly at the end, some women may feel some cramps or a twinge. This is due to the contraction of the uterus.
A suction curettage can also be done under anesthesia: the woman will then feel nothing at all. She is not allowed to eat or drink anything six hours in advance. An IV is inserted for anesthesia. After the treatment, the woman must remain in the clinic or hospital for several hours.
Abortion from 13 weeks of pregnancy
In the event of a later abortion, suction curettage is no longer possible because the fetus does not fit through the tube. This time too, the woman lies with her legs in the stirrups, the cervix is anesthetized and disinfected. Stretching the cervix will be necessary more often. The fruit is crushed with instruments and pulled out into pieces. The remains are then sucked up with a tube. The treatment takes approximately fifteen minutes.
This treatment can also be done under anesthesia, with the woman sleeping. This is sometimes better, especially in more advanced pregnancies. However, anesthesia can also have a long aftermath.
After the abortion
After the abortion, bleeding may continue for some time. When using an abortion pill, this blood loss can even continue for some time, usually up to ten days after using the abortion pill. If the bleeding worsens over time, starts again or does not decrease, this is often a sign that the abortion was not performed properly. To prevent infections, one should contact the clinic as soon as possible. This must also be reported if fever and abdominal pain occur.
Most women feel those doubts arise again after the abortion: there can also sometimes be a feeling of regret. This is completely normal and it will take some time for this feeling to disappear. The choice that has been made is a good choice. It is important that an abortion was never performed under pressure or coercion from others.
Where to have an abortion?
An abortion can be performed in an abortion clinic or in a hospital that has a permit for this purpose. It is important to choose a clinic or hospital that is recognized and has a permit. Recognized clinics are affiliated with the NGvA.