What is abortion? When and why is it performed? Today, abortion is more rampant than ever but many people still lack sufficient knowledge about this procedure. Below are abortion facts that will help you in knowing abortion better:
Types of abortion
Spontaneous abortion: Spontaneous abortion, also known as miscarriage, is the body’s incapacity to contain the baby inside. This happens to women who have low tolerance to pain and have a weak body.
Induced abortion: Induced abortion is the termination of fetus surgically or through pills. Induced abortion lies on different stages and usually depends on how old the fetus is.
Illegal or aborting the fetus on purpose. Abortion procedures that are practiced nowadays include taking herbal medicines, hitting the stomach accidentally or purposely causing trauma on the stomach and self induced termination such as using non surgical equipment to take the fetus out. These kinds of abortion are commonly illegal and are dangerous to the pregnant woman’s health.
When is abortion performed?
1. Abortion is performed when the child is detected to have congenial problems: During pregnancy, there are different stages in which a pregnant woman should undergo tests and checkups to monitor both mother and child’s health. When the baby is tested and proven to have abnormalities, the mother has the option of having an abortion done.
2. Abortion is performed when pregnancy causes fatal or long term health effects on the part of the mother: Not all pregnant women have the ability to carry the baby for 9 months.
Some develop severe depression while others encounter difficult pregnancy and health effects that can harm the child and the mother as well. In cases where either of their lives is at stake, an abortion is a must.
3. Abortion is performed upon the request of a mother carrying their child: Don’t be surprised to find many mothers asking for abortion. Unwanted pregnancies happen a lot especially to teenagers and to those who are not yet ready to become parents.
Side effects of abortion
1. Bleeding: This is normal after abortion. Whether it is a miscarriage or induced abortion, you can expect some bleeding on your part. However, you need to consult your doctor if heavy bleeding occurs everyday and don’t seem to lessen as days passed.
2. Pregnancy symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, fullness of breast and abnormal discharges are also experienced. They will disappear in the next few weeks and normally subside after a few days.
3. Emotional problems: Depression, sadness, fear and guilt are commonly experienced by mothers who had an abortion.
Mothers who wanted a child but couldn’t due to health reasons are greatly affected. They have to see a psychologist and even join support groups to help them deal with losing their baby.
Abortion is very controversial but it should always be the last resort. Knowing important abortion facts like those presented above can help you decide whether it is for you or not. As much as possible, you have to be very responsible and avoid getting pregnant when you’re not yet ready to become a mother.
