Medical termination of pregnancy, or, in simple terms, abortion, refers to the process of ending a pregnancy due to personal or medical reasons. Common methods for MTP include medicines, vacuum abortion, and dilatation and evacuation. Both are safe, and the one that fits your case depends on your gestational age.

What is Medical Termination of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most magical experiences in a mother’s life. However, not every pregnancy is viable enough to be continued for nine months. Sometimes, a gynecologist in Thane recommends medical termination of the pregnancy if it poses health risks to the mother. Medical termination refers to ending a pregnancy either through medicines or surgery. It can be done for medical, personal, or other reasons. 

Medical Termination of Pregnancy: Who Gets It?

Medical termination of a pregnancy, commonly known as abortion, is safe when conducted by or under the supervision of a certified healthcare professional. Doctors are supposed to adhere to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, to ensure a legally safe termination. It involves medical procedures that help shed the uterine lining, resulting in the end of the pregnancy. 

Here’s when MTP is done:

  • You have a high-risk pregnancy that puts your life in danger
  • Significant fetal abnormalities
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Contraceptive failure

It’s important to consult a gynecologist if you are considering an abortion for whatever reason. Only trust a certified practitioner or a professional working at an abortion clinic in Thane to ensure your safety.

Types of Medical Termination

You can terminate the pregnancy using two methods. The best for you depends on how far along the pregnancy is. Here are both methods explained.

Medical Abortion

Medicines work when you are less than 9, or in some approved cases, 12 weeks, pregnant. Usually, two medicines — Mifepristone and Misoprostol — are prescribed to end an early pregnancy. 

Mifepristone blocks the pregnancy hormone, thus stopping the pregnancy from continuing. You can take Misoprostol 24-48 hours after taking this medicine. Within 1-4 hours of taking Misoprostol, the pregnancy tissue starts shedding. 

You might experience heavy bleeding and may also pass blood clots. Expect the bleeding to last 1-2 weeks. Ibuprofen can help relieve pain. 

Surgical Abortion

If the pregnancy is beyond 12 weeks, surgical abortion may be necessary. It’s performed in an outpatient setting at a clinic or maternity hospital. For earlier weeks, vacuum abortion may be a good option. It involves inserting a thin tube through the vagina into the uterus to suction pregnancy tissue. It’s straightforward and quick, usually completed in 5-10 minutes.

Dilatation and Evacuation is used for pregnancies that require termination after 14 weeks of gestation. Your cervix is dilated for the instruments to enter the uterus smoothly. The pregnancy tissues are then gently removed. It’s a comparatively more complex procedure than vacuum abortion, but it is still safe when done by a medical professional. 

Are there any Risks?

Both procedures are safe but come with a few risks, such as:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Infection
  • Incomplete expulsion of the pregnancy tissues

In most cases, periods return in 4-8 weeks. Consult a gynecologist if you have any concerns about the medical termination of pregnancy. Remember, the sooner you make a decision, the safer the termination will be.