What Should You Do In Case of An Unwanted Pregnancy?

An unplanned pregnancy can be quite a shock, but there’s no reason to panic. You’re not alone—many pregnancies are surprises. Whether you are exploring your options or need immediate medical advice, the expert gynaecology team at Mahabir Doctor’s Hub in Siliguri is here to support you confidentially. Here are the first steps you need to take:

Consult Your Gynaecologist Immediately

It’s important to see a trusted doctor so they can figure out exactly how far along your pregnancy is. That helps determine your care and the safest next steps. If you don’t plan on keeping the baby, now is the time to consult with a specialist about safe abortion procedures or adoption options.

If you don’t know how long it’s been since you had your last period, be sure to tell the doctor’s office. Also, let your gynaecologist know if you’re taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, or if you have a health condition like diabetes or depression. If so, your doctor may want to see you right away for a specialized consultation.

Prioritize Early Self-Care

If you are still deciding or plan to continue the pregnancy, start taking a prenatal vitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid right away. Folic acid significantly reduces the risk of brain, spine, and spinal cord defects in babies. In order for folic acid to work optimally, you want to have it in your system before and during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Avoid Harmful Habits

If you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use recreational drugs, stop right away. All three can be severely harmful to a developing baby. Take good care of yourself during this emotional time. If you weren’t expecting to get pregnant, you may feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. If you do, talk to our compassionate women’s health professionals at Mahabir Doctor’s Hub. Eat healthily and drink lots of water to help keep your energy up.

Understanding Safe Surgical Abortion Procedures

If you choose to terminate the pregnancy, it is vital to have the procedure done safely by experienced medical professionals. Most early abortions are performed using ‘suction (vacuum) aspiration’. To have this procedure, you need to be in your first trimester (first three months) of pregnancy, meaning you are 12 weeks pregnant or less.

During the procedure, your cervix opening is gradually widened with rods of increasing size, and a slim tube is then inserted into your uterus. The pregnancy (the fetus and the placenta) is withdrawn with gentle suction. Another instrument called a curette is used to ensure the uterus is completely empty. This safe, routine operation takes less than 15 minutes.

Surgical Abortion After 12 Weeks Gestation

For the termination of a pregnancy after 12 weeks gestation (in the second trimester), the procedure is similar to a first-trimester abortion, but your cervix is prepared differently. This can involve:

• Hormone-blocking tablets used to help soften your cervix. These tablets may be taken by mouth or inserted into your vagina and take about two hours to take effect. The abortion is then performed using suction and medical instruments.
• Alternatively, your cervix opening may be widened slightly to insert a special device. This device safely swells over several hours until the cervix is opened wide enough to allow the procedure to occur. Medications may also be used, and the abortion is usually performed one or two days later.

Complications of Surgical Abortion

When performed by experienced surgeons in a sterile clinical environment, abortion is a very safe procedure. Complications occur in only around three percent of surgical abortion cases, and the risk depends on how many weeks pregnant you are. First-trimester abortions are the safest and most common. However, rare complications can include:

Haemorrhage

Bleeding after an abortion should be similar to a menstrual period. If exceptionally heavy bleeding occurs, the abortion may not be complete. Treatment may involve a minor suction curettage of the uterus.

Infection

A high fever may indicate an infection, which can be caused by an incomplete abortion or an existing sexually transmitted infection. If untreated, women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infections are effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

Injury to the Uterus

The walls of the uterus are muscular but soft. In rare instances, surgical instruments can injure or ‘perforate’ the uterus, leading to abdominal infection or blood loss. This is very rare and is recognized and treated immediately by experienced gynaecologists.

Injury to the Cervix

Because the cervix is stretched during the procedure, undergoing multiple procedures over time can weaken it (an ‘incompetent’ cervix). This can cause complications in later, desired pregnancies because the cervix struggles to remain closed under the weight of a growing baby.

If you are facing an unwanted pregnancy, do not try to manage it alone. Contact the Department of Gynaecology at Mahabir Doctor’s Hub on Hill Cart Road for a confidential, judgment-free consultation.