Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion by Female Gynaecologist

How to Prepare for Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion?

An abortion can be physically and emotionally challenging. So, preparing for the procedure is essential. It can help prevent apprehensions concerning the procedure, make patients more aware of what the procedure encompasses, and prevent the risk of complications. Preparing for an abortion is a relatively uncomplicated process. Here’s what a patient can do to prepare for a week 17 pregnancy abortion:

Educate yourself about the procedure: Before undergoing an abortion, it is important to understand the procedure carefully. Ask the doctor to explain the procedure carefully, in this case, the D&E procedure. 

Reconsider your decision: In medically necessary situations, the termination of pregnancy becomes inevitable. However, if a woman is undergoing abortion for personal reasons, she can always reconsider her decision, and think it through before making the final call. 

Seek support from family and friends: Patients undergoing abortion must seek support from their family and friends, share their emotions, and ask for opinions. Professional help or therapy can also be sought. 

Follow fasting instructions: Surgical abortion involves anesthesia for sedation. The doctor may therefore give some fasting guidelines, which patients are required to follow. It Is important to follow any such instruction to avoid anesthesia-related complications. 

Get the diagnostic tests done: Any diagnostic tests suggested before the abortion procedure must be completed. The tests are necessary for ensuring there’s no risk to the patient. 

Ask questions, if any: If the patient has any questions, she must get them addressed beforehand to avoid any apprehension later on. 

Make arrangements back home: Before heading for the procedure, the patient must make the necessary arrangements back home. This is necessary as the patient will most likely be required to rest thoroughly after the procedure. 

Follow instructions concerning medicine usage: If the doctors give any instructions regarding medication usage, they must be diligently followed.

How is Abortion Done in 17 Weeks of Pregnancy?

The termination of a week 17 pregnancy requires surgical intervention. At this stage, the dilation and evacuation or D&E procedure is required for the removal of pregnancy. This is an uncomplicated procedure that accompanies minimal complications and helps extract the pregnancy tissue. This 20-minute procedure is performed at a doctor’s clinic, with the vacuum aspiration procedure, a method involving using a vacuum as a source to remove an embryo or fetus through the cervix. The dilation and evacuation procedure involves the following steps: 

• The patient lies on the treatment table, with supports for the legs. 
• Anesthesia is administered to help patients remain comfortable during the process.
• Once the patient is sedated, the doctor examines the vagina and then places a speculum into the vagina, which makes it easier for the surgeon to view the insides of the vagina. 
• Next, dilators (thin-rod-like instruments) are used to stretch the cervix. 
• Finally, gentle suction and some surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the patient’s body. 

During the D&E procedure, the patient’s comfort is maintained through anesthesia usage. It is highly unlikely for patients to experience pain or discomfort of any sort during this procedure. Minor bleeding, pain, and discomfort are common after the procedure but are also manageable.

Read More: Dilation and Evacuation Procedure (D&E)

How to Recover After a week 17 Pregnancy Abortion?

Recovery after a dilation and evacuation procedure is as seamless and comfortable as it can get. The risk of complications is bare minimum, and most women are able to resume their routine soon after the procedure. After effects, such as mild bleeding or spotting and cramping, subside within a couple of days of the procedure. There are several things a patient can do to speed up her recovery after a week 17 pregnancy abortion, such as: 

• Give the body the time it needs to heal: It is very important for the patients to take proper rest after an abortion. Ample rest helps the body heal healthily, and helps patients get back to their routine quickly. 
• Resume activities gradually: The patients must not rush into resuming their daily activities. Activity of any sort must be resumed gradually to prevent straining the body. Putting excessive stress on the body can hamper healing and may even elevate the risk of complications. 
• Look for signs of complications: While abortions are quite safe, they accompany the risk of complications, which we will discuss further. If signs of complications occur, they must be timely recognized and resolved. 
• Take the medicines prescribed by the doctor: If the doctor prescribes any medication after the procedure or gives instructions regarding medication usage, they must be followed thoroughly. 
• Do not rush into resuming sex: Rest must only be resumed when the patient feels fit enough. A doctor’s advice concerning this can be helpful. In addition, patients are advised to discuss birth control options with the doctor before resuming sex after an abortion. 
• Attend all follow-up sessions: The doctor may schedule some follow-up appointments after the abortion, which the patient must attend without fail. 
• Get emotional support: It is likely for patients to feel sad or depressed after an abortion. To deal with emotional repercussions of an abortion, they are advised to talk to their family and friends, or seek therapy from a professional.
• Follow all other instructions given by the doctor: If the doctor provides any other instructions, concerning diet, workout, etc, following the procedure, the patients must diligently follow them. 

Risks and Complications Associated with Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion

A surgical abortion procedure at 17 weeks into a pregnancy carries certain risks and potential complications. While these risks are relatively low, it is crucial for individuals considering this procedure to be aware of these potential issues to ensure they seek timely medical attention if needed. To provide patients with a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks associated with a D&E (dilation and evacuation) procedure at this stage, we have compiled a list of the most common complications:

• Uterine Perforation (Hole in the Uterus): During the abortion procedure, the instruments used may accidentally puncture the uterine wall, a condition known as uterine perforation. This can result in severe pain, bleeding, and discomfort, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
• Cervical Tears or Lacerations: Sometimes, the abortion procedure can cause tears or lacerations in the cervix, potentially leading to excessive bleeding, pain, or discomfort. Swift medical attention is crucial in such cases.
• Infection: The risk of infection is associated with all abortion procedures, including D&E for a 17-week pregnancy termination. It is important to recognize signs of infection, such as fever, pain, or unusual vaginal discharge.
• Excessive Bleeding: Some bleeding following a 17-week pregnancy abortion, but if bleeding becomes profuse and does not subside, patients should immediately contact their healthcare provider, as it may indicate a more serious issue.
• Incomplete Abortion with Retained Pregnancy Tissue: Although rare, an incomplete abortion, where some pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus, is a potential complication. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment. Symptoms include prolonged and excessive bleeding, as well as severe pain or cramps.

Is Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion Legal in India?

Certainly, in India, termination of pregnancy is legally allowed for up to 20 weeks of gestation, provided certain conditions are met, and a qualified medical professional deems it necessary. A week 17 pregnancy abortion is considered legal in India. This is allowed in certain such as when

• Risk to the Life of the Mother or Severe Abnormalities: An abortion can be performed if there is a threat to the life of the pregnant woman or if the fetus has severe abnormalities.
• Pregnancy Resulting from Rape or Incest: Abortion is allowed if the pregnancy results from rape or incest. It is also permitted if the continuation of the pregnancy poses a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman or if the fetus has severe abnormalities.

Consent: The woman’s consent is a fundamental requirement for the procedure. In cases where the woman is a minor or has mental disabilities, the consent of her legal guardian is necessary. Also, The procedure is to be performed by legal medical practitioners. Only registered medical practitioners with specific qualifications are authorized to perform abortions in India. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act governs this aspect on a federal level, but individual states may have their own regulations regarding abortion. Some states may impose additional requirements, such as mandatory counseling sessions, waiting periods, or parental consent for minors.

Therefore, individuals considering an abortion should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or legal expert to ensure they have the most current and accurate information regarding their rights and options under the law.

Cost of Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion in India

The cost of a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedure or a week 17 pregnancy abortion in India can vary significantly, influenced by several key factors. On average, individuals can expect to pay anywhere from Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000 for this medical intervention. However, it’s essential to recognize that the actual cost may fluctuate based on several factors.

Firstly, the stage of pregnancy plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Late-term abortions, such as those around week 17, often require more extensive medical attention and care, potentially increasing the overall expense.

Secondly, the patient’s overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions can influence the cost. Complications or additional medical support may be necessary for patients with underlying health concerns, contributing to a higher bill.

Additionally, the cost may include expenses for diagnostic tests, anesthesia, medical supplies, and the fees charged by the healthcare facility and the medical professionals involved. These factors can vary from one location to another.

For transparency and early financial planning, it is strongly recommended that patients obtain a detailed cost estimate from their chosen healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. This step allows individuals to understand the financial aspect of the D&E better and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

Insurance Coverage for Week 17 Pregnancy Abortion in India

Certainly, insurance coverage for surgical abortion procedures, particularly those conducted at 17 weeks of pregnancy, is considered medically necessary. These procedures are typically covered by both health insurance and mediclaim policies, especially when they are performed to safeguard the health and well-being of either the mother or the child. Insurance providers generally understand the significance of abortion in situations where it is medically necessary and, as a result, often include it within their health insurance and mediclaim plans.

However, it is crucial to note that the scope of coverage can differ based on the specific policy and its terms and conditions. Some policies might offer comprehensive coverage, comprising all expenses related to the abortion, while others might provide partial coverage, expemting some costs to be borne by the policyholder. To ensure clarity on coverage, individuals should thoroughly review their insurance policy documents and communicate directly with their insurance provider. Understanding the extent of coverage ensures that individuals can make well-informed decisions regarding making financial arrangements.