As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and possible complications though with modern techniques abortion is probably the least risky of all operations (and the most often performed, worldwide). Today you have more chancel dying from a single injection of pent than from a lawful abortion.

In general the earlier on in the pregnancy, the less likely the chance of complications except for abortions attempted less than six weeks from LMP, which have a slightly higher complication rate than those done from six to nine weeks.

Possible complications of abortion are as follows.

Infection

This is a risk of any surgery, and used to be the scourge of illegal abortion. Today it is quite uncommon because every care
is taken to use sterile techniques and rule out the possibility of any existing’ infection that might be aggravated or spread by the procedure. Many clinics routinely prescribe antibiotics after an abortion. Whether or not they are used, all women are advised to take their temperature regularly for the first week. If it rises or if abdominal pain with or without discharge develops, immediate me attention is needed.

Incomplete abortion

This occurs when some pregnancy remains in the uterus, preventing it from contracting properly to stop bleeding, associated complication is atonic uterus when the uncontracted uterus fills with blood, which then clots. The tense, stretched, clot-filled uterus is intensely painful. This problem, fortunately rare, usually occurs within an hour of the procedure and can be corrected before leaving the clinic. Reaspiration to empty the uterus brings immediate relief, and recurrence is prevented by giving drugs to help keep the uterus contracted.

Haemorrhage

This is rare during or after suction aspiration, but slightly more likely with abortions later in the pregnancy. It usually means incomplete emptying of the uterus, but may also occur if the cervix is torn. It is treated by removing retained tissue from the uterus or repairing the cervical tear.

Perforation of the uterus

This means that an instrument has gone through the wall of the uterus. It is rare in skilled hands. The treatment is to stay in hospital for observation for a day or so. The uterus usually closes around the perforation and heals spontaneously. Further surgery is rarely necessary.

Tearing of the cervix

This happens rarely in late abortion during dilatation of the cervix. If the tear affects a large blood vessel, there can be severe loss of blood and transfusion may be necessary. The treatment is to stitch up the tear and stay in hospital under observation until healing is well under way.

Continuing pregnancy

After any abortion procedure the surgeon should inspect the tissue withdrawn from the uterus to make sure that all the pregnancy has been removed. When less than five weeks from LMP, the pregnancy sac may be too small to be seen with the unaided eye. If examination with the microscope shows no products of conception, ectopic pregnancy or continuing pregnancy must be ruled out. It would also be possible for one foetus of a non-identical twin pregnancy to be left in the uterus, though this is very unlikely. If symptoms of pregnancy haven’t subsided within a week of the abortion, check with your doctor.

Note
Some sensitive pregnancy tests remain positive for up to two weeks after the pregnancy is terminated, so it is important to see a doctor rather than panic: a positive pregnancy test does not necessarily mean continuing pregnancy.

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