Doctors for Medical Termination Of Pregnancy (Mtp)

Medical termination of pregnancy is the medicine-based abortion technique, which is suggested for terminating early-term pregnancies up to 10 weeks. It’s a safe and viable method of pregnancy termination that comprises termination with medication or abortion pills. This method negates the need for a surgical abortion at early stages, offering women a less-invasive option for abortion during their pregnancy.

Misoprostol and mifepristone are the two medicines used in a medical termination of pregnancy or MTP. The patient receives the two pills from a licensed healthcare provider, which are to be taken at a gap of 48 hours or as advised by the doctor. There are several reasons why women may choose to undergo a medical termination of pregnancy, ranging from personal to medical. In India, women can legally terminate their pregnancy till 20 weeks at a licensed hospital, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. At Lybrate, we house a team of expert gynecologists with the experience and expertise in providing medical termination of pregnancy or MTP for women seeking an abortion.

The medical termination of pregnancy procedure is quite uncomplicated. In this method, two pills-mifepristone and misoprostol are used to induce a pregnancy termination. The amount of medication to be used depends on the doctor and the necessity of the particular case. The doctor guides the patient on how to take the medication including the sequence of use and the intervals at which they are to be taken. These medicines are either administered by the patient or can be administered by the healthcare provider. Here's what this procedure involves:

• Mifepristone administration: The patient has to take the medicine mifepristone first.This medicine works by restricting progesterone production in the body. Progesterone is the hormone that helps sustain the pregnancy.
• Misoprostol administration: Within the next 24 to 48 hours, the patient has to take another pill- misoprostol. This pill causes the pregnancy tissue to expel from the body and helps terminate the pregnancy completely.
• Both medications work simultaneously to end the pregnancy and cause the entire pregnancy tissue to pass from the body. As the body expels the tissue, women can expect cramping and bleeding as a result. The bleeding may be profuse at the beginning but gradually lessen. The doctors may also suggest some diagnostic tests after the completion of the procedure to confirm the pregnancy tissue is completely expelled. If components of pregnancy are remaining in the uterus, additional procedures such as D&C and D&E may be done.

All women opting for a medical termination of pregnancy have to undergo a standard diagnostic procedure. This procedure is essential to help doctors get a proper understanding of how far along she is in pregnancy and rule out potential health issues. Here’s what the diagnostic process typically encompasses:

• Physical Examination: In a physical examination, the doctor asks about the patient’s overall health, medical history, and reasons they’re choosing to get an abortion. They also educate patients on why they should get the surgery and address any queries the patient may have about the procedure. They also physically assess the patient’s belly during this assessment.
• Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is done to confirm the pregnancy status. This is often done through a blood HCG test, measuring the level of HCG hormone that indicates pregnancy.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is done to check the exact stage of the pregnancy. It is essential that it’s only after confirming the stage of the pregnancy can a doctor choose the best abortion methods for the patient. This scan is also helpful in checking the position of the uterus and its growth.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, the doctors also suggest some blood tests before a medical termination of pregnancy. These tests help in checking the blood group and rH factor of the patient. Some other factors may also be assessed based on the requirement of the case.
• STD Testing: Screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV is conducted. Identifying and addressing these conditions is crucial as they can affect the abortion process.

Preparing for a medical termination of pregnancy is as crucial as preparing for a surgical abortion. Preparing for any pregnancy termination procedure is essential as it helps deal with the physical and emotional aspects of treatment well and ensures minimal complications during or after the procedure. Some tips to prepare for medical termination of pregnancy or MTP are listed below:

• Understand the Procedure: It is important to get a comprehensive understanding of the MTP procedure before getting it done. This helps being thoroughly prepared for its physical and emotional repercussions. The doctors generally explain the procedure thoroughly to patients beforehand.
• Ask questions: It’s normal to have several questions regarding the medical termination of a pregnancy procedure, as pregnancy termination is a huge decision. It’s important to ask questions as it helps prepare for the termination process and remain comfortable through and through.
• Get the diagnostic tests done: Some standard diagnostic tests are done before the medical termination of pregnancy. Getting these tests done is incredibly important to check the stage of the pregnancy and ensure no complications or underlying issues are present. The diagnostic tests to be done can differ from patient to patient.
• Discuss the complications and side effects: It’s important that patients ask the doctors about the side effects of the procedure and ways to manage them. Severe bleeding and cramping may occur after the procedure, and it’s important that the patient is equipped to deal with these effects of abortion.
• Make sure you’re fit: Women undergoing an abortion are encouraged to remain fit by indulging in light workouts. This can also aid in recovery after the procedure.
• Eat the right foods: Eating a nutrient-dense diet, which is perfectly balanced, is essential before a medical termination of pregnancy, as well as after it. Eating the right foods helps keep the body healthy for the procedure and also paves the way for a healthy and hassle-free recovery post-procedure.
• Get emotional support: Talking to friends and family can be really helpful in preparing to deal with the emotional side effects of a medical termination of pregnancy. Women can also seek professional therapy to deal with the emotional and physical implications of the procedure.

After a medical termination of pregnancy, it is normal for women to experience some side effects. They indicate the passing of the pregnancy tissue, and it’s just a part of the termination process. Understanding what to expect after the procedure is crucial for convenient management of the symptoms after the procedure. Here’s what you can expect after a medical termination of pregnancy:

• Bleeding: After a medical abortion, most bleeding occurs on the day misoprostol is taken, lasting approximately nine days. Surgical abortion may result in minimal or no initial bleeding, with a menstruation-like flow starting 3 to 5 days later, lasting about two weeks. In some cases, intermittent bleeding may occur.
• Pain and Cramps: Cramps hint towards the expulsion of the pregnancy. They are more intense than typical menstrual cramps. Cramping following a surgical abortion may resemble menstrual pain initially but intensify 3 to 5 days later. Pain levels vary, and increased pain may be experienced by some individuals.
• Breast/Chest Pain: Breast or chest pain, starting before the abortion and persisting afterward, may be present. It is considered one of the last symptoms to go away.
• Discharge: Mucus-like discharge, varying in color from red to brown, possibly containing traces of blood, may occur after a medical termination of pregnancy.
• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may last around 24 hours after a surgical abortion or a few days after taking abortion pills. Prolonged issues require professional consultation.
• Chills and Shivering: Some may experience chills and shivering, promptingprofessional guidance if accompanied by fever.
• Feeling Tired: Due to the nature of the abortion pill process, the patients can expect some fatigue after the procedures. They are required to take complete rest and give their bodies time to recover.

Recovery after a medical termination of pregnancy involves making certain lifestyle changes and consuming a healthy diet. Making these modifications can help recover from MTP quickly and effortlessly. Here are some tips to recover after a medical termination of pregnancy:

• Lifestyle Changes:
1. Take complete rest after the abortion to allow the body to recover from the physical stress associated with the procedure.
2. For a couple of weeks following the procedure, avoid heavy workouts to prevent additional stress on the body. Begin with low-impact exercises and gradually move to more strenuous activities as strength is regained.
3. Use hot compresses and get body massages to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP). Professional massages and hot compresses can aid in a quicker healing after the abortion pill process.
4. Seek emotional support from close family and friends during the recovery period. Addressing the emotional implications of MTP can contribute to mental and emotional well-being following the abortion pill process.
• Dietary Changes
1. Increase fluid intake: Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to support overall health during the healing period.
2. Eat enough calories: Consume enough calories throughout the day, even if appetite is reduced, to provide the extra energy needed for recovery.
3. Make sure your diet is balanced: Opt for a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, B vitamins, and calcium to support healing. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium- and iron-rich foods for faster recovery.
4. Enjoy comfort food once in a while: Indulge in comfort foods as they can aid in the healing process and provide the additional energy required during recovery.
5. Maintain healthy bowel movement: Address hormonal changes' impact on stomach problems by adjusting your diet. This can be done by incorporating fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation or avoiding foods that trigger nausea.

The cost of undergoing a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) in India typically falls within the range of Rs.___ and Rs.___. However, this cost is subject to variation based on several factors specific to each patient's case. One significant determinant is the duration of the pregnancy. The stage at which the termination occurs can influence the overall cost, with later stages potentially incurring higher expenses. The patient's choice of hospital or clinic is another crucial factor. Reputable institutions with a strong track record may charge higher prices for their facilities and services. The experience and expertise of the medical team involved also play a role in the cost. Highly experienced doctors may charge more for their services. Complications arising after a medical abortion, such as an incomplete abortion, can necessitate additional procedures like D&C or D&E. These additional interventions can contribute to an increase in the overall procedure cost.

It is important for patients to be financially prepared before an abortion to avoid last-minute hassles of arranging for funds. The healthcare facility must be transparent about the cost associated with the procedure and provide a breakdown of the cost to maintain clarity. At Lybrate, we ensure complete transparency regarding MTP costs to help our patients be prepared to handle the treatment costs without hassles.

Insurance typically does not cover the cost of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). Women seeking an abortion, therefore, have to bear the treatment expense entirely on their own. However, it’s still advisable to consult with the insurance provider to seek clarity on the insurance coverage for medical termination of pregnancy.

It should be noted that insurance coverage may be provided with surgical abortion procedures if they’re done for medically necessary reasons. Abortion is requisite in certain cases, especially if there’s a risk to the mother or the child. Clarity regarding this can only be sought from the insurance provider, so it’s best to seek their guidance in this regard.

All women of legal age reserve the right to undergo an abortion, irrespective of their marital status, with their own consent. The rightis extended by the Supreme Court of India to all women above 18 years of age up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP) permits the right to terminate a pregnancy to women under certain circumstances. These include:

• If there's a risk to the mother's life or there are serious health issues affecting the fetus.
• If the woman is 18 years of age and seeking a termination of her pregnancy. Alternatively, if she's below 18 years of age or has mental health concerns, she can get an abortion with the consent of her legal guardian.
• If the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, carrying the pregnancy to full-term can be harmful to the woman's physical or mental well-being.

The right to abortion was extended to women back in 1971. However, with time, several amendments have been made to this law. More criteria have been included in the abortion law over time, which allows women with medical complexities to get the necessary support and care if an abortion is needed.