Difference between revisions of "First trimester abortion"
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Revision as of 20:13, March 31, 2010
A first trimester abortion is an abortion that takes place during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.[1] The most common first trimester abortions are vacuum aspiration and suction curettage.[2] In this procedure, the mother's cervix is dilated to the point where insertion of the suction device, known as a "cannula", can be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the mother's uterus — the fetus — are then vacuumed out through the cannula, using either an electronic or hand-powered suction device.[2] In some cases, the curette is then inserted to "scrape out" any remains from the mother's uterus.[3]
Chemical abortions are also performed in the first trimester, typically within the first nine weeks of pregnancy.[2] This is performed by a variety of different measures:
- Mifepristone (RU-486) is used to chemically induce abortion between five and nine weeks of pregnancy.[4] More information about mifepristone can be found here.
- Methotrexate is typically used as a treatment for autoimmune disorders and cancer by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid, the B vitamin necessary for cell division. Methotrexate attacks the fast-growing cells called trophoblasts, which essentially are life support for the fetus. The trophoblasts draw oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood supply.[4] Deprived of nutrition and oxygen, the baby dies.