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How to Prepare for Week 11 Pregnancy Abortion?

Preparation is key before an abortion for physical and emotional readiness. Since the baby is fairly grown by the 11th week, and the expectant mother had had it for over 3 months, it is highly likely for her to have developed a bond. Therefore, to deal with the repercussions of abortion, being prepared for it is necessary. Some ways to prepare for a week 11 pregnancy abortion include: 

• Understand the procedure carefully: At 11 weeks, the doctors typically use Suction and Evacuation or Dilation and Curettage methods for abortion. It is very important for the patient to understand these procedures before undergoing them. 
• Ask questions: Any questions regarding the procedure or health in general must be addressed beforehand. Getting answers for all the questions helps avert apprehensions about the procedure and have a seamless experience. 
• Arrange travel: The patient is advised to avoid driving right after a surgical abortion, and she should, therefore, arrange for commuting beforehand. 
• Bring the necessary things: Any test reports, other necessary documents, and articles must be carried along to avoid last-minute hassles. 
• Get all diagnostic tests done: It is important to get all the necessary diagnostic tests done before the abortion procedure. The doctor might require the test reports to assess several factors. 
• Follow the fasting guidelines carefully: Before a surgical abortion procedure, the doctor may provide some instructions regarding fasting. In addition, alcohol consumption must be completely restricted before an abortion. 
• Follow instructions regarding medication usage: If the doctor suggests avoiding any medication before the procedure, the patient must follow the instructions carefully. It is necessary to follow instructions regarding medication use to avoid any complications. 
• Seek emotional support: The patient must talk to family and friends to deal with the emotional impacts of the abortion. Professional help can also be sought.

How is Abortion Done in 11 Weeks of Pregnancy?

For a week 11 pregnancy abortion, the doctors suggest surgery. A week 11 pregnancy is too late to be terminated with medication. Two types of surgeries- suction aspiration of suction curettage and dilation and curettage are suggested to abort a week 11 pregnancy and are considered the most viable options for pregnancy expulsion at this stage. These methods can be used to terminate a pregnancy of up to 14 to 16 weeks. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient is not required to remain at the hospital. The choice of procedure depends on the doctor’s assessment of the patient. Let us discuss both the procedures in detail:

Suction Aspiration or Suction Curettage:  This surgical technique of pregnancy removal is suggested for terminating pregnancies till 12 to 14 weeks. The procedure only lasts a couple of minutes, and the patient can return home once the effect of the anesthesia wears off. The suction aspiration or suction curettage procedure is performed in the following steps: 

• A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and the cervix is opened with dilators, which are thin rods. 
• A tube is then inserted through the cervix into the uterus. 
• A suction device is used to draw the contents of the uterus out and empty it. 

Dilation & Curettage: D&C, or dilation and curettage procedure, is a surgical abortion technique that is often suggested to terminate week 11 pregnancies. The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Let us look at how this procedure works: 

• The doctor uses a speculum to open or dilate the vagina. 
• Next, a clamp is employed to hold the cervix, which allows ease while performing the procedure. 
• Then, a curette, which is a suction or scraping device, is employed to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. 

How to Recover After a Week 11 Pregnancy Abortion?

After a surgical abortion, the patient may experience minor bleeding or spotting. Mild menstrual cramps may also occur after the procedure. Periods typically return within 4 to 6 weeks of the abortion. Often, women also experience anxiety or sadness after the procedure, along with a sense of guilt. It is important for women to deal with these after-effects of an abortion and ensure a comfortable recovery. Effective management of these impacts of abortion is crucial for ensuring a hassle-free recovery. Some ways to effectively manage the after-effects of a week 11 pregnancy abortion include:

• Rest is key after an abortion. No matter how fit a person feels following the procedure, it is important to take complete rest after an abortion. Strenuous exercise must be completely avoided after an abortion. 
• If significant pain persists after an abortion, or the bleeding does not subside, the patient must seek prompt medical intervention. 
• It is normal to experience breast tenderness and swelling for a few weeks. A patient’s advice must be sought to deal with tenderness caused by abortion. 
• Any instructions provided by the healthcare provider must be diligently followed to avoid any complications. If they’ve suggested any restrictions, they must not be avoided. 
• Sexual activity after the procedure should only be resumed once the symptoms subside and the patient feels they’re fit enough to indulge in it.

Risks and Complications Associated with Week 11 Pregnancy Abortion

As with any other surgical procedure, the risk of complications persists in the case of a surgical abortion as well. While complications are relatively rare, the patient must be aware of them to avoid any issues later on. To help women undergoing an abortion understand its risks and complications, we have made a list of common issues that might arise after a Week 11 pregnancy abortion: 

• Infection: Infections can occur as a result of the surgical procedure, potentially leading to fever, pain, or discharge. Prompt medical attention is necessary to address any signs of infection and prevent its progression.
• Cervical Tears or Lacerations: The cervix, the lower part of the uterus, can sustain tears or lacerations during the abortion procedure. This might result in bleeding, discomfort, or pain. Medical monitoring is crucial to identify and manage any cervical injuries.
• Uterine Perforation: Uterine perforation refers to the unintended puncturing of the uterine wall. This can cause internal bleeding, pain, and other complications. Timely medical intervention is necessary to address perforation-related issues.
• Bleeding: Bleeding is a common occurrence after any surgical procedure, including abortion. However, if bleeding becomes excessively heavy or prolonged, it may indicate complications. Continuous monitoring and appropriate medical care are essential to prevent severe blood loss.
• Retained Pregnancy Tissue: Sometimes, after an abortion, not all fetal tissue is effectively removed from the uterus. This situation can lead to bleeding, infection, and other complications. Additional medical procedures may be necessary to address retained tissue.
• Allergic or Adverse Reactions to Medications: Medications administered during or after the procedure can trigger allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Immediate medical attention is required if a patient experiences unusual symptoms.

While these complications are common and aren’t really a cause of concern, if they worsen, immediate medical intervention is a must. It is important to recognize signs of complications and determine when to call the doctor. If any of the following symptoms occur, the patient must immediately reach out to their healthcare provider: 

• Passing large blood clots that are bigger than a lemon for more than 2 hours
• Profuse bleeding, which causes the patient to change her pad once an hour for 2 or more hours straight. 
• High or persistent fever 
• A foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.
• Pain or cramping that gets worse rather than better, especially after 48 hours. 
• Presence of pregnancy symptoms for more than a week after the abortion.

Is 11 Week Pregnancy Abortion Legal in India?

Yes, in India, women can legally have an abortion to end a pregnancy that is 11 weeks along. It’s allowed by the law to have an abortion if the pregnancy is within 24 weeks. However, there are certain situations under which it’s permitted:

• If the mother’s life is at risk or the baby she’s carrying has serious issues.
• If the woman is of legal age and wishes to undergo it. Or if she’s under 18 or has mental issues, her legal guardian can agree.
• If the pregnancy happened because of rape or incest and having the baby poses a risk to the woman’s body or mind.

Only doctors who are authorized and skilled in doing abortions can perform this procedure. Abortion laws in India are mostly the same all across the country, but they can be different in different states. It’s important to know that these laws might change, so people who want an abortion should talk to a doctor or a lawyer to get the most current information.

What is the cost of Week 11 Pregnancy Abortion

The cost of a week 11 pregnancy abortion in India can vary for patients due to a range of factors. Generally, the cost falls within the range of Rs.10,000 to Rs.40,000, but this can change based on different circumstances. The actual cost one may have to bear is shaped by a range of factors. The total expenses associated with the abortion procedure are determined after careful consideration of several aspects. Some key factors that affect the cost of a week 11 pregnancy abortion include:

• The patient’s location: Treatment costs tend to be higher in big cities and urban areas.
• The doctor’s fees: The level of experience and expertise of the doctor plays a role, as more experienced doctors often charge higher fees compared to less experienced ones.
• Cost of diagnostic tests: Multiple diagnostic tests are conducted before an 11-week pregnancy abortion in India, and the cost of these tests can impact the overall treatment expenses.
• Type of procedure: The type of procedure- Suction Aspiration or Dilation and curettage, used in the process is a major factor impacting the cost of the procedure. 
• Cost of anesthesia: If anesthesia is used in the process, its cost can also influence the total cost of the procedure. 

It’s very important for patients to get a detailed cost estimate for the procedure before they undergo an abortion. Doing so may help avoid any unexpected financial burden and allow for proper financial planning. Having a clear understanding of the expected total cost of a week 11 pregnancy abortion in India is crucial for avoiding last-minute hassles. 

Insurance Coverage for Week 11 Pregnancy Abortion in India

Abortion at 11 weeks of gestation is performed with the help of surgery, irrespective of the reason for the abortion. Since surgical intervention is needed, insurance providers in India do cover the cost of week 11 pregnancy abortion in India. Abortion is covered under both health insurance and mediclaim plans of most insurance policies. But, you should note that coverage is usually only provided if an abortion is performed for medically necessary reasons, such as there’s a risk to the mother or baby’s health. 

The circumstances under which insurance is provided for an abortion vary from patient to patient. The coverage is subject to the specific terms and conditions set by each health insurance company. To determine if the  abortion procedure will be covered under insurance, it’s advisable to reach out to the insurance provider and inquire about the details.

Read more: Is Surgical Abortion covered under Insurance?