Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion - 100% Safe and Confidential

How to Prepare for Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion?

For effective abortion outcomes, minimal complications, and absolute readiness for the procedure, the patients are required to be thoroughly prepared for it. The mother has already entered the second trimester of pregnancy by now, the baby is relatively grown, and she can experience movements. In addition, at this stage of the pregnancy, a surgical abortion becomes necessary for pregnancy termination. So, to effectively deal with the impacts of the abortion and ensure no complications arise, the patients are suggested to follow certain instructions. Some tips that can help women prepare for an abortion are as follows: 

• Get an understanding of the procedure: Before getting the pregnancy terminated, the patients are advised to understand the surgical techniques available to them. 
• Get queries addressed: It is normal for a woman to have questions about the abortion procedure, in addition to other queries. It is advised for them to get all the questions answered beforehand to avoid potential complications later on. 
• Make the necessary arrangements back home: Even though abortion procedures do not require significant downtime, the patients are still advised to make the necessary arrangements back home, such as stocking up on pads or tampons, healthy diet essentials, etc., to avoid any hassles later on. 
• Make arrangements for commuting: Since surgical abortion procedures involve the use of anesthesia, the patients are advised to avoid driving after the procedure. Commute arrangements must be made beforehand. 
• Bring test reports & other important documents: Diagnostic test reports should be brought along to the hospital as the doctor might require them for necessary evaluations. 
• Follow dietary restrictions: Due to the use of anesthesia in the procedure, the doctors may suggest some dietary restrictions, which may include fasting for some hours before the procedure, avoiding alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, and so on. 
• Talk to people: Abortion is a huge decision that can trigger a range of emotions for a woman. It is best to talk to people, including friends and family, or a therapist to deal with the implications of an abortion.

How is Abortion Done in 13 Weeks of Pregnancy?

For pregnancies of 13 weeks, medical professionals recommend surgical intervention for abortion. There are two main surgical options suggested for terminating a pregnancy at this stage: suction aspiration (also known as suction curettage) and dilation and curettage (D&C). These procedures are considered the most suitable for terminating a pregnancy during the 13th week, and they can also be utilized for pregnancies up to 14 to 16 weeks. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient does not need to stay in the hospital. The choice between the two methods depends on the doctor’s evaluation of the patient’s condition. Let’s understand these procedures in detail:

Suction Aspiration or Suction Curettage: This surgical approach is recommended for terminating pregnancies between 10 to 14 weeks. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and after the effects of anesthesia wear off, the patient can return home. The steps involved in suction aspiration or suction curettage are as follows:

• A speculum is inserted into the vagina to access the cervix.
• Dilators, which are thin rods, are used to open the cervix gently.
• A tube is then carefully inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
• A suction device is employed to remove and empty the contents of the uterus effectively.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C): The D&C procedure is a surgical method commonly recommended for ending pregnancies at the 13 week mark. This procedure typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The process is as follows:

• The doctor employs a speculum to open and dilate the vagina gently.
• A clamp is used to secure the cervix, facilitating the ease of the procedure.
• A curette, which can be a suction device or scraping instrument, is utilized carefully.

How to Recover After a Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion?

Several symptoms can occur after an abortion at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s what patients can expect after an abortion:

• Bleeding or spotting: Bleeding or spotting is a common side effect after a surgical abortion. The time and duration of bleeding can differ for patients. 
• Cramps: Cramps are normal after an abortion. They can be similar to the cramps women experience during their menstrual cycle. The severity can differ from person to person. They also last a couple of days and get better on their own. 
• Pain: Pain in the pelvic region, similar to what happens at the time of periods, may also occur. It is generally manageable with painkillers or medication suggested by the doctor. 
• Menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle typically returns within 4 to 6 weeks of the abortion. This may also differ for patients. 
• Feelings of anxiety and sadness: Several women experience anxiety or depression after an abortion. It is best to talk to communicate these emotions to prevent them from bottling up.

These impacts of abortion are quite common and usually get better on their own. But, there are several things one can do to pace up their recovery after a week 13 pregnancy abortion. Some ways to deal with the after-effects of an abortion include:

• Do not rush into resuming routine: After an abortion, it is imperative to give the body the time to heal. While downtime is minimal after a week 13 pregnancy abortion, they are still advised to wait before resuming their regular activities.
• Avoid strenuous workouts: Strenuous workouts must be avoided after an abortion till the body has fully healed. Patients must start with low-impact exercises such as walking, jogging, etc., and gradually move to more activities. 
• Eat right: Eating the right foods is significantly important after a week 13 abortion. Eating a balanced diet helps the body recover much more seamlessly.
• Resume sex with the doctor’s advice: The doctor’s advice must be sought before resuming sex after an abortion. While sex can be resumed within a few days of the procedure, consulting the doctor before indulging in it is advised. 
• Discuss birth control options: To avoid an unplanned pregnancy in the future, which is a common reason for an abortion, it is best to discuss birth control options with the doctor.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions: Any instructions given by the doctor for recovery must be diligently followed to prevent complications. 

Risks and Complications Associated with Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion

Recognizing the signs of complications after a week 13 pregnancy abortion is very important. By educating oneself on the potential complications of the procedure, the patient can ensure they are identified in time and resolved promptly. We have compiled a list of the potential complications of surgical abortion that all women undergoing the procedure must be aware of:

• Severe bleeding: While some bleeding or spotting that lasts a couple of days is common after a surgical abortion, profuse or abnormal bleeding may be signs of complication. 
• Tears or lacerations in the cervix: Sometimes, cervical tears or lacerations can occur after a surgical abortion procedure, causing bleeding and discomfort. It requires prompt medical management. 
• A punctured uterus: If precision is not ensured in the surgical abortion process, the patient can sustain a uterine perforation, which can exhibit symptoms such as internal bleeding and pain. 
• Infection: Infections can occur after a surgical procedure. Some symptoms of an infection after surgical abortion include high fever, discharge from the operated area, and pain or discomfort. It is important to seek prompt medical intervention if signs of infection occur. 
• Retained pregnancy/placental tissue: Although rare, the patient may have retained pregnancy tissue following a week 13 pregnancy abortion. This can happen due to a lack of precision or medical negligence and may cause symptoms such as severe pain, profuse bleeding, and fever. It should be immediately identified and treated. 
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia: Anesthesia is used in both surgical procedures for a week 13 pregnancy abortion. Any anesthesia-related allergies the patient is aware of must be reported to the healthcare provider beforehand. 
• 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.

Abortions are generally safe, and complications are fairly rare. Yet, having a knowledge of the potential risks is essential and can be really helpful. It is best to discuss the potential risks of the procedure with the doctor before undergoing it. 

Is Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion Legal in India?

Before an abortion, the patients must get clarity on the legality of abortion in their country. In India, it is possible for women to get an abortion till 24 weeks of the pregnancy, under certain circumstances. Abortion laws are usually the same across the country. However, certain states can have some variations in the laws. An abortion in India is allowed in the following circumstances:

• 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.

On top of this, an abortion can only be performed by an authorized doctor at a licensed abortion clinic. It is crucial for maintaining the legality of the procedure and ensuring the safety of the patient. In addition, patients should note that abortion laws are subject to change, and therefore, it is best to go through the revised abortion laws before undergoing it. 

Cost of Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion in India

When considering an abortion, it is also imperative for the woman undergoing it to get an understanding of the cost associated with the procedure. In most parts of the country, the cost of week 13 pregnancy abortion ranges between Rs.10,000 and Rs.30,000. The cost of the procedure is more or less alike across the country, but some variations can occur depending on the patient’s location.

Some other factors, including the type of surgery– vacuum aspiration and dilation and curettage, cost of anesthesia, fees charged by the doctor, additional charges in case of complications, etc., can also bring about a difference in the procedure cost. The cost breakdown must be obtained from the healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. Doing so helps ensure financial preparedness before the procedure and prevent last-minute constraints.

Insurance Coverage for Week 13 Pregnancy Abortion in India

A week 13 abortion is performed with the help of surgery. Since surgery is required to terminate a week 13 pregnancy, it is generally covered in the health insurance and mediclaim policies of most insurance providers in India. The coverage provided by an insurance provider for a surgical abortion depends on their respective terms and conditions. Whether or not insurance will cover the cost of a surgical abortion may also depend on the medical necessity of the procedure.

To understand the insurance coverage for a week 13 pregnancy abortion, the patients must reach out to their respective insurance providers.

Know more: Is surgical abortion covered under insurance?