Surgical abortion in second trimester: Initial experiences in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: In spite of legalising abortion and making safe abortion available at affordable price at accessible distance to almost everyone, unsafe abortion especially second trimester abortion is still a big health problem in Nepal.

Objective: The objective of the study is to find the demographic profile, reasons for seeking abortion and to see the effectiveness of Misoprostol in preparing the cervix.

Materials and methods: A prospective study was done in the two second trimester abortion trainings conducted in Maternity hospital, Kathmandu. Total 57 clients had second trimester abortion performed. Information was collected from structured questionnaire and then data was analysed.

Results: Commonest reason for seeking abortion was, multiparity (61.4%). Common reasons for second trimester abortion were, completed family size with unwanted pregnancy (61.4%), unwanted pregnancy in married (10.52%) unwanted pregnancy in unmarried (5.26%).

Conclusions: Second trimester abortion is one of the most common procedures performed in reproductive-aged women and when performed by a skilled provider in the appropriate setting, it is one of the safest surgeries, if it is well supported by change in policy of the country and acceptability of the people.

Key words: Maternal death; Safe abortion; Second trimester abortion

DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i2.3552

Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 2, Issue 30, 169-172