MTP (TERMINATION)
About MTP (TERMINATION)
Diagnosing Pregnancy Loss
What is Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)?
Abortion is the common term used for the procedure to end a pregnancy so that it does not result in the birth of a child. It is also called 'termination of pregnancy. When abortion is done using certain medicines it is called medical termination of pregnancy (MTP).
How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose and Treat Pregnancy Loss (Before 20 Weeks of Pregnancy)?
If a pregnant woman has any of the symptoms of pregnancy loss, such as abdominal cramps, back pain, light spotting, or bleeding, she should contact her health care provider immediately. Remember that vaginal bleeding during pregnancy does not definitely mean a pregnancy loss is occurring.
Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, health care providers may use different methods to determine whether a pregnancy loss has occurred:
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A blood test to check the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone
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A pelvic exam to see whether the woman's cervix is dilated or thinned, which can be a sign of pregnancy loss
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An ultrasound test, which allows the provider to look at the pregnancy, uterus, and placenta.
If a woman has had more than one miscarriage, she may want to have a health care provider check her blood for chromosome problems, hormone problems, or immune system disorders that may be contributing to pregnancy loss.
Treating Pregnancy Loss
Treatments for pregnancy loss focus on ensuring that the nonviable pregnancy leaves the woman's body safely and completely. Women going through pregnancy loss are at risk for bleeding, pain, and infection, especially if some of the pregnancy tissue remains behind in the uterus.
In many cases, pregnancy loss before 20 weeks may not require any special treatment. The bleeding that occurs with pregnancy loss empties the uterus without any further problems.
Women who have heavy bleeding during pregnancy loss should contact a health care provider immediately. For reference, heavy bleeding refers to soaking at least two maxi pads an hour for at least 2 hours in a row.
Women who lose a pregnancy may also need other treatments to control mild to moderate bleeding, prevent infection, relieve pain, and help with emotional support.
Some women who have a miscarriage may get an infection in the uterus, which can be life threatening.