Termination Of Pregnancy - Miscarriage or Induced Abortion

The two modes of termination of pregnancy are miscarriage and induced abortion. Though the net outcome of both the situations is same- death of the fetus and discontinuation of pregnancy, there is a vast difference between the connotations of the two modes of pregnancy termination. While miscarriage happens naturally induced abortion is brought on deliberately.

Miscarriage is spontaneous and results in unintended termination of pregnancy. Miscarriage, therefore, happens prior to the fetus becoming capable of carrying on independent life. Miscarriage can happen due to two main reasons. Firstly if the mothers possess certain disorders or suffer such injuries that may hinder smooth pregnancies. Secondly miscarriage can also happen if the fetus fails to develop, as it should, within the womb. Most of the miscarriages take place during the first three weeks of pregnancy. A few of the miscarriages also happen between the fourth week to twelfth week of pregnancy. Medical researches have ascertained that miscarriages account for approximately 15 per cent of all pregnancies.

It is observed that intense vaginal bleeding is the most commonly complained symptom of threatened miscarriage. It can also be accompanied by sporadic excruciating pain. So the well wishers of the expectant mother must immediately consult the gynecologist if she complains of heavy bleeding from the vagina or suffers acute abdominal cramping.

Termination of pregnancy through abortion may be undertaken to avoid an unwanted birth. It becomes absolutely necessary when continuation of pregnancy may be life threatening to the mother or may be posing serious danger to the fetus or may be extremely precarious to both the mother and the fetus. Abortion may be drug induced abortion or surgical abortion. Drug induced abortion is possible in the first seven weeks of pregnancy. Doctors generally prescribe Mifepristone or RU-486 to the patients to induce abortions. The advantages of such an abortion is that the procedure is non invasive. On the other hand surgical abortions can be done faster. They are completed in two visits to the hospital and do not pose problems in future pregnancies. But surgical operations are invasive and require the facilities of well equipped operation room.

The world opinion is divided over the need for abortion. The proponents of abortion cite the need to save the lives of mothers. However others oppose abortion on ethical and humane grounds. Beyond this debate termination of pregnancy may become a necessity in certain life threatening situations. Doctors have no option but to go for abortion. But abortions are done with the consent of the patient or her relations.

Hints To Help Pregnancy Constipation

Exercise is perhaps the best prevention for constipation. Even light to moderate walks go a long way in helping reduce constipation symptoms and make the would-be mother feel less bloated.

One must drink lots of fluids during pregnancy. A well hydrated body will not suffer from bouts of constipation. Patients are advised to ensure that correct calcium and vitamin supplements especially formulated for pregnant women are taken during this period. Some women may need stool softeners to help resolve pregnancy constipation, but one must not make this into a habit. It is often best to opt for natural or home remedies, one of which is to alternate between hot and cold foods and drinks. This helps tone the bowel and also help pass gas.

Constipation and pregnancy constipation are normal and often curable conditions. In fact, in most cases constipation resolves by itself after the birth of the baby. So take it as a passing inconvenience rather than a disease and you will sail through your pregnancy.