Maternal complications attributed to induced abortion

ABSTRACT

To estimate prevalence and factors of induced abortion both therapeutically induced and illegally induced and know clinical presentations and complications of induced abortion. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit I. Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Bahawalpur affiliated with Quaid-i-Azain Medical College, Bahawalpur. This study was conducted from April 2001 to April. 2002. A prospective observational study. The sample size was 25 patients who fulfilled the criteria and were admitted to ward. A woman is labeled as case of illegally induced only on voluntary confession as per rule if is. A total number of 2150 women were admitted during the study period. Out of these 1775 [84.32%] had pregnancy related complaints and 315 [14.65%] had H/O abortion. Twenty five women [7.93%] had induced abortion i.e. 21 cases [6.66%] illegally and 4 cases [1.26%] therapeutic induced abortion. Induced abortion was common in illiterate [64%]. poor [44%], 25-34 years age group [68%]. Grand multiparae 52% having> 05 children. In 72% cases induced abortion was done during the first trimester and 80% of women had previous H/O abortion. Most cases of induced illegal abortion 84% were done by unskilled, semiskilled staff and instrumentation was the commonest method used. The most common symptoms were vaginal bleeding 40%, lower abdominal pain 68%, features of septicemia 64, fever 70% and common signs on admission were tachycardia [76%], abdominal tenderness 72% and vaginal examination showed OS open [64%] and adnexa tenderness [80%]. The complications countered were hemorrhage 36%, sepsis 28% and trauma to viscera 24% during the study period. Maternal mortality and morbidity attributed with induced abortion can be prevented/reduced by well integrated health care and family planning sources. Alleviation of illiteracy along with easy and free availability of reliable contraceptives and strict legislation to deal with person involved in inducing illegal abortion can improve the preventing situation