Study of medical methods of abortion and self-attempted abortion

Background: Medical abortion in the early stages of pregnancy is considered safe, but it relies on having accurate information and support from a qualified healthcare professional. Despite this, many women opt to use medical abortion pills independently or with the assistance of unqualified practitioners, or pharmacists, as these drugs are readily available over-the-counter without requiring a medical prescription. Methods: This retrospective analytical study was undertaken at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, at Smt. SCL municipal general hospital, Ahmedabad between December, 2022 to December, 2023. Results: The present study clearly suggests 50% cases of self-attempted medical abortion with drug purchased ‘over the counter’ needs surgical evacuation, 30% managed with further medical intervention and blood transfusion, while comparing with cases which were prescribed MTP Pills in tertiary health care centre need surgical intervention in only 10% cases and the complete abortion rate was 90%. Conclusions: In India the drugs for medical abortion are easily available and accessible without prescription, so most women feel it can be carried out in privacy and they only come to hospital when they develop complications. When MTP pills are prescribed under care of properly trained healthcare personnel with proper guidelines, they have a high success rate and fewer complications

Study of consumption of blood and blood components in emergency obstetrics patients

Background: Most of the emergencies in the labour room, which require blood and blood product transfusion includes, complications of abortion, placenta previa, ruptured ectopic pregnancy and haemorrhage in labouring patients. Patients may come with severe anaemia and may develop post-partum haemorrhage or any other complications resulting in massive blood loss and rapid deterioration in well-being of the mother. Blood transfusion has become life-saving in management of haemorrhage in obstetric patients. However, like all treatments, it may result in acute or delayed complications. Methods: This retrospective study has included the patients who came with obstetric emergencies requiring blood and blood products during antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period at the obstetrics and gynaecology department, at tertiary care hospital between December 2022 to December 2023. Results: Multigravida patients required more blood transfusion (69.23%) compared to primigravida (30.76%). Anaemia (38.46%) was the commonest indication for blood transfusion followed by post-partum haemorrhage (21.53%). Fever and shivering (3.07%) were seen to be the commonest adverse reactions. This study observed 92.3% live birth and 7.7% intrauterine foetal demise. Wound gap developed in 3(4.61%) patients following blood and blood products transfusion. Conclusions: Transfusing blood or its components holds utmost importance in comprehensive obstetric care, as emphasised by the current study. Haemorrhage in labouring patients and anaemia are leading causes of maternal morbidities and mortalities. The most effective outcomes in management are achieved through a carefully planned multidisciplinary protocol. Prompt availability of blood and blood components helps to avert mortality in a considerable number of cases