The effect of abortion method on the outcome of subsequent pregnancy
Slater, P.E.; Davies, A.M.; Harlap, S.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 26(3): 123-128
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 7230146 Document Number: 171101
The literature on possible long-term sequelae of induced abortion, particularly related to the outcome of future desired pregnancies, is reviewed. In addition, the results of a historical prospective study of the late sequelae of induced abortion in Jerusalem are reported. Information on women who had undergone legal, induced abortions during 1967-76 was used in the study and compared with hospital records for subsequent pregnancies. Infants of women who had undergone a previous induced abortion, particularly a D and C (dilatation and curettage), exhibited an excess of low birth weight. The birth weight of the subsequent infants was directly related to the amount of dilatation, which would be correlated with cervical damage. Low gestation ages, leading to low birth weights, were also evident among the infants of women who had undergone previous induced abortions. The abortion group also demonstrated a higher rate of postpartum bleeding as compared to the nonabortion group. Women should aim for an induced abortion as early in pregnancy as possible in order to minimize the danger of cervical damage.