MTP

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), also known as an abortion, refers to the voluntary removal or expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it is capable of independent life. MTP can be done through medical or surgical procedures and is generally considered when continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother's health or in cases of fetal abnormality or unplanned pregnancy.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for MTP:

• Health Risks to the Mother: If continuing the pregnancy endangers the mother’s physical or mental health, MTP may be recommended. Conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe hypertension can increase the risk of complications.
• Fetal Abnormalities: Severe fetal anomalies, detected through ultrasound or other diagnostic tests, may lead to the decision to terminate the pregnancy. These may include conditions like anencephaly, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome), or other significant malformations.
• Unplanned Pregnancy: In cases where a pregnancy occurs due to contraceptive failure or lack of family planning, and the woman or couple is unable to support the pregnancy, MTP may be considered as an option.
• Risk of Mental Health Deterioration: A pregnancy resulting from rape, incest, or one that threatens the woman’s emotional and mental well-being could also lead to the need for MTP.

Causes of MTP:

• Maternal Health Conditions: Pre-existing maternal health conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, severe diabetes, or infection, may threaten the well-being of the mother and necessitate the termination of the pregnancy.
• Fetal Anomalies: Certain fetal conditions detected through prenatal tests such as amniocentesis or ultrasound can lead to decisions for MTP, particularly when there is no hope of survival or quality of life for the baby.
• Social Factors: In some cases, social reasons such as financial constraints, lack of family support, or age-related risks may lead a woman to choose MTP.
• Contraceptive Failure: Accidental pregnancies despite contraception are common, and a woman may opt for MTP if the pregnancy is unwanted.

Methods of Medical Termination of Pregnancy:

• Medical MTP: This involves the use of medications, typically mifepristone followed by misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for pregnancy, and misoprostol induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy. This method is used in early pregnancies, up to 10 weeks.
• Surgical MTP: For pregnancies beyond 10 weeks, a surgical procedure like aspiration or dilation and curettage (D&C) is performed. In some cases, dilation and evacuation (D&E) are used.