QuestionHello -
I has an abortion 4 weeks ago and I am pregnant again, but this time it is wanted. How safe is it for the baby and what are the medical risks?
AnswerHi, Kelly,
Yes abortion does increase the risks a bit. The most significant risks are as follows.
If your cervix was damaged (as by a surgical abortion), it can cause it to be unable to hold the weight of a larger baby, and this means that miscarriage or very premature birth are more likely. Usually the doctor will stitch the cervix shut if there is any sign of this. The stitches are removed at childbirth.
A prior abortion can cause placenta previa, which is when the placenta is over or near the opening to the cervix. This is a life-threatening condition for both mother and child which sometimes requires a Caesarian. They can tell through ultrasound if this is a problem, as a general rule. The cause is scarring in the uterus so that the baby doesn't implant in an optimum place, and has to implant someplace else.
Another possibility is prolonged labor. This can also be a threat, depending on how prolonged it becomes.
In England, it is held that homebirth after abortion is not wise, because of the possibilities.
Those are the main dangers I am aware of. There may be others. Please find an obstetrician who considers you both his patients. Tell him of your history. That way, he can watch for possible problems.
I pray that you and your baby will be fine. Plenty of babies have been born after abortion with no problems. Probably the incidence of real problems is fairly low. But it doesn't hurt to be aware and prepared. Take care!
