Abstract
Abortion has been legalised in most of the Western world for the past four decades. In areas where abortion practices are legal and easy to access, the risk of short-term complications is very low. As most women requesting inducedabortion (IA) are young, potential adverse effects on subsequent reproductive function are important to them. This review investigates obstetricperformancefollowing IA and highlights methodological problems associated with research in this area. Some data suggest that IA may be linked with an increased risk of low birth weight, miscarriage and placenta previa but could be protective for pre-eclampsia. Current evidence also suggests an association between IA and pre-term birth. Large prospective cohort studies, which permit meaningful subgroup analyses, are needed to provide definitive answers on outcomes following alternative methods of IA and the impact of gestational age at abortion on future obstetric outcomes.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 667-682 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 1 Apr 2010 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2010 |
Keywords
- induced abortion
- abortion complications
- pre-term birth
- placenta previa
- low birth weight
- miscarriage
- pre-eclampsia