Patient's question:
I am a mom of two children, but recently, there is something that has been troubling me. I have discovered that I am pregnant again. However, considering that I already have two children and my family's financial situation is not very good, I have discussed it with the baby's father and decided not to have this baby. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended that I have a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure. What is the difference between a D&C and an abortion?Doctor's answer:
Dilation and curettage and induced abortion are chosen based on the gestational age in early pregnancy. When the gestational age is between 10 and 14 weeks, as the embryo gradually grows, the placenta is already formed, and the uterus also expands, manual abortion is not suitable for simple aspiration. Instead, a dilatation and curettage (D&C) for artificial abortion is required. This procedure is more complex, involves more tissue removal, and has a longer recovery period, causing certain interference to the body. If the gestational age is less than 14 weeks, the two types of artificial abortion mentioned above cannot be performed, and hospitalization for an induced abortion is necessary. The procedure carries certain risks and may increase the pain experienced by the pregnant woman.