What is the latest you can abort a baby

How far along can you be to get an abortion?

By Attia @ Planned Parenthood | July 1, 2020, 3:55 p.m.

Category: Abortion

Updated November 3, 2022

In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This means that states can now ban abortion. Some states have banned abortion or created lots of restrictions. But abortion is NOT banned nationwide. Abortion is still legal in many states, and it's legal to go to a different state to get an abortion.

Laws about abortion continue to change. You can find more information about laws in your state and how to get an abortion from your nearest Planned Parenthood health center or AbortionFinder.org.

How late you can get an abortion depends on the laws in your state and which abortion provider you go to. But in general:

• You can use abortion pills (also called medication abortion) up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period.  
• You can get an in-clinic abortion until 24 weeks (or later in some cases, for medical reasons). But most most abortions happen early in pregnancy, and it can be hard in some places to find an abortion provider who can do an in-clinic abortion after around 12 weeks into pregnancy. 

There may be things that can delay your abortion, too. If you’re under 18 and live in a state with parental notification laws and need a judicial bypass, it can take a while to get through the process. If you live in a state where abortion is illegal, you may have to go to another state to get an abortion and it can take time to arrange travel. And because some states have banned abortion, there may be longer wait times for an appointment in the states where abortion is still legal.

So if you're pregnant and need an abortion, it's important to take action right away. You can contact your nearest Planned Parenthood Health Center or visit AbortionFinder.org to find an abortion provider and get information about the laws in your state and all of your options. They can also connect you with resources that may be able to help you arrange and pay for transportation, lodging, childcare, and other costs if you have to travel to get an abortion.

When you're looking for a place to get an abortion, beware of “crisis pregnancy centers." These are places that say they offer abortion or other pregnancy services, but they’re actually run by people who want to scare or pressure people out of getting an abortion. They don’t provide abortion or give you honest information about your pregnancy options. And most crisis pregnancy centers aren’t legitimate medical clinics, so they don’t have to follow HIPAA and keep your information private, like most real health care providers do. Planned Parenthood or AbortionFinder.org can help you find a trustworthy health care provider

Tags: Abortion

Abortion - NHS

An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy.

It's also sometimes known as a termination of pregnancy.

The pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure.

Important: Coronavirus update

Abortion services are still open. You can self-refer by contacting an abortion provider directly.

They can explain how their services are working at the moment.

How to get an abortion

Abortions can only be carried out under the care of an NHS hospital or a licensed clinic, and are usually available free of charge on the NHS.

There are 3 main ways to get an abortion on the NHS:

• you can self-refer by contacting an abortion provider directly – the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), MSI Reproductive Choices UK, the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS) or your local NHS sexual health website can tell you about eligibility and services in your area
• speak to a GP and ask for a referral to an abortion service – the GP should refer you to another doctor if he or she has any objections to abortion
• contact a sexual health clinic (sometimes called family planning or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics) and ask for a referral to an abortion service

Waiting times can vary, but you should not have to wait more than 2 weeks from when you (or a doctor) first contact an abortion provider to having an abortion.

You can also pay for an abortion privately (not on the NHS) if you prefer. Costs for private abortions vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the method used to carry out the procedure.

When an abortion can be carried out

Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

They can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances – for example, if the mother's life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability.

Most abortion services will ask to perform an ultrasound scan to work out how many weeks pregnant you are. The length of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period.

Abortions are safer the earlier they're carried out. Getting advice early on will give you more time to make a decision if you're unsure.

Deciding to have an abortion

The decision to have an abortion is yours alone.

Some women may be certain they want to have an abortion, while others may find it more difficult to make a decision.

All women requesting an abortion can discuss their options with, and receive support from, a trained pregnancy counsellor if they wish.

Impartial information and support are available from:

• your GP or another doctor at your GP practice
• a counselling service at the abortion clinic
• organisations such as Brook (for under-25s), BPAS, MSI Reproductive Choices UK and NUPAS

You may also want to speak to your partner, friends or family, but you do not have to. They do not have a say in your decision.

If you do not want to tell anyone, your details will be kept confidential.

If you're under 16, your parents do not usually need to be told. The doctor or nurse may encourage you to tell a parent, carer or other adult you trust, but they will not make you.

There are organisations, usually known as crisis pregnancy centres, that offer counselling around pregnancy. They do not refer people for abortion, and may not offer balanced or accurate advice.

If you go to a place that offers pregnancy counselling and you're not sure if they will refer you for an abortion, ask if they refer people for an abortion.

What happens during an abortion

Before having an abortion, you'll have an appointment to talk about your decision and what happens next.

Whenever possible, you should be given a choice of how you would like the abortion to be carried out.

There are 2 options:

• medical abortion ("abortion pill") – you take 2 medicines, usually 24 to 48 hours apart, to induce an abortion
• surgical abortion – you have a procedure to remove the pregnancy and normally go home soon afterwards

After an abortion, you'll probably need to take things easy for a few days. It's likely you'll have some discomfort and vaginal bleeding for up to 2 weeks.

Read more about how an abortion is carried out.

Risks of an abortion

Abortion is a safe procedure. Abortions are safest, and happen with less pain and bleeding, when carried out as early as possible in pregnancy.

Most women will not experience any problems, but there is a small risk of complications, such as:

• infection of the womb (uterus)
• some of the pregnancy remaining in the womb
• excessive bleeding
• damage to the womb or entrance of the womb (cervix)

If complications do occur, you may need further treatment, including surgery.

Having an abortion will not affect your chances of becoming pregnant again and having normal pregnancies in the future.

You may be able to get pregnant immediately after an abortion. You should use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.

Read more about the risks of abortion.

Page last reviewed: 24 April 2020
Next review due: 24 April 2023

Medical termination of pregnancy (Abortion) in Nikolaev

The birth of a person is a great miracle of nature, which entrusted a woman to fulfill this role. But, not every woman is able to endure and give birth to a child due to many circumstances. There are times when pregnancy can cripple or even kill the mother herself. Or a woman is sick with one of the diseases in which it is better to terminate the pregnancy at an early stage - HIV, an open form of tuberculosis, fetal defects that are incompatible with life. In such cases apply early termination of pregnancy. There are also a considerable number of cases when the fetus freezes (pregnancy stops developing) and it must be removed from the woman.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

In such cases it is expedient to apply medical abortion – the most gentle and least traumatic method of termination of pregnancy for a woman. It can be produced for up to 9 weeks, when the fetal egg has not yet fixed on the uterine wall for further development. This early abortion the most humane.

medical termination of pregnancy is carried out in two ways:

• one-stage is carried out with one drug - a drug is administered to a woman that blocks the action of progesterones, thereby stopping the development of the egg, and brings it out;
• two-stage is used if the fetal egg is already fixed on the uterine wall - the first stage is carried out with the drug from the first stage, and two days later another drug is introduced that causes a strong contraction of the uterus (then the egg is forcibly separated from the uterine wall and pushed out). nine0003 You can find out the price for this service from a consultant.

Medical abortion is carried out only by doctor's prescription in a clinic after a thorough examination, including examination, ultrasound, laboratory tests. Only then is the decision to have a medical abortion made. Specialists of the Medical Center "Avicenna Medical" in the city of Nikolaev have the necessary knowledge and experience, as well as permission from the Ministry of Health to carry out this procedure. nine0003 Price for medical termination of pregnancy depends on the cost and quantity of necessary drugs for abortion.

The most popular abortion method today is medical abortion, which is very easy to explain.

It does not imply surgical intervention, which means that it is much easier to bear both physically and emotionally.

Stages of medical abortion?

Despite the fact that medical abortion is considered the safest of all the other existing options, it should by no means be treated casually. These early abortion-inducing drugs are very detrimental to health, so be sure to follow the instructions below to minimize unwanted effects:

During the first visit, the specialist must confirm the fact of pregnancy, after which you can get a referral for all the necessary tests. nine0005

2. If no contraindications were found, during the second appointment, the doctor will give you the required dose of the drug, which is taken under the supervision of doctors. The reaction to the medication is always individual, therefore, at the second stage, the process of artificial termination of an unwanted pregnancy may or may not end.

3. If fetal death does not occur, you are prescribed prostaglandins, which provoke active uterine contractions. It is very important to observe this period of time by doctors for two reasons:

• There is a possibility of too much blood loss.
• Based on the reaction of the body, the dosage is promptly adjusted.

As mentioned earlier, it is impossible to predict the reaction of the female body to drugs to get rid of unwanted pregnancy, so an experienced doctor should control all stages of the abortion.

4. Often many girls ignore the final stage, but it is the most important and decisive for women's health. After 2 weeks after the procedure, you should visit the clinic again so that the specialist checks the condition of the uterus. nine0005

There is also a small chance that the pregnancy has survived. It is in order to exclude this moment that the last visit to the doctor is necessary.

5. Normalization of the general condition of the girl takes about a month. During this period, you need to take special care of your body, avoid stressful situations and overwork.

Only the most experienced and conscientious specialists should trust their women's health, because your future personal life and further successful pregnancy depend on it. In the city of Nikolaev in the clinic "Avicenna Medical" you will be taken care of in the best possible way. nine0003 Additional information (wishes or questions)

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End of breastfeeding | Stopping breastfeeding

When is it time to stop breastfeeding and what is the best way to do it? Read our article for useful practical tips on weaning. nine0005

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How long should breastfeeding continue? Three months? Six? Year? Or maybe a few years?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and then continue to be breastfed along with other foods (complementary foods) for at least two years. nine0111 1

The fact is that breast milk is not just food. It is a natural sedative if the child is anxious or tired. In addition, milk contains immune-boosting components, the amount of which increases dramatically when the baby gets sick. ²

According to anthropologists, the natural age of a person to stop breastfeeding is even more than two years. Given factors such as tooth development, body weight, comparison with other primates, and historical evidence, some scientists believe that breastfeeding may last up to two to four years. A number of researchers even believe that our ancestors breastfed children up to six or seven years of age. nine0111 3

Today, more than 60% of mothers in developed countries start giving their babies formula or complementary foods before six months of age, ⁴ although WHO does not recommend this.

When is it time to stop breastfeeding?

Weaning means that you gradually stop breastfeeding your baby. Ideally, the first step in this process is the gradual introduction of complementary foods, starting at about six months of age. In this case, breastfeeding continues. The weaning process continues until the mother's milk has been completely replaced by other foods and drinks. nine0005

“After six months, the baby needs higher doses of certain nutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamins B and D, that he cannot get from breast milk or from his own reserves,” says Sarah Beeson, health visitor from Great Britain.

“But solid food should at first only supplement the main diet with breast milk and gradually replace it. Mother's milk remains the main source of nutrition for the baby for many months to come.” nine0005

On average, a seven-month-old baby gets 93% of its calories from breast milk. And even between the 11th and 16th months, milk provides him with about half of the daily calorie intake. ⁵

“Sometimes moms think that breastmilk is not so important once the baby has started to eat solid foods, but in reality, no matter how many months old the baby is, there is nothing better for him than your milk,” continues Sarah.

In fact, the process of finishing breastfeeding can take as long as mother and baby want. “When to stop breastfeeding is up to you,” says Sarah. The only thing that matters is what you think is right for you and your child.” nine0005

How to wean

Whenever you decide to start weaning your baby, it is best to do it gradually. An abrupt cessation of breastfeeding can lead to lactostasis, blockage of the milk ducts and mastitis, and in a child such a sudden change can adversely affect the state of the digestive and immune systems. In addition, it will be difficult for both of you psychologically.

When should I stop breastfeeding?

Sometimes mothers mistakenly believe that it is time to stop breastfeeding, when in fact there is no reason to. If you're returning to work, breastfeeding can be a great way to stay close to your baby during this difficult time for both of you. You can express milk at work, and morning and evening feeding sessions will give you the opportunity to spend time alone with your baby. If you need to leave without your baby, you can also express milk and bring or send it home. nine0005

If you become ill, this is not always a reason to stop breastfeeding. Read our advice in the article on breastfeeding when sick and consult with your healthcare professional.

Weaning up to six months

If you cannot continue breastfeeding until six months and want to try weaning your baby, start by replacing one feeding a day with a bottle of formula.

“It's best to start with midday feedings. Babies are very alert and able to smell breast milk nearby, so ask your partner or relative to give your baby a bottle when you're in the other room,” Sarah advises. nine0005

“Be hygienic when preparing food. Be prepared for the fact that the baby will take fewer servings of expressed milk per day than if he was fed directly from the breast. Don't make him eat more milk than he wants."

You will probably feel that your breasts are fuller and more tender. This is due to the fact that your body is rebuilding to produce less milk. If this creates discomfort, try expressing some milk—just enough to relieve the discomfort without stimulating extra production. nine0005

When your body adjusts to the new volume - usually after a few days - replace with formula for one more meal a day. Continue this until you have changed all feedings and your baby is completely weaned.

“I had complications after my first birth, as a result I lost a lot of weight very quickly, and besides, I developed mastitis. Lactation was very weak, and at three months I was forced to stop breastfeeding,” recalls Jennifer, a mother of two from the UK, “I gradually replaced one feeding, so physically it was easy, but mentally it was hard for me.” nine0005

If you want to maintain closeness with your baby and all the health benefits of breastfeeding, but still need to cut down on breastfeeding, try partial weaning, replacing only a few feeds a day with formula.

Weaning after six months

Once your baby starts eating solid foods (about six months old), you will notice that breastfeeding naturally occurs less and less. For a year, it can be reduced to just a couple of times a day, and feedings will be replaced by full meals and healthy snacks. nine0005

Anyway, if you intend to continue to reduce breastfeeding, do it gradually, replacing one feeding at a time. Use formula milk if your baby is under 12 months old. With cow's milk, you should wait at least up to a year.

“When I decided to wean my son, I breastfed him three times a day and gave him other foods three times plus light snacks. Gradually, I replaced all breastfeedings with formula. By 11 months, we had only one nighttime breastfeed left,” says Ruth, a UK mom. nine0005

There are various ways to distract a child from changes in his diet. Some mothers suggest that instead of breastfeeding something to drink and eat together to maintain a sense of closeness. You can also change your daily routine, play your favorite game, or replace feeding with caresses - from you or from your partner. Some children take longer to get used to the new food, but in the end everything falls into place. If you are having difficulty weaning, ask your healthcare provider for advice. nine0005

Ending breastfeeding naturally

Ending breastfeeding can be guided by the baby's wishes. This is called baby-initiated weaning, or the natural termination of breastfeeding. Such a process is likely to be long and gradual. Month after month, feeding sessions will become shorter and less frequent, until one day the child completely loses interest in the breast.

“My daughter stopped breastfeeding on her own when she was four years old,” says Sarah, a mother from the UK. And once, when we were on vacation, she seemed to just forget about her breasts. Now, six months later, she sometimes still asks for breasts, but she already knows that there is no milk there. nine0005

You will have a huge amount of time for the body to adapt, so there should be no discomfort or swelling of the breast. However, you may find it difficult emotionally, so spend more time petting and bonding with your baby.

“Child-initiated termination of breastfeeding was right for me because I never gave my son formula or a bottle. I didn’t want to abruptly stop feeding and refuse him,” recalls Kelly, a mother from the UK, “He himself lost interest in breasts at the age of two and a half years. For us, it was the best scenario, although emotionally it was not very easy for me.” nine0005

What if you need to stop breastfeeding quickly?

It is best not to stop breastfeeding abruptly, but sometimes it is necessary for medical reasons or because you cannot be near your baby.

If you have been breastfeeding your baby up to this point, you will most likely have to express your milk to avoid breast swelling. Some mothers prefer to use a breast pump for this, others find it easier to express milk manually. You only need to pump a little, just to eliminate the discomfort, otherwise your body will take it as a signal to produce more milk. nine0005

At first, the breasts may swell and become tender, but this will pass. Breast milk contains a so-called feedback lactation inhibitor. When breastfeeding is stopped, this inhibitor tells your body to slow down milk production, but it can take days or even weeks for your breasts to rebuild.

Some medications can relieve pain and should be discussed with your doctor. Always follow your pharmacist's instructions or directions, and consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication. nine0005

“I had to abruptly stop breastfeeding when my daughter was eight months old because she had to take strong painkillers,” says Peggy, a mother from Switzerland. “It was very difficult because the baby was constantly looking for a breast and crying. I held her tightly to me as I gave her a bottle. This calmed her, and after a month everything was all right.

Can I continue breastfeeding if I want to get pregnant again?

Breastfeeding is a natural contraceptive. However, this method is not the most reliable, especially after six months or if you are not exclusively breastfeeding. This means that you can get pregnant even while you are breastfeeding. nine0005

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers sometimes receive conflicting advice about whether to stop breastfeeding. Consistent feeding of two children of different ages is of course possible, and with the advent of the second baby, your body will produce the kind of milk that both of them need.

It is not uncommon for an older child to refuse breastfeeding or skip feedings if the mother is pregnant. This may be due to changes in milk composition that occur during pregnancy. Milk can change the taste and become less sweet. nine0111 6 If your baby is under one year of age when he starts to stop breastfeeding, make sure he continues to gain weight.

Talk to your doctor if you want to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy but have had a preterm birth or miscarriage or have any bleeding in the past.

If you need medical help to conceive, some drugs and procedures may not be suitable while you are breastfeeding. Discuss all possible options before deciding to stop breastfeeding. nine0005

And finally...

Whenever you decide to end breastfeeding, and whatever method you choose to do so, be gentle with yourself and your baby. This is a huge change for both of you physically, hormonally, and emotionally, so proceed thoughtfully and carefully.

“Although my body responded well to stopping breastfeeding, it was psychologically difficult for me. The thing that united us for so long is over, - Jane, a mother of two children from the USA, shares her impressions, - I worked long hours, five days a week, and breastfeeding made me feel that I occupy a special place in the lives of children. But when it stopped, we soon found other ways to be together.” nine0005

Literature

1 World Health Organization. [Internet] Health Topics: Breastfeeding: 2018 [Accessed: 02/08/2018]. Available from : http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en - World Health Organization. "Health Issues: Breastfeeding" [Internet]. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2018 [Visit 02/08/2018]. Article linked: http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/e

2 Hassiotou et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4): e 3. - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4):e3.

3 Dettwyler KA. When to wean: biological versus cultural perspectives. Clin Obstet Gynecol . 2004; 47(3)712-723. - Dettwiler KA, "Time to wean: weaning from a biological and cultural point of view". Klin Obstet Ginekol (Clinical obstetrics and gynecology). 2004; 47(3):712-723.

4 Victora CG Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. nine0231 2016;387(10017):475-490. - Victor S.J. et al., "Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms and long-term effects". Lancet 2016;387(10017):475-490.