Abortion - elective or therapeutic

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Early weeks of pregnancy

First trimester of pregnancy

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Therapeutic abortion; Elective abortion

Early pregnancy symptoms include:

• Breast tenderness
• Breast swelling
• Discoloration of breast areola
• Nausea
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Missed periods

A pelvic examination is performed to confirm pregnancy and estimate the weeks of gestation. A serum HCG blood test may be performed to confirm pregnancy. A vaginal or abdominal ultrasound may be used to determine gestational age and location.

Review Date: 09/19/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.