The effect of gestational age on the outcome of second-trimester termination of pregnancies for foetal abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of gestational age on the outcome of second-trimester termination of pregnancies for foetal abnormalities.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted on 280 pregnancies terminated for foetal abnormalities in the second trimester using vaginal misoprostol. The gestational age at termination was divided into three groups: 13-16 weeks, 17-20 weeks and 21-23 weeks. The likelihood of (1) abortion within 24 h of commencement of misoprostol, (2) incomplete abortion and (3) experiencing significant side effects was compared among these three gestational groups after adjusting for maternal age, parity and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Compared to termination after 20 weeks, pregnancy termination for foetal abnormality before 17 weeks of gestation was associated with higher chance of incomplete abortion (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.07-4.61, p = 0.032) and lower chance of experiencing significant side effects (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.91, p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

Women undergoing pregnancy termination for foetal abnormalities in the early second trimester should be informed of possible higher chance of incomplete abortion.