Outcomes of self-induced late pregnancy termination in women presenting to a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

• Published in: South African medical journal Vol. 108; no. 11; pp. 965 - 971
• Main Authors: Hofmeyr, G.J., Mshweshwe-Paleka, N.T., Mandondo, S.D., Mbengo, F., Mavundla, T.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) 01-11-2018
• ISSN: 0256-9574; 2078-5135
• DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.2018.v108i11.12979

Background. Little is known about the outcomes of self-induced pregnancy termination after 24 weeks’ gestation, as previous studies have concentrated on outcomes before 24 weeks. Objectives. To investigate the gestational age, misoprostol dosage, source of information on misoprostol, reasons for termination and outcomes of self-induced pregnancy termination after 24 weeks’ gestation. Methods. A quantitative, retrospective case series observational research design was utilised. Paediatric case summaries and the Perinatal Problem Identification Programme were used to collect data. Cases of self-induced pregnancy termination using misoprostol after 24 weeks’ gestation treated at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, during the period 1 July 2011 - 1 January 2012 were identified and included in the study. Frequencies and proportions were used to analyse data. Results. Eighteen known cases of self-induced pregnancy termination using misoprostol after 24 weeks’ gestation were treated at the hospital during the 6-month study period. Misoprostol doses ranged from 400 to 1 200 μg. Birth weight was 2 500 g in 1 (6%) and unknown in 1 (6%). Eleven of the babies (67%) were born alive and 5 (28%) were stillborn (1 further stillbirth (6%) was classified as an abortion,