Ending the pregnancy

Dilatation and Curettage Worldwide, together with aspiration, dilatation and curettage (D&C) is still the most frequently used method of termination of pregnancy. There is current evidence that such terminations have an association with cervical insufficiency and premature birth and this should be discussed with the couple. Alternatively, the administration of vaginal misoprostol a couple of hours before the D&C is also being advocated, specifically for this reason. A potential downside of this procedure is that the couple will not be able to see and hold their baby and, thus, have the option to say goodbye. On the other hand, some couples do not wish for any ceremony after birth and that should be respected as well as both favorable and unfavorable effects of seeing and holding the baby have been reported.