This is about the 24th week of pregnancy. An abortion which occurs spontaneously is often called a miscarriage , and an artificial abortion is called either a termination of pregnancy or a therapeutic abortion . Miscarriages are extremely common, perhaps occurring in as many as one in three pregnancies in the first four weeks of gestation. These miscarriages sometimes pass unnoticed, mistaken for a heavy menstrual period.
Common symptoms are loss of blood from the vagina and regular cramping pains in the lower abdomen.
Therapeutic abortions are generally performed in public hospitals or private clinics which specialise in such operations. The safest time for a therapeutic abortion is between six and twelve weeks after the menstrual period. At this stage of pregnancy, it is more likely that the abortion will be completed within a few hours, and that it will not require major medical procedures. Whether or not to have a pregnancy terminated is a difficult decision. Counselling and medical advice should be sought as early as possible.