Why Can’t You Eat Or Drink Before Surgical Abortion?
When considering a surgical abortion, many women have questions regarding what they can and cannot do leading up to the procedure. Eating and/or drinking can be a topic of concern for most.
Safety First
The general rule for patients considering a surgical abortion is that they cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before the procedure. This is to reduce the risks associated with the anesthesia given during the procedure. An empty stomach prevents nausea, vomiting and aspiration of the vomit, all of which may be dangerous. Generally, if you have eaten or drank anything after midnight, you may need to reschedule your procedure until you are able to comply with the instructions.
Requirements To Follow
If you do need to have a surgical abortion, it is very important that you follow the instructions given to you by your health care provider on when to stop eating and/or drinking before the procedure. Here are a few tips:
- Do not eat anything 8 hours prior to your procedure. This includes not just food, but also water, juice, coffee and any other type of beverage. Your health care provider may also ask you to stop taking any medications (including over the counter pills such as ibuprofen).
- Avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee. Coffee can increase the chances of more serious complications during the procedure. As much as possible, avoid caffeine, sugar and smoking before the procedure.
- Follow your health care provider’s instructions. Follow the instructions your health care provider gives you in regards to eating/drinking and any other restrictions they may have. If you have any questions or concerns, always call your health care provider.
Conclusion
Eating and/or drinking before a surgical abortion is very important for your safety. It is imperative that you follow the instructions given to you by your health care provider in order to reduce the risks of complications during or after the procedure. By following these rules, you can help ensure a safe and successful abortion procedure.
4. Does refraining from eating or drinking reduce the risk of complications during surgery?
Yes. Refraining from eating or drinking prior to a surgery will reduce the chances of complications during the procedure. This is due to the fact that food and liquids in the stomach can lead to vomiting during or after surgery, which can cause complications such as aspiration pneumonia or increased risk of infection. Additionally, fasting prior to surgery helps to reduce the stress of digestion, allowing the body to focus its energy on healing instead.
2. Are there any exceptions to the rule of not eating or drinking before surgery?
Yes, there are exceptions to the rule of not eating or drinking before surgery. Some surgeries may require patients to eat or drink something prior to the surgery, such as during preoperative tests or immediately preceding the surgery. In those cases, the doctor or healthcare provider will provide specific instructions as to what patients should or should not eat or drink beforehand.