Blood loss and side effects in day case abortion

Suction termination of pregnancy was performed in 276 patients as an out-patient procedure under general anaesthesia. Ergometrine, oxytocin, or sterile water were given with the induction of anaesthesia. There was no significant difference in blood loss in the three treatment groups, although blood loss in termination of pregnancy performed after eight weeks was increased in all three groups. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain occurred significantly more often after ergometrine compared to oxytocin or water.