Laminaria as an adjuvant in the induction of abortion

This paper discusses the use of laminaria as an adjuvant to inducement of abortion. Insufficient opening of the cervix is often a cause for delayed abortion or premature birth. Tests show this occurrence in 8.2% of women aborting. It usually does not occur when the opening is 12mm or more. The size may vary with the duration of the pregnancy. Prostaglandin has been proposed to ease cramps at the opening. Laminaria is widely used to dilate the cervix and improve conditions because of its strong adsorption effect. It is most effective in the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. The average rate of complications is c. 10%. The principal complication is temperature, c. 5%. Various tests have been utilized to determine the amount of laminaria to be used. Though there is still disagreement on the extent of complications that may arise from its use, it is nonetheless agreed that laminaria is effective for the dilation of the cervix prior to inducing abortion.