Getting ready for the MVA
Taking care of the syringe
The syringe for MVA
should be taken apart and
carefully cleaned after each
use. Before using it again,
lubricate the rubber ring at
the bottom of the plunger
of the syringe with a little
silicone lubricant or even a
little vegetable oil. Read
any directions that came
with the syringe to learn
how to care for it.
A 1-valve
syringe for
pregnancies of
less than
12 weeks
A 2-valve
syringe for any
pregnancy up
to 12 weeks
The MVA plus
syringe for any
pregnancy up to
12 weeks
Note: Some older, smaller syringes were good only for pregnancies up
to 8 weeks. Follow the instructions carefully for the syringe you have.
Sterilize your tools
Sterilize all the tools that you will put inside the vagina or the womb
(see page 59) and lay them out on a sterilized cloth, paper, or dish. You must
wear sterile gloves any time you touch a sterile tool.
plastic gloves
gauze or a
long swab
MVA syringe
tenaculum
ring forceps
speculum
cannulas
You will also need a small bowl of antiseptic like
Hibiclens or betadine to clean the outside of the
cervix. And be sure you have a good source
of light.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)