what a hard situation for your sister.

Is the IUD embedded in her uterine wall? Or in the placental tissue? Or just in-situ?

If she wants to continue the pregnancy the best course of action if it is NOT embedded is for the doctor to attempt removal, using the strings, GENTLY! If the removal proves difficult then they should leave it where it is.

In terms of removal now vs attempting to continue the pregnancy - the figures (47-56% spontaneous miscarriage rate) are based on studies done in the 1970's when ultrasound wasn't as good, antibiotics weren't as good and general obstertic care was less advanced. I can't find anything newer, nowadays they try to remove and if they can't they push to terminate. I do know 3 babies born with IUD's lodged into their placentas though...

What happens on Saturday that she has to decide by then? If i were her i'd try to find a doctor who will attempt to remove the IUD without harming the pregnancy and if i couldn't find one or it couldn't be done i'd come home to Aus and get close monitoring for the pregnancy.

With an IUD in situ there might be a 50% chance of loss, but with a termination the chance is 100%. I know that sounds obvious, but it might be better for her to look at what she DOES want rather than what she doesn't - at the moment there isn't an option which removes the risk of physical and emotional suffering due to loss, but there IS an option which offers the chance of having the baby.

Bx