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Appointment overview
Here is an overview for you if you are in the first trimester
of your pregnancy. The majority of our procedures are offered
in a two-day process. The first day is the consultation; at the
second visit the abortion is performed.
At the first visit you will:
- Complete a medical history form;
- Receive a pelvic ultrasound to estimate length of pregnancy;
- Have a few simple lab tests to identify the Rh factor
type of your blood, and possibly to check for anemia;
- Discuss what abortion and anesthesia options are available
to you;
- Meet with a patient coordinator to review your medical history,
review consent for the procedure and answer any of your questions
or concerns;
- We’ll go over aftercare instructions and if desired,
help you choose a birth control method.
What to expect when you return for the abortion:
- You will go to an exam room for the procedure;
- Depending on the sedation you will be having, you will receive
that at this time;
- The surgery lasts only a few minutes;
- Afterward, you will be brought into the recovery room where
our nurses and recovery room staff will care for you and monitor
you for about 30 minutes. You will be given post-abortion medications
and birth control to take home.
Most of our second trimester procedures are offered in a two-day
process. The two separate visits are designed for your safety.
Expect to be at the clinic for approximately 2 hours each day
of your two day visit schedule.
The first day includes:
- An ultrasound to determine the weeks of pregnancy;
- Lab work consisting of Rh typing and check for anemia;
- You will meet individually with a patient coordinator (although
family and friends are welcome to participate) who will
discuss with you the procedure and the sedation you will receive,
review aftercare instructions and birth control, answer any
questions you may have, and review your informed consent forms;
- You will go into an exam room where an advanced practice
clinician will insert the laminaria into the cervical canal.
(Laminaria are matchstick like pieces of sterilized seaweed
which, when placed in the cervix, will absorb fluid and gradually
swell in a sponge-like fashion. They gently open and soften
the cervix. Insertion of the laminaria is a brief procedure.);
- You will receive pain medication and antibiotics;
- It will be necessary for you to be within one hour of the
clinic on the evening between visit one and two. This is for
your safety and will allow us to manage complications that may
arise;
- If overnight accommodations are needed, several reasonably
priced, quality motels are located nearby. We will be happy
to assist you in any way possible and will provide a map;
- You can call us anytime throughout the night on our 24-hour
telephone service.
On your return visit on the second day:
- You will go to an exam room for the procedure;
- The doctor or nurse anesthetist will then administer the
sedation;
- The laminaria is removed and the contents of the uterus will
be removed using a combination of vacuum aspiration, curettage
and instruments designed for this specialized procedure;
- The surgery lasts only a few minutes;
- Afterward, you will be brought into the recovery room where
our nurses will care for you and monitor you for approximately
30-60 minutes. You will be given post-abortion medications and
birth control to take home.
Medical Abortion
During your first visit to the clinic, you will:
- Complete a medical history form;
- Have a few simple lab tests;
- Meet with a patient coordinator to review your medical history,
obtain written consent for the procedure,and answer any of your
questions or concerns;
- Meet with a clinician, who will perform a pelvic ultrasound
and brief physical exam;
- Discuss birth control options, if you are interested;
- Take the first medication, Mifepristone, which is a pill
you will swallow;
- Receive the second medication, Misoprostol, to take home
6 to 48 hours later, you will complete the second part of a
medical abortion by following our Aftercare
and Insertion Instructions.
Plan to be somewhere safe and comfortable, with access to a telephone.
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