A.
We offer surgical abortion from 6-15 weeks of pregnancy. Most surgeries are done for pregnancies of 10 weeks and above, as earlier pregnancies are usually terminated by the abortion pill.
B.
We will confirm by ultrasound if you are a candidate for the surgical abortion. Most patients are, but certain medical conditions, such as heart conditions, bleeding risks, infections, uterine scarring, and placental abnormalities, may require hospital care for patient safety. In this situation, we will make arrangements with our referral services for an in-hospital safe abortion procedure.
C.
We may prepare you for the surgery by softening the cervix first.
We place Misoprostol tablets either inside the vagina or under the tongue to soften the cervix. This allows for the cervix to be easily dilated, which decreases the sensation of pain and the risk of cervical injury.
This process is slower but gentler. You may be in our office between 2-5 hours, depending on the circumstances. The overall goal is your comfort and safety.
D.
We perform all surgeries with ultrasound guidance to ensure a SAFE and successful completion of the process. The ultrasound guidance during surgery minimizes risks such as leaving tissue or clots behind that can lead to heavy bleeding and infections.
The ultrasound guidance also prevents puncture wounds of the uterus, as the process allows seeing the path and location of the surgical instruments at all times.
E.
We use pain medications either as a local anesthetic or as an injection directly into the vein. The combination of such medications allows for a mostly pain-free procedure.
F.
The surgical procedure is monitored with vital signs sensors where oxygen, pulse and blood pressure are carefully observed every few minutes.
G.
Once the procedure ends, the recovery phase begins which lasts about 30 minutes.
H.
We send you home after surgery, when all signs and symptoms have returned to normal. We offer you something to drink and to eat before going home.
I.
We advise that a trusted person pick you up and drive you home or to your hotel room.
J.
The patient or a family member can call our doctor directly for any concerns or advice.
K.
We offer RH testing services, vaginal infection testing, preventive antibiotic therapy, and contraceptive options to help you recover and return to normal.
L.
We offer RhoGAM shots if you are an RH-negative patient. This shot will protect future pregnancies from a blood-destroying condition called hemolytic anemia. You are likely to need this treatment if you are at least 12 weeks into your pregnancy. There is an additional charge for this treatment.