Calthorpe Clinic | What We Offer | Abortion | Surgical Abortion

Calthorpe Clinic Birmingham - What We Offer


Abortion
>> Abortion >> Early Medical >> Surgical >> Aftercare >> UK Law >> Facts and Figures	Surgical Abortion There are different surgical abortion procedures and the method used depends on how long you have been pregnant and your personal choice. Surgical terminations are performed as a day-care procedure. Discharge times differ depending on the length of the pregnancy and also on the anaesthetic used: Surgical with local anaesthetic This procedure is recommended for women who prefer to have a local anaesthetic and where the pregnancy is under 12 weeks Local anaesthetic is given around the entrance to the womb Recovery is quick and you can usually leave the Clinic after resting for half an hour to an hour after the operation Surgical with general anaesthetic This method is ideal for women who prefer to 'be asleep' while the procedure takes place It is suitable for women who are between 5 and 20 weeks pregnant In either case, the method used is called vacuum aspiration. At the surgeon's discretion, tablets are either taken by mouth or placed in the vagina 1 - 3 hours before the operation to relax the neck of the womb. Then, once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the cervix (neck of the womb) can be gently stretched and the contents removed with a small suction tube. Pre-admission check list Do not have anything to eat from midnight; this includes sweets or chewing gum. You can drink still water up to 2 hours before your appointment time If you are on prescribed medication, you should continue to take it as normal. If in doubt, ring the Clinic for further advice It is advisable not to smoke for as long as possible before your procedure. Anaesthetic does not mix well with nicotine Remove make-up, jewellery and piercings (if you can't remove your jewellery, it will be taped over before the procedure) Please remember to bring with you: A referral letter (if referred from the doctor) Medical notes (if you have already had a consultation elsewhere) Medication (any that you take routinely) Blood transfusion card (if you have one) Nightie or long T-shirt, dressing gown and slippers Sanitary towels: to use after the procedure (there is a vending machine in the toilets) Please confirm or cancel your booking date for the operation 24 hours beforehand Nursing admission After admission and consultation, you will be taken to a changing cubicle and asked to change into your nightie/T-shirt or theatre gown. You will then be collected by the nurse and taken into the anaesthetic room where your details are checked before going on to have the procedure. Sometimes a woman may decide at the last minute that she would prefer to 'go to sleep' and have a general anaesthetic. This is absolutely fine; a consultant anaesthetist is in theatre for this reason. Aftercare Afterwards, you will be taken out of theatre into recovery and from there to extended recovery. After a short rest you can use the toilet and get dressed. You will then be given something light to eat and drink. Following an assessment by the nurse, you will be able to go home. Discharge times will depend on the length of the pregnancy and also on the anaesthetic used. Before leaving the Clinic, your aftercare arrangements will be discussed and you will be given information, advice and antibiotics. Discharge from the Clinic Every women's menstrual cycle is different so bleeding can vary from one individual to another. But, as a guide, you may find that you bleed heavily, experience stomach cramps and/or pass blood clots following your visit, usually for 2-3 days. This is quite normal. After this time, the bleeding will lessen but you could bleed on and off for 3-4 weeks. If you are concerned, you can always phone the Clinic. Post-procedure Your first period may occur 4-6 weeks later (although this varies and depends on the type of contraception you are using) and it may be heavier than normal. You can take paracetamol tablets (or any which do not contain aspirin) to relieve any discomfort; do not take more than 2 in 4 hours. You will have been given antibiotics to take after the termination; please remember to take them. It is not necessary to have a check-up after treatment but you may do so if you wish, either with your GP or FPA. Alternatively, you can do a pregnancy test after 3-4 weeks for your peace of mind. We recommend you arrange to be collected from the Clinic and have someone with you (or nearby) for the first 24 hours after treatment. You may drive yourself 24 hours after the procedure. Contraception You are still fertile and at risk of another pregnancy. It is therefore important that you use a reliable contraception. You can start the combined or progesterone-only Pill immediately. If you do start the Pill, your next 'period-like' bleed will be sometime during your week break. Please start your next packet as instructed. Remember to use an additional method of contraception (e.g. condoms) whilst taking antibiotics or antacids. In order to reduce the risk of infection, you are advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for three weeks after the procedure.

Calthorpe Clinic © 2006 -