What to Expect on the Abortion Day

You probably have many questions regarding your abortion procedure. This information is designed to answer many of those questions. Please read the information carefully and if you have questions feel free to ask us.

On the abortion appointment day, you can expect to be at Tutor Medica for two to twenty four hours depending of the weeks of pregnancy and the procedure. Some time will be spent filling out forms. We do respect how valuable your time is, and we try to serve you as quickly as possible. However, there are usually periods of waiting that are unavoidable. To help pass the time, Agrupacion Tutor Medica recommends that you bring a book or something to do while you are here.

The remainder of the abortion process includes

Lab Work

A lab technician will perform a pregnancy test and draw a blood sample for testing your Rh factor, coagulation, hematocrit, and other tests if it would be necessary.If your blood is found to be Rh negative you will need an injection of Rhogam, at an additional charge, after your abortion. Rhogam prevents antibodies from being formed in your blood that would cause problems with future pregnancies. If you're Rh negative, it is important to receive the Rhogam injection with every pregnancy.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound will be done on the day of your appointment to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy, foetal vitality, genital patology and review your medical history.We will perform a sonogram to determine the length of your pregnancy.

A sonogram is a test which uses sound waves to see the pelvic structures. It is not an X-ray and there is no radiation. A sonogram is done while you lie down and a gel solution is applied to your abdomen. There is little or no discomfort while the sonogram is being performed.

A sonogram is considered the most reliable method of assessing the length of pregnancy. Although you may have had a sonogram elsewhere before coming to our office, we must perform our own sonogram.

The length of pregnancy is based from your last menstrual period and not from the date of conception. Therefore, if you think you conceived 8 weeks ago, your last menstrual period was probably 10 weeks ago and you would be considered 10 weeks pregnant.

Psychiatric interview and psychosomatics support:

You will meet with one of our psychiatristsour who will go over the abortion procedure, explain how to take care of yourself afterwards and answer any questions you may have about your visit here today. This is the time to talk about your decision to terminate the pregnancy and any concerns you may have emotionally. Legally, we must obtain your written consent for the abortion. An abortion will not be performed on any woman if she does not want one, regardless of age.

The psychiatrist will discuss birth control options. He completes your consent forms. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have.

Anesthesic choices

Anesthesia services are available to all patients. Those patients who are in their first trimester decide with the anesthesiologist and a counselor whether they prefer local anesthesia, light sedation or general anesthesia. General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is the required method for patients over 12 weeks pregnant.

Local: This is the injection of pain-stopping medication into the cervix by the physician to reduce pain. You will be fully awake, but feel less pain. You will have cramping during a local procedure.

General: This is done by injecting medication into your vein that will put your to sleep. The medication is given by the anesthesiologist. If you have questions about the type of anesthesia you may discuss this with the anesthesiologist.

Abortion Procedure

First Trimester Abortion

(6-12 Weeks) is performed under local IV sedation, or general anesthesia by vacuum aspiration (suction curettage).

Second Trimester Abortion

(12-18 Weeks) requires more cervical dilation than a first trimester abortion. Therefore, medical care may require two consecutive procedures. To accomplish this, dilators or intracervical medication are inserted into the cervix during the patient's first visit. After sufficient time for the dilators to expand the patient returns to the operating theatre to have the procedure completed (Vacuum aspiration or D&E).

The procedure called D&A (dilation and aspiration): involves dilating the cervix and aspirating (suctioning) the uterus. If you are over 12 weeks pregnant, not previous pregnancys or if you have had prior surgery to your cervix such as cryo or laser therapy or a Cesarean section, a device called a Lamicel or intracervical PG may be used to dilate the cervix more gradually. and is inserted into the cervix one to two hours prior to the procedure. The D&A procedure will take 4 to 5 minutes.Patients can expect to be at the clinic 5-8 hours.

Afterwards, she will walk you to the recovery room.

Over 18 weeks

Day 1: You will complete all your paperwork and lab tests, have an ultrasound and be examined by the doctor. Laminaria, small match-like objects, will be inserted into the cervical canal which will slowly and carefully soften and dilate it over a 24-hour period. Once this has been done, you will stay in the clinic.
Day 2: On this second day, the doctor will administer the anesthetics mentioned above and complete a D&E (dilation and evacuation) procedure.

Recovery Room

Following the abortion will will awaken in the recovery room. You will probably have some cramps and bleeding at this time. This is expected as the uterus must return to it's normal size after the pregnancy is removed. The nurse will give you some medication for pain and monitor how you are feeling. You will be in the recovery room for about one hour.

Payment

We require the entire fee to be paid before the abortion is performed. Payment needs to be make in cash, money order, or credit card (Mastercard, VISA, 6000).