What happen when you have a Termination of a Pregnancy
If you find yourself pregnant you will be given plenty of opportunity to discuss your options. If you decide to have a termination then that will be fully explained. Here is a brief description of what will happen.
Appointment
Once you have been give plenty of opportunity to discuss your pregnancy and you have decided that you do not wish to continue with it, an appointment will be made at either PRI or Ninewells clinic. If your doctor/nurse has given you a letter, please take it with you to the hospital. The appointment will last approximately and hour. Your consultation is completely confidential although you will be encouraged to speak with your parents about the situation.
What happens when you arrive?
When you arrive you will be seen by a nurse or doctor, they will ask you a few questions, followed by a scan to confirm your dates, this is done by placing a scanner on your tummy. After the scan there will be a further discussion and if you decide to terminate the pregnancy you may be offered a medical or a surgical procedure.
Medical termination.
This can be offered from a very early stage in pregnancy up until 18 weeks and 5 days. This involves taking a tablet called Mifepristone, this may be given at the first appointment or you may be asked to return for this another day. Two days after this tablet you will be asked to return to the ward. When you arrive at the ward you will be shown to your room, a nurse will insert some tablets into your vagina, which encourages the womb to empty. You may experience some tummy cramps and will be offered some pain relief for this.
Surgical termination
This can be offered if you are between 9 and 12 weeks pregnant and involves one day in hospital, a nurse will insert tablets into your vagina and about 2-3 hours later you will be taken to the operating theatre where you will be given a general anaesthetic. A small tube will be inserted through your vagina to empty your womb. You will be allowed home 2-4 hours after this. Contraception is always discussed and counselling after your procedure is available if required. When you leave the hospital you will be required to have a responsible adult, someone over the age of 18years, to accompany you.
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