General Information
When you arrive at our office you will register. An ultrasound examination, lab work and a pelvic exam will then be performed. After completing your paperwork, the procedure and anesthesia will be explained. After having all of your questions answered, you will be ready for the procedure.
Your Physician, a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, and a nurse or certified medical assistant, will be with you in the procedure room. After the procedure, you will spend about an hour in the recovery area where you will receive post-operative instructions. RhoGam is administered to women who are Rh negative.
Counseling
Each patient seeking an abortion is given a thorough explanation of the procedure, post-operative information and an explanation of the importance of a post–operative examination. Counselors are available to listen and to give assistance and support.
Anesthesia
We offer patients a choice of anesthesia.
| • | Local Anesthesia - An injection to numb the cervical area. |
| • | General Anesthesia - Administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. General anesthesia enables you to be completely asleep. |
Anesthesia is administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist who is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. In addition to the Anesthesia staff, our Operating Surgeon is credentialed to supervise the administration of anesthesia. We follow strict anesthesia safety guidelines and have a full complement of monitoring equipment and ACLS required emergency medications available.
Before Your Visit
Abortion procedures are performed on Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Pre-operative and post-operative appointments are scheduled at your convenience. Appointments can be made by calling our facility and speaking with one of our counselors.
We will make every effort to accommodate you at your convenience. Any special medical or emotional concerns should be brought to the attention of the counselor.
| • | You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment (including gum, candy, cigarettes or water). Your stomach must be completely empty for your safety so that we may offer you a choice of anesthesia options. |
| • | Please have one adult accompany you so that you will have a ride home. Our waiting rooms have limited space, so please bring only one escort. Patients having local anesthesia need not have an escort. |
| • | Please shower on the morning of your appointment. |
| • | Please wear a loose fitting two-piece outfit. |
| • | Please bring your insurance card, any required referrals, and a photo I.D. |
| • | Out of consideration for others, please arrange for the care of your children at home. Our waiting area cannot offer accommodations for children. |
| • | Your specific appointment time is reserved only for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, or need to change the time of your appointment, please contact the office. |
| • | If you have been instructed to bring any medication, for example, your asthma inhaler or insulin, please be sure you have your medication with you. |
| • | DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATION ON THE MORNING OF YOUR APPOINTMENT (especially insulin) unless our physician tells you to do so. |
After Your Visit
You have just had a safe and simple pregnancy termination. Although complications are rare, they do exist. Every woman is different, so the time needed to recover from surgery will vary as will the types of post-operative problems experienced, if any. Please take the time to read the following information to familiarize yourself with how you should be feeling after surgery -- what's "normal" and when you need to call for additional medical treatment and advice.
In order for you to feel better and get back into your normal routine as soon as possible it is important that you make an extra effort to take care of yourself. By following the medical advice listed below you should be off to a good start.
| Please DO the Following: | |
| • | Get at least 3 days of rest following your procedure |
| • | Take your temperature every morning for the next 5 days. If your temperature is 100 or more at any time, please call us. |
| • | Schedule a post-operative check-up for two weeks after the procedure. |
| • | Avoid lifting heavy objects, exercising and all strenuous activity until after your check-up. |
| • | Take all prescribed medications as directed. |
| Please DO NOT do the following (in order to prevent infection): | |
| • | Have vaginal intercourse. |
| • | Go swimming or take tub baths. |
| • | Use tampons. |
| • | Use feminine hygiene sprays or douche. A discharge -- with or without an odor - is common following surgery. |
Symptoms You May Experience
Bleeding
Bleeding may be experienced for up to eight weeks after the procedure, but this is very unlikely to occur. You might have little or no bleeding or the bleeding may start and stop. Bleeding patterns vary. If you experience clotting, do not panic. This is merely the uterus trying to eliminate itself of clots. Monitor your bleeding over the next 12 hours to be sure the bleeding slows down once clots are passed. If the bleeding does not slow down, please call us immediately. Your next normal period should begin four to eight weeks after the procedure.
Cramps
Heavy cramping is normal for the first few days after the procedure. Cramps are usually relieved by resting or sleeping, and by taking Tylenol or Advil. You may apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen and sip hot beverages such as tea or chicken broth. If cramps do not improve with rest and medication, please call us.
Nausea
You can expect "morning sickness" to decrease in the next few days as the hormones of pregnancy leave your system.
Breast Tenderness
The drop in hormones will cause the elimination of breast tenderness. If you are still uncomfortable, pack your nipples in cotton and wear a tight fitting bra day and night. You may apply ice packs to the breasts and take Tylenol for pain. Avoid stimulation of your breasts especially in the shower. Remember, the discomfort will be relieved in a short period of time.
| CALL the office if any of the following occur: | |
| • | If you have considerably more bleeding than a normal period |
| • | Your temperature is 100 degrees or more |
| • | You have severe cramps or abdominal pain |
| • | You have no period within the next eight weeks |
| • | You develop pain or symptoms of a period with no flow of blood four to eight weeks after the procedure |
| • | If you experience fever, abdominal cramps, leg cramps, pain, itching, heavy bleeding, swelling of your body - any problem at all, stop all medication, do not eat or drink anything and call the office immediately. |
Remember, it is very important that
you call us at (609) 514-9191 before you go to any other physician or
hospital emergency room.
We hope that this information is helpful and answers all your questions.
