At Routh Street Women's Clinic we provide abortion
services from 5 through 17 weeks LMP (counted from your last normal
menstrual period, and usually 3 to 15 weeks from the time you
became pregnant), as determined by our sonogram measurement. Most
women under 16 weeks LMP of pregnancy can have their abortions
completed in one visit to the clinic, which usually lasts from
4-5 hours. You are welcome to bring another adult with you for
support or transportation, but we cannot allow you to
bring children to the clinic.
An abortion in the first trimester takes about
4-5 minutes and is considered minor surgery, much safer than continuing
pregnancy and childbirth. What women usually feel during an abortion
is best described as being similar to menstrual cramping, ranging
from mild to strong. Most women feel medium-level cramping for
a few minutes.
To prepare for your abortion, you will complete
some forms and then have a sonogram to estimate the length of
your pregnancy. We know that every woman who comes to us has individual
needs and circumstances, and we have always believed in providing
individual one-on-one counseling in complete privacy. After you
have had the opportunity to talk over with us your questions and
concerns, we will review your medical history and perform some
necessary lab tests. You will also receive a medication that will
make the abortion procedure more comfortable for you.
We will discuss birth control options and provide
a starter pack of birth control pills if you want them and are
medically eligible, with a prescription for a second month given
when you return for your follow-up exam. If you would like to
have an annual exam and a Pap test at the same time, we will give
you a package of pills to take home, and then provide you with
a prescription for 11 more months when we receive your clear Pap
smear result.
Your doctor will use a safe local anesthetic
to relieve pain. In addition, you may have nitrous oxide (laughing
gas), a light medication that goes away quickly after the
abortion.
You will be shown to your own room before meeting
the doctor. A female member of our medical staff will be with
you throughout the procedure. You will undress from the waist
down and lie on an exam table with a sheet to cover you, and then
we will begin your nitrous oxide sedation. The doctor
will administer a local anesthetic to help numb your cervix. The
cervical opening is slightly stretched (dilated) and a small sterile
tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. This tube
is connected to a machine that creates a gentle suction to empty
the uterus. The entire procedure usually lasts 4-5 minutes.
If your pregnancy is measured at less than 16
weeks LMP, your abortion can usually be completed in one visit
to the clinic. At more than 16 weeks LMP, you may need two visits
to the clinic on consecutive days. Each appointment may take as
long as 4-5 hours. You must stay within a half-hour's drive of
the clinic overnight, and we can refer you to affordable lodging
near us if you need it.
Once you have dressed, you can expect to relax
in our recovery room for about 20 minutes (one hour after some
second trimester procedures). After you go home, you can return
to most normal activities. However, for one week we recommend:
[1] Do no lifting over ten pounds; [2] Do no strenuous activity;
[3] Do not stand for more than 4-5 hours a day; [4] Do not insert
anything into your vagina. If you have a job that requires
standing, or if you engage in strenuous work or school activities,
please ask us for a written doctor's excuse.
You may have bleeding off and on for a few weeks
and possibly could have some cramping. This can be completely
normal, but if you feel that you might be having a medical problem,
we are always available to you 24 hours a day. We will provide
an appointment for you to come back for a follow-up exam within
2-3 weeks, a visit for which there is no additional cost.
ON THE
DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Bring two sanitary pads and dress comfortably
and warmly, with a pair of socks to keep your feet warm. The
clinic can feel very cool.
- Eat a light meal.
- Do not consume alcohol or non-prescription
drugs for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
- We must ask to see photo identification for
everyone who comes to the clinic.
