Deciding what to do about your pregnancy

Transcription

1 Deciding what to do about your pregnancy We can help you consider your options. If you decide to end the pregnancy, we can provide abortion services in a private, safe and comfortable setting. Exploring your options If you are unsure of what to do about your pregnancy, we invite you to come to the Women's Clinic to explore your options. We can give you complete medical information and compassionate, non-judgmental counselling. We will support you in whatever decision you make. You do not need a referral from a doctor to use our services. You can book an appointment yourself. The phone number of our Intake Person is on the back of this booklet. Please note: We cannot guarantee that your family doctor will not receive your medical records.

2 2 If you decide to have an abortion If you decide to end the pregnancy and have an abortion, we can provide this service in a private, safe and comfortable environment. You will have time to talk privately with caregivers at the clinic. You will be given enough information so that you can feel fully informed and know what to expect. You will be treated with respect and compassion. We realize that the decision to have an abortion may be difficult for you. We will keep your personal information confidential. The abortion procedure you have will depend on the number of weeks of your pregnancy: If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, the abortion is done during one visit to the clinic. If you are between 12 and 15 weeks pregnant, you will have 2 clinic visits. We do not do abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. If you are over 15 weeks pregnant, we can refer you to another clinic that may be able to help you. What happens before the abortion? If you decide to have an abortion at our clinic, you will need to have an ultrasound to confirm the number of weeks of your pregnancy. This will be done at the clinic on the day of your abortion procedure. The Intake Person will discuss this with you when you make your appointment. If you have already had an ultrasound, the results can be faxed to the clinic at When you come to the clinic, please bring your Ontario Health Card or verification from the Ministry of Health with you. If you do not have this, you will need to arrange to pay the hospital and the doctor s fee on the day of your procedure.

3 3 On the day of your procedure, you will first meet with a social worker. She will answer your questions and talk with you about your needs and concerns. She will support and discuss your decision with you. She will also provide a chance for you to explore your feelings about having an abortion if you feel this would be helpful. The nurse and doctor will tell you about the procedure and what to expect when you go home. The doctor will also discuss any potential risks. All your questions are welcome. You will be asked to sign a consent form, which gives the doctor your permission to do the abortion. The nurse can give you information about birth control. She can discuss your needs and help you decide on a method that is right for you. What happens during the abortion? You will be awake during the abortion procedure. Medication is available to control any discomfort and help you relax during the procedure. A clinic nurse will be with you in the procedure room for support. You will lie on an examining table, just like you would for a pelvic exam. The doctor will gently put a speculum into your vagina and freeze your cervix. Then the doctor will gradually open (dilate) your cervix a little bit and remove the contents of the uterus. This procedure only takes about 10 minutes. You will have some cramping during the procedure. If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, the abortion can be done in one visit to the clinic. You can expect to be at the clinic for at least 4 hours. If you are between 12 and 15 weeks pregnant, you will need 2 visits to the clinic. On the first day, a small device called a laminaria tent is inserted into the opening of your cervix to make it a little wider. This visit takes at least 2 hours. On the second day, the abortion procedure is done. Plan to be at the clinic for at least 4 hours.

4 4 What happens after the abortion? After the abortion you will rest in a recovery area. You may have some cramping for about an hour afterwards. You will have some vaginal bleeding like a period. During this time the nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate and the amount of bleeding and discomfort you have. A visitor can see you for a short time at this point. Before you go home, the nurse will explain how to take care of yourself at home. You will need a follow-up examination in 4 to 6 weeks to check that you are healing and recovering well. You can have this done with your family doctor, at a walk-in clinic or sexual health clinic. Most women are able to resume their usual activities the next day. For your safety, you cannot drive yourself or take a bus home after the procedure. You will need to arrange a ride home. The doctor will not do the abortion unless you have a safe way to get home. How you may feel after the abortion Most women feel relief after an abortion. Some women may also have other feelings like sadness or loss. These feelings are normal and often lessen as time passes. It may help to talk over your feelings with someone you trust. Our social workers are available to meet with you for follow-up counselling. Each woman reacts to having an abortion in her own way. It takes a different amount of time for each woman to recover. If you feel you need support, please call the Intake Person to arrange to speak with the Social Worker.

5 5 How to get in touch with the Clinic Women s Clinic, Obstetrics and Gynecology Program at Hamilton Health Sciences To speak with our Intake Person call To send a fax to the clinic call Clinic hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hamilton Health Sciences, 2004 PD /2016 dpc/pted/pamp/pregdecision-lw.doc dt/september 6, 2016