Termination of Pregnancy
facts and information
Before
How do I know I am pregnant?
If you have missed a menstrual period and think you may be pregnant, it is important that you find out for sure as soon as possible. It is best to wait until your period is two weeks late before having a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, do not delay in seeking medical advice.
The simplest pregnancy test involves having an early morning urine sample (collect it in a small clean container). You can use a pregnancy kit from a chemist, go to your doctor, or visit Perterm. At Preterm you can wait for the results (generally a few minutes) or ring back later in the day.
If you want your pregnancy assessed by a doctor you will need to ring for an appointment. Your urine will be tested and an internal examination may be done.
OK, I'm definitely pregnant - where to from here?
If you know that you want a termination, the next step is a straightforward process of making an appointment with Preterm for the procedure.
If you are not sure of what to do, you can make an appointment to talk to a counsellor at Preterm.
I definitely want a termination. What next?
First, make a booking. You don't need to get a doctor's referral - simply ring the clinic between Monday and Saturday. Appointments are available between Tuesday to Saturday. Allow about 10-15 minutes over the phone while our staff take your details. See Contacts for details.
Go back to Index
Are there different sorts of pregnancy terminations?
At Preterm all terminations are done by suction currettage. A slender flexible plastic tube is passed into the uterus through the cervix. Using gentle suction, the uterus is emptied. The operation takes about 10-15 minutes.
Preterm staff will help you make a decision about what sort of anaesthetic/sedation to have. There are three options:
- A general anaesthetic is given by an anaesthetist. You will be unconscious (fully asleep) during the procedure.
- Intravenous sedation involves deep sedation, and you will feel very relaxed and sleepy. Most women do not remember the procedure under sedation.
How should I prepare?
Please let Preterm know of any medication you are taking or any pre-existing medical condition you may have. If you develop an illness (such as cold or flu) please call us, as you may need to reschedule your appointment.
Don't forget to confirm your appointment on the day specified when you made your appointment.
If you are having a local anaesthetic, eat and drink something light two hours before the appointment, and have nothing further to eat or drink after that.
If you are having a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, and your appointment is before 11 am, don't have anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew after midnight.
If your appointment is after 11 am, have something light to eat/drink before 6am, and nothing after that.
If you have a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation you will need a responsible adult to accompany you home.
Please feel free to bring your partner, relative or friend with you.
If you are 14 to 16 years of age, you will need to bring some documentation to verify your age.
Try to get a good night's sleep the night before!
Use this checklist about what to bring...
- Medicare card
- A referral letter (if you have one)
- Any medications you are currently taking
- Ultrasound report (if you have one)
- Payment as advised at the time of making the appointment.
- Blood group card (if you have one - if not, your blood group will be tested at the clinic)
- Written proof of your age if you are 14 to 16 years of age.
- Any other papers/cards if relevant (eg Private Health Insurance, Social Security, Student/Pensioner ID)
- An early morning urine sample (in a specimen jar available from the chemist)
- Two sanitary pads.