Gynecology |
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Abortion - Surgical Second Trimester
 Overview
Pre-Operative Appointment
Surgical Appointment
Pre-Operative Appointment Reception Area
When you check in for your appointment, we will verify your insurance information, collect your co-payment if applicable and ask you to complete some forms, including a medical history. The Women's Options Center is integrated into the general Women's Health practice; women are not identified in the reception area as desiring pregnancy termination and there are no signs advertising our clinic. This ensures the privacy and safety of our patients and staff.
Health Education
Shortly after you arrive, one of our female health educators will bring you to a private room. You will discuss and learn about pregnancy options, the abortion procedure and various birth control methods. You may remain fully dressed for this part of your appointment. The health educator will take your blood pressure, pulse and weight. If you brought a support person with you, he or she may stay with you during the health education. Since UCSF Medical Center is a teaching hospital, we may ask your permission to have a doctor-in-training listen in on the health education, which takes around 20 to 40 minutes.
Meeting With the Doctor
After your conversation with the health educator, you will meet the doctor. Our physicians are obstetrician-gynecologists with specialized training and interest in abortion provision and family planning. The doctor will review your medical history, perform an ultrasound exam to determine your pregnancy's gestation and address any questions or concerns you may have. This portion of the visit takes about 20 minutes.
Preparing Your Cervix
After you have consented to the procedure, the doctor will begin the abortion process by:
- Inserting a speculum to view inside your vagina
- Cleaning your vagina and cervix, the tight opening to your uterus, with gauze soaked in soap
- Apply numbing medication to your cervix
- Inserting dilating laminaria into your cervix. Laminaria are thin sticks made from a special seaweed material that widen as they absorb moisture from your body. The laminaria will stay in your cervix overnight and will prepare your body for the next day's surgical procedure. You may feel some cramping while the laminaria are in your cervix.
This portion of the appointment takes about 20 minutes.
Going Home
You will be given detailed instructions on how to take care of your body overnight and how to prepare for next day's surgical procedure.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008
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