A first trimester termination is a very straightforward, quick-to-perform and safe procedure. It is approximately 10 times safer than natural childbirth when compared in worldwide studies. It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is most commonly performed in conjunction with a very safe intravenous anaesthetic. Approximately a third of all Australian women have at least one termination of pregnancy.
The evidence suggests where termination of pregnancy is available within the law that uncomplicated termination of pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of infertility. In fact, you may easily get pregnant again after a termination of pregnancy, even before your next period. Other gynaecological conditions may affect future fertility (such as sexually transmitted infections, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc) but there is no association with termination of pregnancy.
A termination of pregnancy is most commonly performed whilst you are sedated. You will not be aware during the procedure and therefore you will have no pain. You may or may not experience some menstrual-type cramps after the procedure, which may be relieved with simple analgesia.
Tests for infection are taken at the time of the procedure and you will be contacted within a few days after the procedure if you require more antibiotics. There is no conclusive evidence from any medical studies that avoiding tampons, intercourse, swimming or taking a bath reduces the chance of infection after termination of pregnancy. Tampons may be used when the bleeding settles but should always be changed frequently.
Screening for infection at the time of the procedure allows for notification and treatment of partners if infection is identified, which has benefits in prevention of reinfection.
Bleeding afterwards may be variable. Bleeding may last only a few days or it may last for 2 weeks. If it lasts that long it shouldn’t be heavier than a normal period. Sometimes you may have no bleeding at all. Sometimes you may not bleed initially or it could be quite light then it may become heavier between day 3 to 6. There may be accompanying pain and cramps during this time and the loss could be in the form of clots. This may last a few days then it should settle down. This can happen even if the pregnancy was early. Bleeding may then stop and start and be dark brown until the next period. Spotting can occur in the first few cycles on the Pill. The next normal period is usually expected 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Nausea should subside over the next few days and should be gone by 1 week. Breast enlargement or tenderness may take a couple of weeks to subside. A urine pregnancy test may still be positive for two to three weeks after the procedure.
It is not unusual to experience a feeling of depression after any operation or stressful situation ‘ not just because of a pregnancy termination. This may start a few days after but shouldn’t last long, especially if there are no pre-existing psychological problems. The extensive literature review of the psychological consequences of termination of pregnancy indicates that legal and voluntary termination of pregnancy rarely causes immediate or lasting negative psychological consequences in healthy women, especially where there is partner or parental support. On the other hand, long-lasting, negative effects on both mothers and their children are reported where termination of pregnancy has been denied.
You may get pregnant again even before your next period so it is important to start contraception as soon as possible. If the Pill is the chosen method of contraception, you should start it the day after the procedure in the appropriate section rather than waiting until your next period. If you choose to have an injection for contraception, you may have the injection when you see your doctor for a check-up in 10 to 14 days but you should abstain from intercourse during this time. If an intrauterine device is to be inserted, you should wait until your second period. The first period comes in 4 to 6 weeks but it may be a little heavier and more painful than usual.
You may feel slightly drowsy for some time after the procedure. Therefore for the rest of the day it is important to NOT drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery, consume alcohol, take any drugs not prescribed, sign any important documents, do anything that requires big decisions, etc.
We recommend a check-up with the local doctor in 10 to 14 days. Of course, if there are any concerns or things are not as expected, we may be contacted at any time. We are available 24 hours a day for emergency contact.
Yes. All medical information is regarded as confidential, irrespective of the medical condition. Clerical staff will ask, when making appointment, whom may be contacted, if necessary. Medicare Australia also maintains strict confidentiality.
No. However, we do encourage developing a relationship with a general practitioner for any future health issues, but if you feel uncomfortable discussing your condition with your GP, then you may refer yourself to us.If you would like to see your GP first, then download our Referral Brochure and take it with you to your GP appointment. Referral Brochure
The consultation is conducted with only you and the doctor. Partners are not allowed during recovery but 20 minutes before you are discharged the nurses will call your partner or support person to come back and pick you up. There are no legal requirements for a partner to consent or object to a termination of pregnancy.
No. There has been a debate about a possible association between abortion and breast cancer, but the quality of medical studies have varied and results have been inconsistent. A comprehensive analysis of data from 53 studies (83,000 women with breast cancer) concluded that ‘pregnancies that end as a spontaneous or induced abortion do not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer’. The Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK and US support the statement.
