Surgical abortion involves an operation to remove the pregnancy from the womb under general anaesthetic. Here you can find out more information about surgical abortion.
Day before surgery
If you are over 14 weeks pregnant you will need to attend the ward the day before your procedure. You will be given a tablet called Mifepristone, which is a pregnancy hormone blocker.
If you are over 19 weeks you will have Dilapan inserted into your cervix also – see section below about Dilapan.
The nursing staff will give you contact details in case you have any concerns overnight and you will be given a time to return to the ward the following day
You can have a light breakfast at 7am but no further food and you can have clear fluids up until 2 hours before your procedure.
Day of surgery
You will be admitted to the ward by the nursing staff. You may bring someone with you who is able to stay with you for the day. If you are under 14 weeks pregnant you will be given 2 tablets called Misoprostol to insert into your vagina or under your tongue to help soften the neck of your womb (cervix). This can cause bleeding and period like cramp.
If you are between 14 weeks and 19 weeks pregnant we will insert Dilapan into your cervix – see the section below on Dilapan
You will be given an antibiotic tablet to help prevent infection.
There is usually a bit of wait in the morning until your procedure in the afternoon.
The surgeon and anaesthetist will see you prior to your surgery and you will change into a surgical gown
The procedure itself does not take long and you will away from the ward between 2 -3 hours.
Once returned from theatre, you can expect to stay on the unit for approximately two hours or until the nurse/doctor is happy that you are well enough to go home. You must arrange for an escort to travel home with you either by private transport or taxi.
You will be given 7 days of antibiotics to take to reduce the risk of infection and you contraception of choice. The intrauterine coil and contraceptive implant can be inserted in theatre.
Risks
- Severe bleeding requiring transfusion – before 20 weeks of pregnancy: less than 1 in 1000 people; from 20 weeks of pregnancy: 4 in 1000 people
- Infection – less than 1 in 100
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring further treatment – before 14 weeks of pregnancy: 35 in 1000 people, from 14 weeks of pregnancy: 3 in 100 people
- Damage to womb – 1-4 in 1000 people
- Adhesions (scarring of the lining of the womb) – rare
More information
Please remember, we are here to help you. If you have any questions, doubts or worries please feel free to ask
Contact us and not your GP, who may be unaware of the treatment you are receiving.
Ward 40 0191 282 5618 (24 hours)
Ward 40 day unit 0191 2825640 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm)
