Your
Decision
We recognize the importance of your decision and we care about you. If you
choose to have an abortion, consider us your health care resource. We constantly
strive to meet your individual needs and most of all, believe in your right
to a safe, legal abortion. If you have any questions about abortion, call
us. We support your decision, whatever it may be.
What to Expect
We use two types of abortion procedures depending on the length of pregnancy.
Vacuum aspiration (D&C) is used to terminate pregnancies up to 12 weeks
from the last menstrual period (LMP). A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is
used to terminate pregnancies from 12.1 to 18 weeks. This is the safest
method of second trimester abortion.
During the surgery, a local anesthetic is used to numb the cervical
area. We also offer anesthesia to help you relax. Patients may resume most
normal activities the following day.
DAY 1 - ALL PATIENTS
Please plan to spend four hours at Kanawha Surgicenter. We recommend that
you bring one friend or relative.
Upon arrival, you fill out a medical history and consent forms. You
receive an important instructional sheet with post-operative care information
and our 24-hour telephone number.
An ultrasound will be done to determine the weeks of pregnancy. A staff
member explains the procedure and post-operative care. She confirms that
you are comfortable with your decision and discusses medical history and
birth control methods. One simple blood test is done to determine whether
you are anemic. Please ask questions at any time.
DAY 1 - D&C PATIENTS ONLY
(up to 14 weeks LMP)
You meet our physician who does a pelvic exam to determine the length of
pregnancy. The physician then performs the D&C procedure which takes about
five minutes.
After the abortion, you rest 20 to 30 minutes. During this time we review
post-operative information.
DAY 1 - D&E PATIENTS ONLY
(12.1 - 18 weeks LMP)
The physician performs a pelvic exam and inserts dilataria (thin pieces
of sterile material) which absorb moisture and expand slowly overnight.
After a short rest, you schedule the next day's appointment. Patients traveling
more than 50 miles are required to stay overnight in a hotel at their own
expense.
DAY 2 - D&E PATIENTS
Our physician checks for adequate dilation of the cervix. If dilation is
sufficient, the physician performs the D&E procedure. Be sure to have someone
with you who can drive you home. You will have anesthesia for your procedure.