SAFE SURGICAL ABORTION

Surgical abortion is one of the safest and most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, and our skilled New York Certified and Licensed Physicians are experienced in providing surgical abortions during the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy.

INSIDE OUR BRONX ABORTION OFFICE

SAFE BRONX ABORTION
When you come to our office for a safe surgical abortion, we will try to make your stay with us as comfortable and as brief as possible. You can expect to be in our office for 3-5 hours.

During your visit you will:
1. Complete a self medical history and sign consent forms.
2. Leave a urine sample for a pregnancy test.
3. Meet with an intake counselor to discuss medical history forms and payment options.
4. Have a simple blood test by finger stick.
5. If indicated have a sonogram to estimate the length of pregnancy.
6. Meet with a patient educator who will discuss; the procedure, possible complications , necessary aftercare and birth control options.
7. See the doctor for an examination and the abortion procedure. 8. Be observed for a brief recovery period with the recovery area staff.

LAB TESTING

There are some laboratory tests which we will need to perform. For these tests we will need samples of your urine and blood. We will use your urine sample to perform a pregnancy test and we use your blood sample to check your iron count and Rh factor.

If your blood is found to be Rh negative (e.g. , O negative, A negative) you will need an injection of Rhogam after your abortion. Rhogam prevents antibodies from being formed in your blood that would cause problems with future pregnancies. If you are Rh negative, it is important that you receive a Rhogam injection with every pregnancy. Please note that there is an additional fee for all Rhogam injections.

YOUR SONOGRAM

A sonogram is considered the most reliable method of assessing how far you are into your pregnancy. A sonogram is a test that uses sound waves to see your pelvic structures. It is not an X-ray and there is no radiation. A sonogram is done while you lie down comfortably. A gel solution is applied to your abdomen and an ultrasound wand is placed on your abdomen. There is little or no discomfort while the sonogram is being performed.

The length of pregnancy is based on your last menstrual period. If your last menstrual period was 9 weeks ago you would be considered 9 weeks pregnant. Any abortion performed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy is, by definition, a first trimester abortion procedure.

ANESTHESIA

We believe in making our patients as comfortable as possible during the abortion procedure and offer several options for sedation during an abortion: General and Local Anesthesia, and Twilight Anesthesia, General Anesthesia.

Local anesthesia numbs only the surgical area (Cervix).

General Anesthesia is administered by an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist and causes the patient to be asleep and unaware during the procedure.

IV (Intra-Venous) Sedation where relaxing drugs are administered through an intravenous needle in the hand resulting in a “Twilight Sleep” or “light conscious sedation” during which little or no pain is felt.

HOW LONG DOES A SAFE SURGICAL ABORTION TAKE?

DURATION OF SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Your surgical abortion is performed according to the well tested protocol of the NYS Department of Health and the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities.

The actual medical procedure usually lasts between five and fifteen minutes for a 1st trimester abortion.

However as in all surgeries, you’ll have to be in the office 2-3 hours prior to surgery for paperwork, counseling, medical tests and pre-medications. Most patients need between 1 to 3 hours after surgery to recover and ready themselves for departure.

Recovery time is somewhat longer after general and twilight sedation options, and we recommend that patients not drive themselves home afterward.

AFTER YOUR SAFE SURGICAL ABORTION

AFTERCARE

After your abortion procedure, you will rest in our recovery room where a nurse will monitor your vital signs. Once you are ready to get up, and are feeling alert and steady, you will be given a light snack and your companion will be allowed to accompany you out of the office.

It is not safe for you to leave the facility after having anesthesia without someone to take care of you.

You will be given AFTERCARE instructions which will clearly outline what you are and are NOT allowed to do after the procedure.

You are not allowed to insert anything into your vagina for 2 weeks following your procedure. This includes tampons, intercourse and douching.

Please refrain from using any Aspirin — it can cause an increase in your bleeding.

Your information packet will highlight all the things you need to know following your procedure.

You will also receive several prescriptions; one is an antibiotic and the other is a medication that helps contract your uterus so that it can return to its pre-pregnant size.

OUR NURSES ARE ON CALL FOR YOU

ABORTION PATIENT HOTLINE

We have nurses on call 24 hours a day seven days a week and can answer any questions that might arise following the procedure.