A surgical abortion involves coming into our clinic. It is a procedure that uses gentle suction to empty the uterus. While the procedure itself is quick, you will need to be at our clinic for around 3 hours in total.
The Misoprostol is the medication that prepares your body for the surgical abortion. You will experience cramps and bleeding. This is your uterus contracting and tissue softening. It is like having a very heavy, crampy period. A period where you want to lie somewhere comfortable with a hottie on your tummy.
You will be given medication to help with the discomfort during the procedure. It is normal to experience significant cramping, discomfort, and aches in your belly during the procedure. The cramps may be constant, come and go in waves, or stop and start. A surgical abortion is an individual process, so everyone experiences different levels of cramping and discomfort. The strong cramps will ease off soon after the procedure, but you are likely to experience mild cramps for the rest of the day. Once you leave the clinic, if you are concerned about your level of cramping, or how long it has been going on, you can always call us.
It is normal to bleed after the procedure. You may pass small pieces of tissue and blood clots of varying sizes. Everyone experiences a different level of bleeding. During the first 24 hours after your procedure, it is best to use pads, not tampons or a moon-cup. This will help avoid infection.
Once you leave the clinic, if you are concerned about the amount of bleeding, or how long it has been going on, you can always call us.
After taking the Misoprostol, it is normal to feel nauseous and have diarrhoea (just like period poos).
Chills
Hot sweats and flushes
Light headedness
A headache
Lower back pain
Weakness
Fatigue
You may experience none, all, or a combination of these symptoms as your uterus works hard to release the pregnancy tissue.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you can always call us.
What you decide to do with the pregnancy tissues is your choice. If you would like to keep the pregnancy tissue and bury it, you may. We will place the tissue in a flax basket for you to take with you to bury somewhere special. If you don’t wish to take the tissue home with you, we take it to the local crematorium to be cremated.
Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.
