Medical Termination of Pregnancy
An unplanned pregnancy can bring about a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. When considering your options, it’s important to reflect on your unique social, financial, health, and relationship circumstances. In Australia, the choice to terminate a pregnancy has become more accessible and accepted, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this journey.
Medication Termination
If you choose to explore a medical termination, your GP at James St Medical Northbridge is here to guide you through the process with care and understanding. The first step involves accurately dating your pregnancy through an ultrasound. This ultrasound is crucial to ensure that the pregnancy is located within the uterine cavity and to confirm that it falls within the appropriate timeframe for a medical termination, which is available up to 9 weeks. If your pregnancy is beyond this point, we will discuss other options with you.
The best time to seek advice on termination of pregnancy is between 5 to 6 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period, as that will give you time to consider different options and arrange appropriate tests. If your cycles are irregular, we encourage you to come in for an ultrasound to help clarify your options.
It’s important to understand that pregnancies are typically dated from the first day of your last menstrual cycle, which can sometimes lead to confusion. We are here to help clarify any questions you may have about this process.
Once we have completed the necessary assessments and you feel comfortable, we will provide you with the prescriptions for the medical termination. This process consists of two steps: the first medication will help end the pregnancy, often with minimal symptoms, while the second medication will induce cramping and bleeding to assist in expelling the contents of the uterus. We recommend setting aside the day of the second step for yourself, allowing you to rest and have a supportive adult by your side during this time.
Before the termination, we will conduct a blood test to ensure everything is in order, and we will follow up with another test one week later to confirm the success of the procedure. You can expect your urine pregnancy test to be negative approximately three weeks after the second step.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to revisit your contraceptive options, and we are here to help you find a method that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you navigate your choices and provide the medical support you need during this time.
Deciding whether to have an abortion is a deeply personal choice, and we respect your right to make the decision that feels right for you. It’s essential to talk to your doctor as early as possible in your pregnancy to explore your options and receive the support you deserve.
At James St Medical Northbridge, individuals have access to holistic, client-centered, and non-judgmental pregnancy options and abortion care services. We are here to ensure you feel supported and cared for throughout this process.