MANAGEMENT OF UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

Unplanned pregnancy is common and there are a variety of possible outcomes. Some women/couples will decide to continue with the pregnancy after a time of consideration and reflection. Some women are in a less fortunate position either medically, socially, mentally or financially and feel that termination or abortion is the option for them.

​

Termination can be done either medically with tablets or surgically under sedation as a procedure in a licensed clinic or day hospital. Medical termination essentially means that the woman has a miscarriage at home after taking the tablets. This method suits women who have a stable home environment and supportive partner or friend.  Usually women need 2 days off work although bleeding persists for longer. Medical termination can be done up to 9 weeks gestation. Beyond this then surgical procedure is warranted.

​

Initial consultation involves discussion and counselling to establish suitability, consent, and preparation of what to expect over the following 2 weeks. US is then done in house to accurately estimate the age of the pregnancy, followed by testing of rhesus blood type and a urine test to confirm pregnancy and test for chlamydia. A script is then created and instructions given regarding which chemists stock the drugs (not many chemists are authorised to dispense this) and time of dosage.

​

Medical terminations are effective and well tolerated but do have a failure rate. This means that it is very important to come back for follow up 2-3 weeks later to check that the pregnancy test is negative and the US shows an empty uterus. This is also a good time to plan contraception.