Private Pregnancy Termination / Abortion
Ending a pregnancy is never an easy decision and we appreciate the sensitive nature of the procedure. There are many varied reasons why someone might decide to end a pregnancy from personal circumstances, to risks and complications involving the baby and/or the mother.
Whatever your reason, we’re here to offer advice and guidance.
We offer pregnancy termination for those that would like to seek private care, or are unable to have their pregnancy terminated through the NHS. An abortion is the ending of a pregnancy so that it does not result in birth. This medical process is also referred to as pregnancy termination. An abortion ends a pregnancy either with a minor surgical procedure or by taking medications. It is estimated that one in three women will undergo an abortion in their lifetime.
When are abortions carried out?
In the UK, abortions are generally carried out within 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, they would generally only be carried out for cases in which a child would be born severely disabled, or a mother’s life is at risk.
The earlier an abortion is carried out, the safer and simpler they are. It is important to get advice as early as possible so that you have more time to make a decision. Pregnancy length is worked out from the first day of the mother’s last period. If you aren’t sure how long this is, an ultrasound scan can be used in order to check.
The decision-making process
While some mothers can be absolutely sure they want to have an abortion, others can find the decision-making process harder. You will be offered the chance to discuss your options with your private gynaecologist.
If you don’t want to tell anyone, you can rest assured that your details and any information you provide will be kept confidential. You should note that information about having an abortion is not entered on your medical record.
What happens when you have an abortion?
Prior to an abortion, you will attend a consultation to discuss your decision and the next steps.
There are two options for having an abortion; an abortion pill (medical abortion), which involves taking two medications, from 24 to 48 hours apart, in order to induce a miscarriage; or a surgical abortion, which is a minor procedure undertaken to remove the pregnancy – you would usually be allowed to go home on the same day. It is normal for discomfort and vaginal bleeding to be experienced for up to a fortnight following a surgical abortion.
Abortion risks
Abortions carried out earlier in pregnancy generally present fewer risks. While most women won’t have any complications, there is a small risk of problems, such as; some of the pregnancy staying in the womb (this happens in up to one in 20 abortions); the womb becoming infected (this happens in up to one in ten abortions); the entrance to the womb is damaged (this happens in around one in 100 abortions); and excessive bleeding (this happens in around one in 1,000 abortions); or damage to the womb itself.
Further treatment, possibly including surgery, is generally needed for cases in which complications occur.
It is important to note that having an abortion will not adversely affect the chances of you becoming pregnant again. You will be able to become pregnant immediately following an abortion, and so contraception is necessary if you want to avoid pregnancy.
If you have questions or if you want to find out more about private pregnancy care or private miscarriage treatment, contact the team at Ian Chilcott today.
