A first trimester abortion takes place when a woman is between 4 and 12 weeks pregnant.
Our caring, professional staff recognizes that a woman's health is her responsibility and we are dedicated to providing complete information and the highest quality healthcare services to our patients.
Our trained female counselors will discuss your early abortion options and help you to come to a decision that is right for you. We will also help you find a method of birth control suitable for your individual needs.
We always try to make your stay with us as comfortable and as brief as possible. If you decide to have an abortion and are under 12 weeks pregnant, you can expect to be in our office for 3-5 hours.
DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE your EARLY ABORTION APPOINTMENT TIME. THIS INCLUDES GUM, CANDY, WATER, ETC.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT MEDICAL CONDITION AND ARE TAKING MEDICATIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE SO THAT A TRAINED STAFF MEMBER CAN GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE.
If you are being treated for a chronic or unusual medical condition such as (High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Heart disease, Diabetes ) PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE to speak to one of our trained nurses for specific instructions.
Do not wear any jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, rings, to the office on the day of your early abortion. All body piercing jewelry must be removed. (Especially any tongue or nose piercings).
Do not bring any valuables or a large amount of cash to our abortion office.
Are you using medical insurance to pay for the procedure? VERIFICATION MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE your office visit. Please give us a call and one of our staff members will verify your insurance.
Bring a valid picture ID along with your insurance card on the day of your early abortion appointment.
First Trimester Abortions are done in our office in a two to three hour visit. During this time our patients are first requested to provide us with important medical history. Once all the information is collected, you are invited to participate in a group counseling session. Here we answer your questions, discuss the procedure, and encourage you to air your doubts and feelings.
In order to secure the safety of your early abortion, you will undergo a series of routine tests and exams: a urine test, a blood test, a sonogram and GYN exam. You will have:
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 will be done during your examination with your physician while you lie down comfortably. There is little or no discomfort while the sonogram is being performed. Although you may have had a sonogram elsewhere before coming to our office, we must perform our own sonogram.
At Bronx Abortion, we offer you the opportunity to select the type of anesthesia that is right for you. You can choose to be awake or asleep for the procedure. Your anesthesia options are described in more detail below.
Local Anesthesia involves the injection by the physician of pain-stopping medication into your cervix. You will be fully awake during the procedure, but your cervix will be numbed. You can expect to have moderate cramping during the procedure.
General Anesthesia where drugs are administered by an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist to cause the patient to be asleep and unaware during the procedure.
IV Sedation where relaxing drugs (such as Versed, Fentanyl, etc) are administered through an intravenous needle in the hand causing light conscious sedation or "Twilight" to reduce pain sensation.
Recovery time is somewhat longer after general and twilight sedation options, and we recommend that patients not drive themselves home afterward.
We will provide you with clear, written post-operative instructions prior to your procedure, that way you will be able to discuss them with your physician as needed.
Important tips to remember after the procedure:
• To prevent any infection, we will provide you with antibiotics. It is essential that you take all the medications prescribed by your physician in the manner explained.
• All Rh-Negative type patients are given an injection of Rhogam followedthe procedure.
• You must have an escort to take you home following the procedure done with anesthesia other than local anesthesia. For your own safety, you must not drive for the remainder of the day.
You may resume your normal activities and normal diet after the procedure. It is recommended that you rest during the day of your procedure. You may eat whatever you like but it is suggested that you begin with soups, toast or other easily digestible foods. Do not drink alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, until you have completed the antibiotics prescribed by your physician.
To protect against infection, it is important that nothing goes into your vagina until you have your two-week appointment (Follow-Up). This means:
• NO Tampax or tampons, use only sanitary pads.
• NO vaginal douching.
• DON’T take tub baths or swim, ONLY Shower.
• NO vaginal intercourse.
• You will be required to return to our office within two-week period time after your first visit. During your follow up visit a sonogram will be performed to evaluate the completion and safety of the procedure.
Contraceptives options will be also discussed in your follow up visit.
If you were referred to our office by your Ob/Gyn physician, we encourage you to return to your physician for your post-operative care. However, complete post-operative care and on-going gynecological services are available at our office for all patients.
Our 24 hour HOTLINE number is given to patients after their procedure for questions, problems, and emergencies.
NOTE: It is possible to become pregnant before your next period, so after your follow up, be sure to use a reliable method of birth control.