During a medical termination consultation with your doctor, you can expect a thorough and supportive discussion about the procedure, your health, and the options available to you. Here's what you might experience during the consultation:
Confidentiality and Privacy: Your doctor will prioritise your confidentiality and privacy throughout the consultation. They will create a safe space for you to discuss your situation openly and honestly.
Medical History Review: Your doctor will review your medical history to ensure that medical termination is a safe and appropriate option for you. They may ask questions about your previous pregnancies, medical conditions, medications you are currently taking, allergies, and any relevant surgical history.
Pregnancy Confirmation: The doctor will perform a pregnancy test or review your recent test results to confirm that you are pregnant. This is a crucial step to ensure that medical termination is the right course of action.
Gestational Age Assessment: The doctor will need to ensure they have pathology and radiology investigation results to assess the gestational age of the pregnancy. Medical termination is generally more effective during the early stages of pregnancy, so this information is essential in determining the best course of action.
Explanation of the Procedure: Your doctor will explain the medical termination procedure in detail, including the medications used (mifepristone and misoprostol), how they work, and the expected timeline for the abortion process.
Discussing Alternatives: Your doctor will discuss all available options, including medical termination, surgical abortion, and continuing the pregnancy. They will provide information about the risks and benefits of each option so that you can make an informed decision.
Addressing Concerns and Questions: This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about the procedure, side effects, emotional impact, or any other related topic. Your doctor will be there to provide accurate information and address your concerns.
Consent and Legal Requirements: Before proceeding with the medical termination, you will be asked to provide informed consent. This means that you fully understand the procedure, its risks, and have had all your questions answered. Your doctor will ensure that you meet any legal requirements for obtaining an abortion, which can vary by region.
Emotional Support: Your doctor should offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the consultation. They will be understanding and compassionate about the choices you are facing.
Follow-Up and Aftercare: Your doctor will explain the importance of attending a follow-up appointment to ensure that the abortion is complete and to address any potential complications. They will also provide instructions for aftercare, including what to expect and how to manage any discomfort.
Remember that your doctor's primary concern is your well-being, and they are there to provide the best care possible during this sensitive time. If you have any concerns or uncertainties, do not hesitate to communicate openly with your doctor. Having a supportive healthcare provider can make the process more manageable and less stressful.
Rest and Recovery: After taking the medications, it's essential to give yourself time to rest and recover. You may experience cramping and bleeding, so take it easy and avoid strenuous activities for at least a day or as advised by your doctor.
Pain Management: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), to help manage cramps or discomfort. However, avoid using aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as they may increase bleeding.
Bleeding: Expect vaginal bleeding and spotting for several days, which can be similar to a heavy menstrual period. The bleeding may be more intense during the first 24-48 hours after taking misoprostol. Use pads rather than tampons during this time to reduce the risk of infection.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during the process, especially if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea as side effects.
Follow-Up Appointment: Attend the follow-up appointment scheduled by your healthcare provider. This appointment is crucial to ensure the medical termination is complete and to address any concerns or complications.
Signs of Concern: Contact the clinic ( 07 5616 8070 ) immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Or attend accident and emergency at Gold Coast University Hospital
Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by pain medication.
Heavy bleeding (soaking through more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours).
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, or persistent pelvic pain.
Emotional Support: It's normal to experience a range of emotions during and after the medical termination. Ensure you have emotional support from friends, family, or counseling services if needed.
Contraception: Discuss contraceptive options with your Doctor to prevent future pregnancies and to determine when it is safe to resume sexual activity.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it's essential to follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor. They will provide you with personalised aftercare instructions and support during this process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call 07 5616 8070.
Informed consent is a critical aspect of any medical procedure, including medical termination. It ensures that the patient has been provided with all necessary information about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, enabling them to make an informed and voluntary decision about their healthcare. When obtaining informed consent for a medical termination procedure, the following elements should be covered:
Explanation of the Procedure: The healthcare provider should explain the medical termination procedure in detail, including the medications used (mifepristone and misoprostol), how they work, and the expected timeline for the abortion process.
Purpose and Intention: The purpose of the procedure should be clearly explained, along with the intention of ending the pregnancy.
Risks and Side Effects: The healthcare provider should discuss all potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure. This may include heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and possible emotional effects.
Alternatives: The patient should be informed about all available alternatives to medical termination, such as surgical abortion or continuing the pregnancy to term. Each option's risks and benefits should be discussed to allow the patient to make an informed decision.
Gestational Age Limitations: The healthcare provider should inform the patient about the gestational age limitations for medical termination in their region. Medical termination is typically more effective in the earlier stages of pregnancy.
Follow-Up and Aftercare: The patient should be informed about the importance of attending a follow-up appointment to ensure that the abortion is complete and to address any potential complications. Aftercare instructions should also be provided.
Emotional Support: The emotional impact of the procedure should be discussed, and the patient should be encouraged to seek emotional support from friends, family, or counseling services if needed.
Right to Refuse or Withdraw: The patient should be informed of their right to refuse the procedure or to withdraw consent at any time before or during the procedure.
Confidentiality: The healthcare provider should reassure the patient that their personal information will be kept confidential.
Consent Form: The patient should be asked to sign a consent form indicating that they have received all the necessary information, their questions have been answered satisfactorily, and they voluntarily agree to undergo the medical termination procedure.
Informed consent should be obtained without any pressure or coercion, and the patient should have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any concerns they may have. This process ensures that the patient is actively involved in their healthcare decision-making and has a clear understanding of the procedure they are undergoing.
| Consultation | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preconsultation | $105.00 | $41.40 | $63.60 |
| MTOP Consultation | $400.00 | 0 | $400.00 |
| Follow Up | $41.40 | $41.40 | $0.00 |
| Consultation | Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare cardholder | $30-$50 | 0 | $30-$50 |
We request that all cancellations are made within 24 hours where practical.
Cancellations in less than 2 hours or failure to attend will result in your deposit being retained as a cancellation fee.
Medical termination medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) in Australia are only available with a prescription. If your doctor determines that you are clinically indicated for a medical termination, they will issue you with a prescription at the time of consultation.
For certain women the choice of whether to continue a pregnancy may be straightforward, but for others, the decision can be more intricate. Regardless of the outcome, it is essential that the decision aligns with your personal values and beliefs. You are the ultimate authority in your life, and you have the best understanding of which option will be most suitable for you. To gain a deeper understanding of your choices, you can utilise this decision-making tool, which may assist you in making an informed decision.
https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/information-support/decision-making/
Yes, it is essential to have a follow-up consultation following a medical termination. A follow-up appointment is a crucial part of the medical termination process to ensure that the abortion is complete and to address any potential complications or concerns.
Confirming Completion: The follow-up appointment allows the healthcare provider to confirm that the medical termination was successful and that the pregnancy has been fully terminated. This is important for your health and to ensure that there are no retained pregnancy tissues, which could lead to complications.