MEDICAL AND SURGICAL OPTIONS
Abortion is used most often to end an unplanned pregnancy in the United States. Unplanned pregnancies happen when birth control is not used, is used incorrectly or fails to prevent a pregnancy. Abortion is also used to end a pregnancy when tests reveal that the fetus is abnormal. When the mother's health is at risk a Therapeutic abortion may be recommended.
The type of procedure used in elective pregnancy termination is primarily determined by how far a woman is into pregnancy. During the first trimester, we have the option of having a medical abortion procedure or a surgical abortion procedure. Before considering the options, it is recommended that you obtain a sonogram to determine if the pregnancy is viable (uterine, non-ectopic pregnancy) and for accurate pregnancy dating.
Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. You should choose the procedure that you feel most comfortable with. We make certain you know the options and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
We ask about your medical history and examine you. Even if you used a home pregnancy test, another pregnancy test often is needed to confirm that you are pregnant. You will need an ultrasound to determine how many weeks into the pregnancy you are and the size of the fetus, and to make sure the pregnancy is not ectopic.
