What is pregnancy termination?
NWC provides therapeutic and elective abortions up to the 15th week of pregnancy. The procedure requires only minor surgery so the patient can return home within 2 hours. The procedure is performed by dilation of the cervix, and then a vacuum suction is done which empties the contents of the uterus. Bleeding similar to a normal period takes place for a few days. There are no incisions and the total procedure takes only a few minutes to perform.

On the day of your surgery
Upon arrival you will go to an individual private room. You will be asked to complete paperwork including your medical history and consent forms. Concerns and questions are addressed at this time. Counseling is provided about your procedure and aftercare. Aftercare instructions are given prior to the procedure and anesthesia to make sure the patient is informed about their home care.

Confidentiality
You can be assured that all of your personal information remains confidential. No part of any record will be released without your written authorization. Insurance companies must also keep your information confidential.

Special Tests (Laboratory)
Our certified laboratory technologist works in our nationally approved CLIA laboratory to provide you with the best preoperative tests. These tests include blood count, RH blood factor and urine pregnancy test. An abdominal or vaginal ultrasound will be performed prior and during surgery to safely guide the surgeon.

Preoperative Evaluation
A preoperative evaluation of your health status and length of pregnancy is performed and reviewed by the attending surgeon and our anesthesia department. The surgeon wants to be certain you receive the safest care. An assessment and review of your health history allows detection of any risk factors. Complications are rare when you have experienced surgeon. After you change into a surgical gown, similar to ones at a hospital, the nurse will escort you to the surgical suite. All of your belongings will remain with you throughout your stay.

Three types of anesthesia are available:
General anesthesia is recommended. Given by a certified nurse anesthetist, a small IV is inserted and medication is administered. You will be asleep approximately 10 - 12 minutes.

Local and local with sedation are also available. With a local, the surgeon numbs your cervix by injection before any part of the procedure is performed. There is some pressure and slight cramping associated with having a local. Sedation with a local can be administered. This will relax you while having the abortion.

Anesthetists and electronic monitors evaluate the heart, blood pressure, and respiration during surgery.

The Procedure
A vacuum aspiration technique is performed. There is NO cutting or scraping of the uterus. The length of the procedure is generally 10 minutes. Ultrasound guidance is used as needed during surgery to avoid an incomplete procedure and to safely guide the surgeon.

Recovery Room - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
There are three registered nurses in the recovery room. For your safety, computer monitors are used to evaluate oxygen, pulse, blood pressure and respiration. Recovery time is usually 45 - 60 minutes at which time you will be released to the care of your companion. You will experience mild uterine bleeding similar to your menstrual period that will last approximately 7 - 10 days. NWC will provide you with a sanitary pad. Upon leaving the recovery room, you will have in your possession postoperative medications or prescriptions and written instructions about your aftercare, which includes a 24-hour emergency telephone number if needed. Copies of your operative report and lab test result are given to you for your record or you may choose to give them to your private physician. You are asked to call the office during normal office hours to schedule your follow-up postoperative examination in 18-28 days. Your surgeon is available 24/7 for any urgent concerns. Please telephone the emergency number if there is an urgent problem. All other matters should be handled during normal business hours.