Urogynaecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery,
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Laparoscopic Gynae Surgery

+65-62585530
jameslee.gyne@gmail.com

Abortion Procedure

Pre-operative Preparation

Abortion is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Abortion is done under sedation. Medications are given to sedate you and slide you into a slumber. When the abortion is completed, you will need about an hour to recover from the drowsiness. Before the abortion, you have to keep yourself well. Optimizing your health before the abortion will help you to recover better. Before the abortion, you must not drink or eat for four to six hours. This reduces the risk of food content in the stomach from regurgitating into the lung passages. Do arrange to come with a friend, who will accompany you home. Please do not wear nail polish or any jewellery.

Post-operative Care

The abortion takes about fifteen minutes, during which you will be asleep. When you come around, you will experience lower abdominal cramps. You may feel drowsy and nauseous. You will be recovered till you feel well enough to walk around. Pain killers and anti-nausea medication may be necessary. When you are ready, your friend will see you home. You are advised not to take a full meal immediately. You should stay away from crowded places immediately after the procedure. Quiet rest is best.

Follow-Up Appointment

You will need to return for a review appointment one week after the abortion. Contraceptive issues will be discussed again so as to prevent further unplanned pregnancy. Most of you will have your next period in four to six weeks’ time. If your period is delayed beyond eight weeks, it is important to call in. For two to three week after the procedure, you may want to avoid sexual intercourse in order to minimize the chance of pelvic infection. We will advise you on when it is safe to resume sexual activity when we review you a week later. Emotionally, most of you will feel relieved after the TOP, as the unplanned pregnancy would have kept you worried for a while. Nevertheless, some of you will be overcome by other emotions, such as anger, regret and guilt, which may persist for some time. We strongly encourage you to discuss your reactions with us at anytime. We understand your dilemma and are available to support you through your physical and emotional recovery.

Types Of Abortion Procedures

Many methods are available to abort an unplanned pregnancy, and the technique of choice depends on the age of the pregnancy. The first trimester of a pregnancy spans from the first day of the last normal menstrual period (assuming a 28 day cycle) to the end of the twelve week. The second trimester begins in the thirteen week to the end of the 28th week. It is not legal to terminate a pregnancy after 24th completed weeks of pregnancy.

Cytotec Improves Safety Of Abortion Procedure

Abortion pill RU486 (Mifepristone) came into use in the early 1990s. RU486 alone or with Cytotec (Misoprostol) give excellent results when used correctly. RU486 is available only in few countries. The use of Cytotec during standard abortion procedure has been confirmed by many studies to improve the safety (that is, less complication) of the procedure and less post operative discomfort. Injudicious use of Cytotec has however resulted in serious side effects to the pregnant women with few deaths reported. The back-street sale of Cytotec has unfortunately delayed the timely termination of many unplanned pregnancy. It results in subsequent late gestation abortion, which has more complications, higher costs and far more inconvenient.

Same Day Abortion Service With the change in the TOP Guidelines in April 2015, performing the abortion on the same day of consultation is no longer possible in Singapore. Every woman who wish to terminate the pregnancy has to receive mandatory pre-abortion counseling. The Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines necessitate a period of 48 hours between the pre-abortion counseling and the giving of consent for the procedure. This mandatory period is for the woman to re-consider her request for the abortion.