Medical Termination of Pregnancy
An unwanted pregnancy may be terminated medically or surgically, or using a combination of the two.
The important thing is to get in contact with us as soon as possible so that we can explore your options with you.
We have onsite ultrasound and locally based termination and follow up services. There is no need to travel to Perth to receive the support you need.
“We were very grateful for the service and so glad we found you down in Dunsborough and could do it in Busselton.
Everyone including the nurse, theatre staff, and doctor were wonderful. Thank you.”
Susan
Medical Termination of Pregnancy
Medical abortion (medically induced miscarriage) using MS-2 Step (tablets) is best performed for early pregnancies once the pregnancy sac can be seen on ultrasound (from 4.5 weeks) This medication can only be dispensed by doctors licensed to do so, once the doctor is happy that this is a safe option for you. Our Doctors have been granted a licence with approval to prescribe this medication for pregnancies under 9 weeks (63 days) and for patients who are medically suitable for this treatment. VEMA or very early medical abortion is also available and requires specific follow up.
The MS-2Step is most effective if 7 weeks gestation or less. [It is 95-98% effective]
Beyond 7-9 weeks, successful termination with this method decreases to 91%. The pain and bleeding are also found to be heavier. It will fail to achieve a miscarriage in 2-5 out of every 100 patients if you are more than 8 weeks pregnant.
Choices South West prefers to avoid the use of MS2Step over 8.5 weeks due to the reduced chance of success (failed abortion) and greater likelihood for heavier bleeding and pain during the process.
Our process of Appoiontment:
Contact us to make an appointment with our doctor, who will see you as soon as possible. In order to have a medical termination of pregnancy, the doctor will need to check a few things:
Certainty of decision: Counselling at an initial triage consultation (done with our choices clinical nurse -usually by phone) will happen. We need to ensure that you understand the necessary procedure, that you are aware of the possible risks involved and have all the necessary information related to medical abortion.
Some unwanted pregnancies are caused through sexaul assault or forced coercion/decision making. If you think this is you please let us know - we are here to help.
https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/for-professionals/violence-coercion/
https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/sexual-assault-and-violence
Blood tests: it is very important we know your blood group. Please see your GP to organise this and the pregnancy hormone level (beta hcg).
An ultrasound will need to be performed to ensure that the pregnancy is in the uterus and is not an ‘ectopic ‘or ‘tubal’ pregnancy. This will also confirm how many weeks you are and is more accurate than a blood test. We Scan ONSITE.
What happens in a medical termination?
The medical termination involves 2 steps.
Step 1:
You take a drug called Mifepristone, which blocks the effect of progesterone and therefore stops the pregnancy. A small amount of women will begin bleeding with the first step, and this is normal. Many women can still work following step 1.
Step 2:
This is followed 36 hours later by four tablets of a drug called Misoprostol taken as directed. This is when most women will expect bleeding to occur within four hours but in some cases may occur anywhere between 30 minutes and 48 hours. The bleeding can be quite heavy initially and you may see a few blood clots. The bleeding will then settle down to light and on average last 10 to 14 days. It is important to use pads rather than tampons to reduce your risk of infection.
Have someone with you that can help look after you and or other children during your medical termination, or who could drive you if you need to attend our clinic or the hospital for emergency care. It is important that you are able to communicate with us if there any problems arise during your miscarriage process.
Is it painful?
Pain is to be expected and can be managed using hot packs, rest, lower back massage, Neurofen or Neurofen plus. Our doctor can write you a script for stronger pain medication. Pain usually begins with the second step and can last anywhere between 30 minutes and three hours until you pass the pregnancy tissue- it is a good idea to take your pain medication half an hour before Step 2.
Some women can experience side-effects such as headache, breast tenderness, fainting, hot flushes. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and short-term fever and chills. These side-effects are self-limiting and short-term.
If you have any unexpected symptoms or concerns, call Choices South West 24/7 on 0477 550 656 or phone the MS2Step Helpine on 1300 515 883.
After care
It is essential that you have a follow up 2 weeks later (by phone if travel to Dunsborough is difficult) to confirm the success of the treatment and check how you are feeling. Issues such as prolonged bleeding and infection can be assessed at your follow up or we can coordinate this consultation with your local doctor if you prefer.
What if I change my mind half way through the steps?
It is essential that you are certain of your decision prior to undergoing the treatment due to the risk of foetal abnormality if you don’t finish the MS2step process, and decide to continue with the pregnancy. There is a high risk of miscarriage if only Step 1 is taken if you have decided to continue the pregnancy. Speak to us immediately if you have any questions or concerns.
Dispensing pharmacies
Once you’ve made the decision to proceed with a medical termination, our doctor will dispense onsite or send you an E-script for the MS-2 Step medication. You can have the prescription filled at one of these dispensing pharmacies. Most hold limited stock, so we recommend calling ahead to check they have it available.
Dunsborough
Dunsborough Pharmacy - 9755 3272
Dunsborough Centrepoint Shopping Centre
Busselton
West Busselton Pharmacy
Terry White Chemmart Busselton - 9752 4200
Busselton Boulevard Shopping Centre
Bunbury
Bunbury Drive-in Chemist - 9791 2447
51-55 Forrest Ave, South Bunbury
Southwest Hospital Pharmacy - 9729 6290
St John of God Bunbury
Contact us to make an appointment.
Is your pregnancy approaching or past 9 weeks gestation? Learn more about surgical termination of pregnancy here>
“
Thank you so much for calling for my follow up. I really appreciated a call.”
Robyn