Understanding Pregnancy Termination: Options, Support, and Next Steps
Finding out you're pregnant can bring a range of emotions, especially if the timing isn't right for you. In Queensland, you have the option to discuss and consider pregnancy termination if that’s the choice you make. This post aims to provide clear information on the options available, the physical and emotional aspects to consider, and the support resources to help you through this process.
Deciding to terminate a pregnancy can be a deeply personal and emotional decision. It’s important to acknowledge and address the feelings you may experience, which can include:
Confusion and Uncertainty: It’s normal to feel unsure about your decision. Take the time you need to consider your options and talk to a healthcare provider.
Guilt and Shame: You may experience guilt or shame, but it’s crucial to remember that seeking a termination is a personal choice and there are support systems in place to help you through this time.
Relief and Empowerment: For some, making the decision to terminate can bring a sense of relief and empowerment, especially if it’s the right choice for your current circumstances.
Options for Pregnancy Termination in Queensland
In Queensland, there are two main types of pregnancy termination: medical and surgical. Each option has its own procedures and considerations.
1. Medical Termination (MS 2-Step)
A medical termination involves taking medication to end a pregnancy. This option is typically available up to 9 weeks into the pregnancy. The process involves:
First Medication: Mifepristone - This medication works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue.
Second Medication: 24 to 48 hours later, Misoprostol is taken which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Both Mifepristone and misoprostol work together to end a pregnancy. They will cause vaginal bleeding, uterine cramping and pain, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, short term fever and chills.
This tablets can be taken in your own home, with the support of your healthcare provider if you live near an emergency center.
Follow-Up: A follow-up visit is scheduled to ensure the procedure is complete and to check for any complications.
2. Surgical Termination
Surgical termination is a procedure performed in a clinic or hospital setting and is considered for pregnancies over 9 weeks or when a medical termination is not suitable. There are different types of surgical termination:
Suction Aspiration: This method involves using a suction device to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It’s typically performed up to 12-14 weeks into the pregnancy.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C): This procedure involves dilating the cervix and using surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy tissue. It’s usually performed between 12-16 weeks.
After 16 weeks and prior to 20 weeks it is still possible to terminate the pregnancy. This usually requires an in hospital controlled medical termination whereby you deliver the products of conception with the help of obstetrics and midwifery team.
Choosing the Right Option
Your healthcare provider will discuss the options with you and help determine the best method based on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your medical history, and your personal preferences.
Getting Help and Support
If you’re considering pregnancy termination, several resources are available to support you:
Healthcare Providers: Your GP or an obstetrician can provide information about the procedures, answer your questions, and offer emotional support.
Counseling Services: Professional counselors can help you navigate the emotional aspects of your decision and provide support before and after the procedure.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who have faced similar decisions can provide comfort and understanding. Look for local or online support groups that focus on reproductive health and termination.
Specialised Clinics: In Queensland, clinics such as Marie Stopes Australia and other local providers offer counseling, medical, and surgical termination services.
My favorite resource is https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/ which provide counselling and support. You might like to use their decision guide to step through their reflective decision making guide which can be a helpful when making this decision https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/information-support/decision-making/.
After a Termination
You may have many different thoughts and feelings afterwards. This could include; relief, loss, anger, sadness, overwhelmed, regret, empowered or happy. There is no right or wrong emotion when it comes to an abortion experience, and varying emotions afterwards are valid and okay. It might be helpful to talk to a trusted friend or family member, participate in a self–care activity, or your healthcare provider. There is also a hormonal shift happening which can affect how someone feels.
Contraception and Family Planning
In Australia, one in two women will experience an unplanned pregnancy in their lifetime. More than half of these women were using at least one form of contraception at the time – meaning it failed to work as intended. When contraception fails or is not used, emergency contraception can help avoid pregnancy. However, if you would like to reduce the chance of contraceptive failure, you may want to consider a more reliable long-acting reversible option. After a termination of pregnancy it is an important time consider a reliable contraceptive option. You might also like to start planning if an when a pregnancy would be desirable to you.
Please see my blog post on contraception for more information https://www.drjessicaclarke.com.au/blog/exploring-contraception-options-a-guide-for-women.