Anaesthetic for abortion
Suction aspiration and D&E may be done with local or general anaesthetic. In the clinics you are usually given a choice if both are available. In hospitals general anaesthetic is usually used.
Local anaesthetic is very effective for an abortion. Many women are fearful of injections into the cervix, and are surprised when they don’t feel them at all (the cervix is only sensitive to stretching and some movements). During the procedure most feel no pain until the uterus is empty and contracts (as it should, to stop bleeding), causing a cramp like a period pain. This wears off over the next 15-30 seconds, but is usually repeated, at lessening intensity, over the next 5-10 minutes.
The advantages of a local anaesthetic are
that it is cheaper and you don’t have to sleep it off. This means that you can leave the clinic sooner and in your usual state of alertness, particularly important if you have small children to care for when you get home.
You will be offered counselling if you go to a clinic or public hospital for abortion. If you arrange the abortion privately, your doctor will counsel you.
Your counsellor will explain how the abortion is done and answer any questions you have about the procedure and its possible complications. You can also discuss future contraception at this stage.
Another important part of counselling is that it allows you to express your feelings about terminating your pregnancy. You aren’t expected to discuss things you’d rather not mention, though many women welcome the opportunity to talk things over with an independent, understanding person. The counsellor will want to make sure that you’re not being persuaded to have an abortion against your wishes, so though partners or family are most welcome during the interview, part of it will be with you alone.
To comply with the law in Australia, your reason for requesting abortion will be written on your record.
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