ABORTION (Voluntarty Interruption of Pregnancy) INFORMATION The following information is provided for our patients coming in for voluntary interruption of their pregnancy. Before Your Visit | Abortion Services Want to be more prepared for your appointment? Use the workbook of Ferre Institute.will supply links Considering spiritual concerns you want to address as you approach your abortion can enrich and enhance this experience in your life. will supply links In order to save time on the day of your appointment, you may request to complete the necessary lab work and paperwork in advance by Pre-Registering on a day before your scheduled appointment. The day of your appointment: » For your comfort wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and low or flat heeled shoes. A warm sweater may be welcomed. You underware should accommodate a sanitary pad. » If you will be awake (having local anesthetic): Plan to be at the Center for 2 - 3 hours   • You may bring someone with you if you care to. • You may eat a light meal up to1 hour prior to your appointment » If you will be asleep (sedation anesthesia): Plan to be at the Center for 3 hours.   • DO NOT eat, drink, chew gum (FULL NPO) 6 hours prior to your appointment. Be sure to drink water before NPO time. • Please bring someone with you to drive you home...you cannot drive yourself home. » If you will be having a medication (non-surgical) procedure: Plan to be at the Center for 2 - 2 1/2 hours   • You may bring someone with you if you care to. • You may eat a light meal up to 1 hour prior to your appointment. Discontinue Folic Acid supplements and folic acid rich foods. » Please bring information as may be required by Virginia Law as instructed by our telephone health educator when you made your appointment. » Please bring your meds if asthmatic, diabetic or have other such medical condition. Please bring your contact lens case. » Please arrive promptly at your scheduled appointment time. What happens during your appointment? Registration Process: » You will register with the Receptionist » Complete Forms (You can print out, complete the Medical History Form on this site and bring it with you.) » Have lab work done including urine and blood work » Meet individually with one of our health educators to review your medical history, aftercare and to discuss concerns or questions your may have about the abortion, birth control and your feelings then schedule your follow up-appointment 8 – 14 days later. (Follow up exams are included in our fee). » Return to Patient Waiting Room Medical Process: » You will be escorted to the exam room to undress and prepare for procedure. A female attendant will be present to assist you throughout the entire medical process. » Our licensed gynecologist conducts a brief exam including a vaginal sonogram and answers any questions you have. » If you will be asleep (sedation anesthesia) our provider will review your medical history and answer any questions you may have then administer the sedation. » The surgical procedures will follow and take approximately five to seven minutes. Recovery Process: Recovery time varies for each patient but averages 30 minutes to 1 hour. ∑ You will be transitioned to a recovery room or patient lounge attended by one of our Nurses or Health Educators. ∑ In the recovery room you will rest and be monitored, enjoy a beverage and snack, given appropriate medications, review aftercare instructions, your chosen birth control and confirm your follow up-appointment 8 – 14 days later.You may include additional services with your follow-up at a significant discount. ∑ You will be discharged. NOTE: ASLEEP( Anesthesia Patients) MUST have arranged a ride home. You cannot drive FOR AT LEAST 6 MORE HOURS. ∑ You should call the Center if you have any unexpected difficulties or the after Medical emergency number listed on your After Care Instructions. ∑ Follow- Up Appointment: Will be scheduled the day of your procedure for 8 – 14 days later. Plan to be at the center for approximately 30 minutes for your follow-up.