An ultrasound scan may also be used in the hospital or clinic to be certain of the length of the pregnancy. There are two commonly used methods. A surgical termination is performed up to 13 weeks. This involves a general anaesthetic and the introduction of a sterile tube into the uterus through the womb. Suction is applied through the tube and the pregnancy terminated.
Most women leave hospital on the same day.
A medical termination can be performed up to 24 weeks. This involves giving the patient a course of two different types of tablets. The termination usually occurs within 12 hours of beginning the second course of tablets when the woman passes the pregnancy vaginally. Pain is often experienced but pain relief will always be available. The type of termination a woman is offered will depend upon the length of her pregnancy, the facilities that are available to her at her clinic or hospital and also her personal preference.