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We're
sensitive to the fact that you may be experiencing profound
grief when you are here for a pregnancy termination due
to a fetal abnormality. Our fetal anomaly program is designed
to help you cope with your loss.
Making
an Appointment
When you call our appointment center, we'll ask you the
name of your referring physician or counselor as well as
the name of the diagnosed abnormality. We'll also ask if
you and your physician want to have additional genetic testing
of the fetal tissue following the termination. We must be
notified of these arrangements prior to your appointment.
We'll explain our services and fees and check with your
insurance company regarding medical coverage.
During
Your First Appointment
A patient advocate will coordinate your services. She'll
meet you when you arrive and offer you and your significant
other the comfort of a private waiting room. We'll expedite
your appointment to minimize waiting time, but please expect
to be here for 2 to 4 hours. You'll receive an ultrasound
exam and a private information session with your patient
advocate. Your significant other may accompany you during
these sessions.
The
Termination Procedure
On your second visit, our physician will insert small tampon-like
dilators (laminaria) into your cervix to gently and gradually
dilate it, a process that takes about 5 minutes. If the
fetus is less than 17 weeks, the physician will complete
the termination procedure later the same day. If the fetus
is 17 weeks or more, the dilators will remain in place overnight,
and you'll return the following day to complete the procedure.
The
procedure itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The physician
will use the D&E (dilation and evacuation) method. A
patient support person will stay with you during the procedure
to help you feel comfortable. She'll then escort you to
the recovery room. There our nursing staff will monitor
you for about 90 minutes, after which you'll be ready to
go home.
Afterwards
Our physician will send the referring physician a medical
report for your file. We'll give you information about support
services for couples experiencing a loss resulting from
a fetal problem. A nurse is available around the clock if
you have any medical concerns.
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sensitive
to your unique needs
