Surgical Termination under Local Anaesthetic
- Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) >
- Capital & Coast DHB Termination of Pregnancy & Counselling Service - Women's Health Service Te Mahoe
Surgical terminations are done at Women's Clinics - Te Mahoe from 6 to 14 weeks under local anaesthetic (LA). This is the most common method used in New Zealand, called dilatation and suction curettage or vacuum aspiration. It can be performed from 5-6 weeks after the last normal menstrual period.
Medication (misoprostol) is given to help soften the cervix prior to the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Pain medication is provided and you are given medicine to lightly sedate you during the procedure (conscious sedation).