Fetal Indications Program
We recognize that patients carrying a baby with fetal abnormalities have specific and special needs and we have services geared especially for you. We work closely with genetics counselors and Maternal – Fetal Medicine specialists to meet requests for fetal testing. Therefore, we offer individual, and group counseling where we discuss the feelings surrounding a fetal indications termination of a loved pregnancy. We also provide outside resources for support surrounding your pregnancy decision.
Prior to the abortion, we discuss the patient’s wishes for saying goodbye to the baby and make a plan to assist their wishes. An essential part of the process, we offer a memory box containing a receiving blanket, footprints, a certificate of stillbirth, and photos. Some women, and their support, choose to view their stillborn the day following their third trimester induction abortion. If you have additional wishes you may be interested in, please inform us and we will accommodate them as best we can. Furthermore, we can help with arrangements for burial or cremation.
Process
Second trimester abortion, dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures, are performed beginning at 14 weeks LMP (3.0cm BPD).
Prior to arrival in Albuquerque, all testing and ultrasounds results that have been done will need to be sent to our office, and a basic health history will be obtained. When here at our office, an ultrasound will be done to date the pregnancy and your full medical history will be taken. Following is lab work and counseling. After meeting with the doctor and signing consents, the abortion process is started.
On the first day, an injection of Digoxin will be administered into the pregnancy to slowly and gently stop the fetal heartbeat. Laminaria, which is sterile, compressed seaweed, is inserted into the cervical canal. As a result of absorbing natural moisture in the body, these laminaria dilate (open) the cervix. Additionally, a medication used to help soften the cervix. The dilation process may need to be repeated the following day if the cervix has not made enough progression. Once the cervix is ready, the process is an aspiration (suction) procedure and emptying contents of the uterus by the physician.
Accommodations
The clinic is an outpatient facility with no overnight accommodations. Several hotels in the area offer discounted rates for a medical stay. Your hotel may provide transportation to and from appointments, the airport, and the bus and train terminals. Check with your hotel if they are able to help with transportation needs. We are located in the center of Albuquerque, less than 10 minutes from both the airport, and from the train and bus terminals. Please call if you need assistance with arrangements for transportation to the clinic, or a hotel stay.
Request a Call to Schedule an Abortion With Our Office
$ Please call our office updated pricing information