Pregnancy & termination clinic
At EastCoast
Women’s Centre, we understand that planning a family can be either
an exciting or daunting experience for some couples.
Get in touch to book an appointment.
To ensure you get the support you need we offer options including pregnancy assessments and termination. Our team will make you feel comfortable in our clinic and will put your mind at ease throughout the process.
Get in touch to book an appointment.
Pregnancy AssessmentShared Care Antenatal VisitsContraceptionTermination of PregnancySurgical TerminationMedical TerminationPOST TERMINATION CHECK-UPSVasectomy
If you think you might be pregnant book an appointment at our clinic for an assessment.
Our clinicians can conduct testing in our Nambour clinic to confirm the pregnancy. On occasion we may need to do a blood test to confirm a pregnancy in the early stages.
Our clinicians can conduct testing in our Nambour clinic to confirm the pregnancy. On occasion we may need to do a blood test to confirm a pregnancy in the early stages.
If you are experiencing unusual symptoms like bleeding or spotting, we are here to help you.
Once your
pregnancy is confirmed it’s important to schedule antenatal
appointments throughout the pregnancy. The appointments are often
carried out at the hospital, although with a shared care arrangement
we can carry them out right here in our Nambour clinic.
Shared care is an arrangement between the hospital and our health clinic where your pregnancy care is divided between the two places. Some women like this arrangement as it allows them to receive most of their maternity care from a known health provider.
Once an arrangement is in place you will need to book 8 to 10 appointments, depending on your situation.
Shared care is an arrangement between the hospital and our health clinic where your pregnancy care is divided between the two places. Some women like this arrangement as it allows them to receive most of their maternity care from a known health provider.
Once an arrangement is in place you will need to book 8 to 10 appointments, depending on your situation.
Most women are
familiar with the oral contraceptive pill, though it’s important to note
this isn’t the only option and is not always the most reliable
method. There are other methods that can protect you without you
needing to remember to do anything.
Contraceptive options include:
Contraceptive options include:
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Hormonal IUD:
The
hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) is 99% effective at
preventing pregnancy. It is a small device that is placed into
the uterus by a healthcare provider and lasts 5 years. The hormonal
IUD slowly releases hormones into your body each day to thicken
cervical mucus, prevent sperm from binding to an egg, and may make
you ovulate less often. The placement takes only a few minutes and is
a reversible procedure, meaning you can have it removed at any time
and try to become pregnant right away. This method is suitable for
all women, no matter if you have or have not had a child.
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Copper IUD:
A copper
intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that has a copper
wire wrapped around the stem. This is a non-hormonal IUD that lasts
for up to 5 years.
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Contraceptive Implant:
The contraceptive
implant is a white plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the
upper inner arm to stop pregnancy. It works by releasing
small amounts of progestogen into the body. This contraceptive
is effective for 3 years.
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Diaphragm:
A Diaphragm is a
barrier method of birth control. It is a soft silicone cap worn
inside the vagina in order to cover the cervix. This cover stops
sperm from going in to the uterus and joining an egg. A diaphragm is
only effective if it is fitted properly and used every time you have
sex. You can insert the diaphragm 24 hours before having sex and it
is recommended you remove it no earlier than 6 hours after sex. This
method can also be used when you have your period. Diaphragms can be
washed and used again—they last for 1 to 2 years.
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Contraceptive Vaginal Ring:
The contraceptive vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring that contains oestrogen and progestogen, similar to the contraceptive pill. It is placed in your vagina and the hormones are absorbed into the body. This method requires you to leave the ring in for 3 weeks and then take it out for 1 week, so you can have a normal bleed. After that period, a new ring will need to be inserted.
Our team can walk you through the contraception available and discuss what is best suited to you. Contact us to book an appointment.
Our team can walk you through the contraception available and discuss what is best suited to you. Contact us to book an appointment.
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Depo Ralovera Injection:
Coming soon...
The EastCoast
Women's Centre provides legal, safe surgical and medical terminations
of pregnancy. We strive to support our patients, protect their
personal dignity and privacy, and respect their choices during such a
difficult and stressful time.
All patients are treated with individualised, personalised care. A medical history is obtained to alert the doctor to medical conditions and any allergies. An ultrasound is performed to determine the gestation. We check the patient’s vital signs; pathology testing is performed to verify the pregnancy and to check a patient’s blood group, and antibodies (if this has not already been performed by the patient’s GP).
Our registered nurses counsel each patient on the benefits, risks and alternatives of the procedure.
Our medical staff is dedicated to serving women's medical needs. As well as termination, they offer a full range of gynaecological services which you can access here. Emphasis is placed on safety, comfort, confidentiality, and individualised care.
In order to ensure your safety, our doctors have performed a number of terminations in their careers. This expertise minimises the risks involved. Their personal dedication to providing termination services continues to ensure that women maintain the right and the opportunity to choose their own pregnancy outcome. Comfort is of the utmost importance. Anaesthetic is available for all surgical terminations.
Our staff respects the confidentiality of all patient interactions. If you choose to include your spouse, partner, parent, other family member or friend in your visit to our office, we will welcome their participation and address any concerns that they may have. If you choose to maintain strict confidentiality, we will support you in this decision.
Queensland law does require parent or guardian consent for pregnancy terminations if you are under the age of 14 years.
Our staff will maintain confidentiality for young women choosing to have a termination. Our convenient office hours provide for the flexibility necessary to accommodate even the most restrictive schedules. If you are a minor, we encourage you to discuss this decision with your parents, but, if you choose not to we will do everything we can to respect your privacy.
We require you to book a post termination check-up 2 weeks after the procedure is completed. This session is conducted to ensure you have properly recovered and that the procedure was successful.
The check-up involves a blood-pressure check and an examination of your abdomen. We will:
All patients are treated with individualised, personalised care. A medical history is obtained to alert the doctor to medical conditions and any allergies. An ultrasound is performed to determine the gestation. We check the patient’s vital signs; pathology testing is performed to verify the pregnancy and to check a patient’s blood group, and antibodies (if this has not already been performed by the patient’s GP).
Our registered nurses counsel each patient on the benefits, risks and alternatives of the procedure.
Our medical staff is dedicated to serving women's medical needs. As well as termination, they offer a full range of gynaecological services which you can access here. Emphasis is placed on safety, comfort, confidentiality, and individualised care.
In order to ensure your safety, our doctors have performed a number of terminations in their careers. This expertise minimises the risks involved. Their personal dedication to providing termination services continues to ensure that women maintain the right and the opportunity to choose their own pregnancy outcome. Comfort is of the utmost importance. Anaesthetic is available for all surgical terminations.
Our staff respects the confidentiality of all patient interactions. If you choose to include your spouse, partner, parent, other family member or friend in your visit to our office, we will welcome their participation and address any concerns that they may have. If you choose to maintain strict confidentiality, we will support you in this decision.
Queensland law does require parent or guardian consent for pregnancy terminations if you are under the age of 14 years.
Our staff will maintain confidentiality for young women choosing to have a termination. Our convenient office hours provide for the flexibility necessary to accommodate even the most restrictive schedules. If you are a minor, we encourage you to discuss this decision with your parents, but, if you choose not to we will do everything we can to respect your privacy.
We require you to book a post termination check-up 2 weeks after the procedure is completed. This session is conducted to ensure you have properly recovered and that the procedure was successful.
The check-up involves a blood-pressure check and an examination of your abdomen. We will:
- Confirm the pregnancy has ended
- Check your bleeding pattern
- Assist with contraceptive needs
Surgical
termination is a very simple and safe procedure. This procedure can
be performed at up to 15 weeks’ gestation and can be completed in
one day. The actual procedure takes about 15–45 minutes. The duration of your stay will be 4 hours.
Fast acting anaesthesia is administered intravenously (IV) in the arm by an anaesthetist. Consciousness returns quickly when the procedure is over.
Before the procedure you will need to have a blood test and ultrasound. This allows the clinic to be aware of your blood group and Rhesus status and will confirm how far along you are.
It is a legal requirement that after anaesthetic patients must not drive or make important decisions for twenty-four hours, therefore, you will require an escort to drive you home.
Fast acting anaesthesia is administered intravenously (IV) in the arm by an anaesthetist. Consciousness returns quickly when the procedure is over.
Before the procedure you will need to have a blood test and ultrasound. This allows the clinic to be aware of your blood group and Rhesus status and will confirm how far along you are.
It is a legal requirement that after anaesthetic patients must not drive or make important decisions for twenty-four hours, therefore, you will require an escort to drive you home.
Medical termination involves using two medications to terminate a pregnancy up to nine weeks, or 63 days, from the last menstrual period, confirmed by ultrasound.
The first medication Mifepristone (RU486 or "Abortion Pill") is a drug that blocks the progesterone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. A miscarriage will generally happen within 12 hours, though most will experience a miscarriage within the first 4 hours.
The most common side effects of a medical termination are caused by Misoprostol. Bleeding and severe cramping are a normal part of the process. The bleeding can be heavier than a normal period. Bleeding and spotting usually lasts from 9–16 days.
In addition to cramps and bleeding, early side effects may include:
If flu-like symptoms or abdominal pain are experienced more than 24 hours after using Misoprostol, call the clinic. Our doctor will instruct you on how to manage these side effects.
A medical termination requires 2 to 3 appointments with our licensed practitioners. An initial consultation must be undertaken in order to prescribe and discuss the situation.
The first medication Mifepristone (RU486 or "Abortion Pill") is a drug that blocks the progesterone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. A miscarriage will generally happen within 12 hours, though most will experience a miscarriage within the first 4 hours.
The most common side effects of a medical termination are caused by Misoprostol. Bleeding and severe cramping are a normal part of the process. The bleeding can be heavier than a normal period. Bleeding and spotting usually lasts from 9–16 days.
In addition to cramps and bleeding, early side effects may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
If flu-like symptoms or abdominal pain are experienced more than 24 hours after using Misoprostol, call the clinic. Our doctor will instruct you on how to manage these side effects.
A medical termination requires 2 to 3 appointments with our licensed practitioners. An initial consultation must be undertaken in order to prescribe and discuss the situation.
What to expect
After the initial
paperwork, ultrasound, pathology work, and examinations are
completed, final instructions and information are given to the
patient prior to administering the "Abortion Pill".
This oral medication (Mifepristone) begins the termination process prior to leaving the clinic. During the next 24–48 hours (at the discretion of the patient), 4 small tablets (Misoprostol) are inserted orally between the cheek and gums, which then completes the procedure at home.
A mandatory follow-up visit is required at 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure to confirm the pregnancy has been successfully terminated.
This oral medication (Mifepristone) begins the termination process prior to leaving the clinic. During the next 24–48 hours (at the discretion of the patient), 4 small tablets (Misoprostol) are inserted orally between the cheek and gums, which then completes the procedure at home.
A mandatory follow-up visit is required at 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure to confirm the pregnancy has been successfully terminated.
In order to receive Mifepristone, you:
- must be less than 63 days (nine weeks) from the first day of your last menstrual period
- must agree to have a surgical termination if the medical termination fails
- must be able to receive phone calls from us
- must have a carer at home
- must agree to return to us for a repeat ultrasound in two weeks
Medications are administered under our practitioner's close supervision in order to ensure the procedure is effective. There is a small percentage of women for whom the combination of medical drugs is not effective to produce complete termination. A follow-up surgical procedure is sometimes needed.
Deciding to continue the pregnancy to term is not an option after taking the first medication because the medications can cause birth defects in the pregnancy.
After an abortion we require you to book a post termination
check-up 2 weeks after the procedure is completed. This session is conducted to
ensure you have properly recovered and that the procedure was successful.
The check-up involves a blood-pressure check and an examination of your abdomen. We will:
Confirm the pregnancy has ended
Check your bleeding pattern
Assist with contraceptive needs
We recommend waiting until after your check-up to have intercourse again. If you do have intercourse before your check-up it is advised that you use a contraceptive, as the likelihood of you becoming pregnant again is high. If you have never used contraception, our friendly clinicians will explain the options available.
The check-up involves a blood-pressure check and an examination of your abdomen. We will:
Confirm the pregnancy has ended
Check your bleeding pattern
Assist with contraceptive needs
We recommend waiting until after your check-up to have intercourse again. If you do have intercourse before your check-up it is advised that you use a contraceptive, as the likelihood of you becoming pregnant again is high. If you have never used contraception, our friendly clinicians will explain the options available.
Vasectomy is a
permanent and safe method of contraception for men. It is generally
used by men who have completed their family or those who have decided
not to have children. Vasectomies are one of the most effective
methods of contraception with a failure rate of just 0.1%.
The procedure is simple and can be conducted here in our Nambour clinic. It involves closing off the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum to prevent sperm from getting into the seminal fluid when ejaculation occurs.
Generally, the procedure will take 20–40 minutes and the patient will be placed under an anaesthetic. Afterwards, you may experience pain and swelling of the groin and scrotum. Rest is important after the procedure, as is wearing supportive undergarments.
After the procedure, we will provide you with information about caring for the wound and when to resume sexual activity. It’s important to remember that a vasectomy does not work immediately. It can take months and numerous ejaculations to clear sperm from the vas deferens. 15 weeks after the procedure we can perform a semen test to determine if it is safe to stop using other forms of contraception.
The procedure is simple and can be conducted here in our Nambour clinic. It involves closing off the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum to prevent sperm from getting into the seminal fluid when ejaculation occurs.
Generally, the procedure will take 20–40 minutes and the patient will be placed under an anaesthetic. Afterwards, you may experience pain and swelling of the groin and scrotum. Rest is important after the procedure, as is wearing supportive undergarments.
After the procedure, we will provide you with information about caring for the wound and when to resume sexual activity. It’s important to remember that a vasectomy does not work immediately. It can take months and numerous ejaculations to clear sperm from the vas deferens. 15 weeks after the procedure we can perform a semen test to determine if it is safe to stop using other forms of contraception.