- An ultrasound confirms the location and stage of the pregnancy before the procedure.
- Your blood group (Rh) should be known; if you are Rh negative your doctor will assess the need for anti-D.
- If sedation is planned, you will need to fast for a set time beforehand.
- Bring your passport or ID and any previous test results.
Examination and ultrasound
Every procedure is preceded by a gynaecological examination and an ultrasound. The ultrasound is used to:
- confirm the pregnancy is inside the womb (an ectopic pregnancy needs different treatment),
- measure the stage of pregnancy, which guides the legal time limit and the plan,
- check for anything in the womb that might affect the procedure (for example fibroids).
A very early pregnancy (before about 5 weeks) may not yet be visible on ultrasound. In that case your doctor may suggest a repeat scan a few days later or a blood test.
Tests
Blood group and Rh factor: if you are Rh negative, your doctor will decide, based on the stage of pregnancy and current guidelines, whether you need an anti-D injection. Bring your blood group card if you have one.
Other tests: depending on your health history, additional tests such as a full blood count may be requested.
Always tell your doctor about
- any regular medicines, especially blood thinners,
- allergies to medicines or anaesthetics,
- heart, lung, bleeding or other chronic conditions,
- previous caesarean sections or womb surgery,
- an intrauterine device (coil), if you have one.
Do I need to fast?
It depends on the type of pain relief. If sedation is planned, you will need to fast beforehand for your safety. Anaesthesia guidelines usually recommend 6 hours without solid food, and a shorter time for clear fluids. Your doctor will tell you the exact times.
If only local anaesthetic is used, you usually do not need to fast and can have a light breakfast.
Preparation checklist
Tick off the list below before your appointment. Your ticks are stored only in this browser, on this device.
Consent and documents
Before the procedure, the method, possible risks and alternatives are explained to you and your written consent is taken. Under Turkish law:
- married women also need their spouse's consent,
- under-18s need the consent of a parent or guardian.
See the legal limit and consent guide for details.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I fast before an abortion?
If sedation is planned, you will usually be asked not to eat solid food for 6 hours; your doctor will confirm the exact time. With local anaesthetic only, fasting is usually not necessary.
Can I come if I am bleeding?
There are no true periods during pregnancy, but spotting or bleeding can occur. If you are bleeding, mention it at your examination; conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage need to be ruled out.
Should I remove make-up, nail polish or jewellery?
If sedation is planned, please remove nail polish and jewellery; bare fingertips allow oxygen levels to be measured.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Abortion care guideline. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Abortion care (NG140). London; 2019.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. Practice guidelines for preoperative fasting. Anesthesiology 2017;126:376–93.
- Law No. 2827 on Population Planning (Turkey, 1983), Arts. 5–6.