A gentle introduction to your appointment
If you’re considering an abortion, you may be wondering what will actually happen when you arrive. Will there be an examination? Will you be given medication immediately? Do you need a scan? At The Women’s Health Hub in Howick, Auckland, your initial early medical abortion appointment is usually a calm, private conversation lasting around 30 minutes. There is no routine internal examination, surgery or invasive procedure during this consultation. You can ask questions, talk about your options and decide what feels right for you.
Step 1: Finding our welcoming clinic in Howick
We see clients by appointment only at Tranquility Mind & Body, 139 Union Road, Howick, Southeast Auckland. Please do not arrive without an appointment.
When you reach 139 Union Road, turn into the entrance driveway for HBH Howick Views and follow the driveway past the buildings towards the small yellow villa/cottage with the Tranquility Mind & Body sign. Parking is available outside or just beyond the centre, subject to availability. Enter through the front glass sliding doors, take a seat in the waiting area, and your midwife will come and meet you.
It may not look like what you imagine an abortion clinic to look like — and that’s intentional. The space is warm, calm and welcoming rather than a busy hospital setting. View Tranquility Mind & Body on Google Maps.
Step 2: A relaxed, confidential conversation — not a procedure
During your approximately 30-minute consultation, we sit together and talk. Your registered midwife will ask about your medical history, previous pregnancies and births, menstrual cycle, pregnancy symptoms, medicines and allergies. We also ask about any previous ectopic pregnancy, pain or bleeding, contraception, and whether you have support during treatment.
This is a conversation, not a physical examination. We do not routinely perform an internal examination or ultrasound at the appointment. If you need blood tests or a scan, these are arranged separately as clinically indicated. You are welcome to ask questions, discuss contraception if you wish and tell us how you’re feeling. You can also bring a support person if you would find that reassuring; we will give you time to speak privately too.
Step 3: Will I need an ultrasound before my abortion?
Not everyone needs an ultrasound before an early medical abortion. We use a New Zealand ultrasound decision tool alongside your history and clinical judgement to decide whether a scan is needed. A scan may be recommended if your period dates are uncertain, your periods are irregular or unusually light, you’ve been breastfeeding or using hormonal contraception recently, you have pain or spotting, you became pregnant with an IUD in place, or you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or tubal surgery.
Where dates are reliable, the pregnancy is within the appropriate timeframe and there are no concerning risk factors or symptoms, a routine ultrasound may not be necessary. If you do need a scan, we will explain why and arrange it. An ultrasound is a clinical decision and safety tool, not something everyone must have before receiving care.
Do I need a blood test before having an early medical abortion?
I generally recommend an hCG blood test at the start of your early medical abortion and another 10–14 days later. I prefer to arrange the request myself so the results come directly to me. If you have already had a blood test, that’s absolutely fine — let me know and I can check whether I can access the result.
hCG is the pregnancy hormone. By comparing the two results, I can calculate how much your hCG level has fallen. A decrease of 80% or more from the baseline taken around the time of mifepristone is reassuring that the pregnancy has ended. This follow-up is an important part of checking your clinical outcome and keeping you safe. If the level has not fallen as expected, or you have concerning symptoms, I will arrange further assessment. Blood tests alone cannot completely exclude retained pregnancy tissue, so symptoms and sometimes an ultrasound also need consideration.
What if I have a severe needle phobia or decline blood tests? Please tell me — we can make a different follow-up plan. I provide a CheckToP low-sensitivity urine pregnancy test with early medical abortion care. It looks similar to a home pregnancy test, but it is designed specifically for checking whether a pregnancy has ended after an abortion. It is not a cheek swab. You use it at home 21–28 days after taking the abortion medicines, usually around day 28, following the kit instructions. We expect a negative result; if it is positive, unclear, or you still have pregnancy symptoms, contact me so I can arrange further assessment.
If blood tests are declined because of needle phobia or another reason, completing and reporting your CheckToP result is especially important. We will agree on a follow-up plan that is both manageable and clinically appropriate for you.
Step 4: We explain your pregnancy options without pressure
Some women arrive feeling completely certain about ending the pregnancy; others feel unsure or need more time. You do not need to have made a final decision before talking with us. We will explain your options, answer your questions and offer counselling or additional support if you want it. Counselling is voluntary.
If you decide to continue your pregnancy, we can support your early antenatal care, organise appropriate pregnancy blood tests, ultrasound and screening referrals, and help coordinate an ongoing lead maternity carer or midwife as your pregnancy progresses, including transition later in pregnancy where appropriate. An appointment with us does not commit you to an abortion.
Step 5: Understanding mifepristone and misoprostol
If you decide on an early medical abortion and it is clinically appropriate, we’ll explain both prescribed medicines and give you your personalised written instructions.
Mifepristone is the first tablet. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. Many women notice little or no immediate change, although spotting or cramps can occur. In our usual pathway, many women can take mifepristone at home that evening, once their assessment and any required investigations are complete.
Misoprostol is the second medicine. It makes the uterus contract, causing cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy passes. Our usual treatment schedule is approximately 36 hours after mifepristone. Your exact timing and dose will be written in your individual treatment plan; follow those instructions rather than changing the schedule yourself.
If you have any doubts about continuing, speak with us before taking mifepristone. After the first medication has been taken, safely stopping or reversing the process cannot be assured.
Step 6: Planning for comfort, pain relief and privacy at home
We discuss how to prepare for the cramping and bleeding after misoprostol. The cramps can be much stronger than period pain, so taking the recommended pain relief before misoprostol is important; a hot-water bottle alone may not be enough. You may want sanitary pads, a heat pack, water, snacks, a charged phone, a quiet space and a trusted adult available to help.
When it is suitable for you, our usual preparation plan may involve two standard 500 mg paracetamol tablets (1,000 mg) and two standard 200 mg ibuprofen tablets (400 mg) about 30 minutes before misoprostol. We check allergies, medical conditions and other medicines before recommending pain relief. We also explain when further doses can safely be taken, and the maximum amount in 24 hours.
Set phone reminders for your individual pain-relief schedule if helpful. Do not automatically repeat both medicines every four hours: paracetamol and ibuprofen have different recommended dosing intervals and daily limits. Follow the written advice provided at your consultation, and ask us if anything is unclear.
Step 7: What happens after you take the second medicine?
After misoprostol, cramping and bleeding typically begin within a few hours. The bleeding may be heavier than a period, sometimes with clots. Strong cramps, nausea, diarrhoea or chills can occur, and the intensity varies from person to person. We will explain what is expected and what is not. The treatment generally happens at home; nothing invasive is done during your consultation.
Seek urgent medical advice for very heavy bleeding (such as soaking two full-sized pads an hour for two consecutive hours), severe or one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, fever of 38°C or higher, or feeling seriously unwell. In an emergency call 111 or go to the emergency department.
Step 8: Follow-up and support after your abortion
Care continues after taking the medicines. We arrange follow-up that may include pregnancy hormone (hCG) blood tests and/or a special pregnancy test at the appropriate time to confirm completion. Completing follow-up is important even if you feel well. You will have access to our direct on-call clinical support during your care, including outside usual clinic hours.
Emotions can vary as well. You may feel relief, sadness, uncertainty or a mixture of feelings. Hormonal changes and life circumstances can affect how you feel, but there is no single expected reaction. If you would like to talk with someone, we can help you access abortion counselling and post-abortion emotional support.
Common questions before your appointment
Will I have an internal examination?
No routine internal examination is performed as part of our initial consultation. We will explain and arrange any additional assessment separately if clinically necessary.
Do I take the abortion pill during the appointment?
Usually not. Many clients take the first tablet, mifepristone, at home that evening after their assessment has been completed. Timing can vary if tests or further review are needed.
How long should I allow?
Allow around 30 minutes for the consultation, plus time to find the villa and park.
Can I change my mind and continue my pregnancy?
Yes, before treatment begins. We can discuss continuing the pregnancy and arranging appropriate early pregnancy investigations, screening and ongoing midwifery care.
Can I just walk into the clinic?
No. Appointments are essential so that every woman has appropriate time, privacy and individual care.
How do I book an abortion appointment in Auckland?
You can request an appointment online or call or text 021 296 1487. Publicly funded clients attend in person at our Howick clinic; clinically suitable private non-resident clients may be offered an initial telephone consultation.
Further trusted information
For independent New Zealand guidance, read DECIDE: What to Expect Before an Abortion, the New Zealand ultrasound decision tool and Health New Zealand: Abortion. Find out more about early medical abortion, fees and funding and our Information & Support guides.
Reviewed November 2026. This article is general information; personalised medical advice and your individual prescription instructions take priority.