We recommend that you always use the latest version of your browser.
Surgical evacuation before week 12 of pregnancy

Surgical abortion

In some cases, it is decided that an abortion should be performed surgically. Surgical abortion is performed up to week 12 of pregnancy.

In Norway, women have a statutory right to decide for themselves whether to have an abortion before week 18 of pregnancy (17+6). Later in pregnancy, the application must be considered by an abortion board.

A surgical abortion involves scraping the inside of the uterus.

It can be difficult to decide whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy. If you need someone to talk to, you can call Amathea on 90 65 90 60. Amathea is a free counselling service for choices related to pregnancy and abortion.

amathea.no - counselling service for pregnant women

helsenorge.no - information for anyone considering an abortion

Referral and assessment

Planned follow-up for an unplanned pregnancy usually starts with your GP, who refers you to the hospital. You can also contact the hospital directly for an examination and further follow-up; you do not need a referral from your GP.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy and are considering terminating it, it is important to contact your GP or the hospital directly as soon as possible after week 6.

It is preferable for the pregnancy to be over 6 weeks along before the first consultation. This is to confirm by ultrasound that the pregnancy is correctly located in the uterus.

At your GP's

Your GP assesses how far along the pregnancy is before referring you to the hospital.

At the hospital

At the hospital, you will speak with a nurse and/or gynaecologist. A vaginal ultrasound and a gynaecological examination will be performed to establish how far along the pregnancy is, and you will be tested for chlamydia.

You will receive thorough information and have a discussion before the final treatment method is decided. You will be asked to sign the self-declaration form “Request for abortion”.

Referral and assessment

Planned follow-up for an unplanned pregnancy usually starts with your GP, who refers you to the hospital. You can also contact the hospital directly for an examination and further follow-up; you do not need a referral from your GP.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy and are considering terminating it, it is important to contact your GP or the hospital directly as soon as possible.

At your GP's

Your GP assesses how far along the pregnancy is before referring you to the hospital.

 

At the hospital

At the hospital, you will speak with a nurse and/or gynaecologist. A gynaecological examination with ultrasound will be performed to establish how far along the pregnancy is, and you will be tested for chlamydia.

You will receive thorough information and have a discussion before the final treatment method is decided. The abortion is usually initiated with medication. You will be asked to sign the self-declaration form “Request for termination of pregnancy”.

Before

At the hospital, you will speak with a nurse and/or doctor. A gynaecological examination with ultrasound will be performed to establish how far along the pregnancy is. If you are having a surgical abortion, the gynaecologist will assess whether you need pre-treatment with tablets inserted into the vagina to soften the cervix. You will be informed if this pre-treatment is to be started at home or at the hospital.

You will receive thorough information and have a discussion before the final treatment is decided. Before the treatment, you must read and sign “Request for abortion”.

If you are to start pre-treatment at home, early in the morning, after emptying your bladder and showering, insert the tablets deep into your vagina. We recommend that you take painkillers. You should arrange transport to and from the hospital.

Fasting

You must fast before the operation/examination. If you arrive without having fasted, we may have to cancel/postpone your appointment.

Do not eat food or drink milk/milk products during the last 6 hours before the operation/examination. During the last 2 hours, avoid sweets and chewing gum, snuff and smoking, as these can increase the amount of stomach contents and stomach acid. Until 2 hours before, you may drink clear fluids: water, cordial, juice without pulp, soft drinks, tea and coffee without milk. You may take medication with a small glass of water up to 1 hour before. You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth at any time.

  • Food and milk/milk products: Stop 6 hours before
  • Clear fluids, sweets and chewing gum, snuff and smoking: Stop 2 hours before

If you have eaten or drunk anything outside the times stated here, you must tell the staff.

During

Surgical abortion is performed under general anaesthesia. After the procedure, you will be given painkillers if needed. Before you go home, you must eat and urinateas usual.

After

You should have someone with you on your first day at home.

Menstrual-like bleeding is common during the first week. Light bleeding or brownish discharge is normal for the next 2–3 weeks. We recommend using sanitary pads and avoiding tampons during this period. Avoid sexual intercourse and bathing for as long as you are still bleeding.

Your period usually returns 4–6 weeks after the abortion. The first period may be heavier and last longer than you are used to. You can start hormonal contraception immediately after the abortion. A contraceptive device (IUD or implant) can be inserted during the procedure in the operating room. An IUD can also be inserted by your own doctor after 4 weeks. Otherwise, you can exercise and be active as usual.

Follow-up

You should take a pregnancy test 4 weeks after the abortion.

Please note

Contact your GP or the hospital if, after the abortion, you:

  • have a positive pregnancy test after 4 weeks
  • experience pain and heavy bleeding with clots for more than 2 weeks
  • have bleeding that lasts for more than 4 weeks
  • develop a fever (above 38 degrees)
  • have not had your period return after 6 weeks

An ongoing pregnancy after an abortion will occur in 1–2 out of every 1,000 women who receive treatment. This figure is the same for both medical and surgical abortions, so it is important that you take a pregnancy test 4 weeks after the abortion.

Last professionally updated 01.06.2025

Contact

  • Contact Gynecology/Obstetrics, Arendal

    Where to go

    The Gynecology Outpatient Clinic is on the 1st floor of Wing E, and the maternity ward/postnatal unit is on the 4th floor of Wing C.
    Sørlandet sykehus Arendal sett fra luften.

    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal

    Sykehusveien 1

    Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder Public Transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment location.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you will have to pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Arendal, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.
    You will find us on the 1st floor of the main building, just inside the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00.

    Arendal Hospital Pharmacy

    Is your appointment time unsuitable? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a direct message to the department you are attending if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children with siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital’s departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (quiet time/no visitors: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal unit: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    The patient library in Arendal is in the basement of the main building. It is self-service and open 24 hours a day. You can borrow books and read newspapers and magazines here.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please be considerate of this.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. You are of course welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. When a child turns 12, their wishes should be given considerable weight. When a child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photo may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires consent from the person you are speaking with. Secret recordings of conversations in which you do not participate are illegal.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (such as MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us, and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    If you are coming for a day stay or hospital admission, please bring the following to the hospital:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries.
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a list/overview of your regular medications.
    • Medical equipment for daily use

    Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your family. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or faith.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is on the basement level of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the first floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park, to the left of the main entrance.

    A memorial service can also be held in the chapel in the event of a death. To arrange this, contact the hospital chaplains.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 for anyone seeking a place for silence and reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends.

    Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk in the lobby on the 1st floor.

    The kiosk sells items such as newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gift items.

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, rolls, salads, calzone, panini and sausages.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 07:00–21:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:00–20:00

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the car park through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter your vehicle’s registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer using your registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will be charged automatically each time you park in the car park.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged from the first hour.

    Do you need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot count on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) who have been in hospital for more than 14 daysare entitled to free parking for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces.
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    There is free parking for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Nursing benefits are intended to replace lost income when you care for a child who needs continuous supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more about, among other things,nursing benefits, attendance allowance and basic benefitandbenefits under the National Insurance Schemefrom NAV.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is located right by the main entrance. You can contact us here with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00–20:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They will meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The cost of the interpreter is covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

  • Contact the Women’s Clinic, Kristiansand

    Location

    The Women’s Clinic is to the right of the main building and the emergency department.
    The Women’s Clinic outpatient clinic is on the 1st floor.
    Includes: gynaecology, pregnancy and postnatal care.
    The maternity and postnatal ward is on the 2nd floor.

    On the Postnatal and Observation Ward, partners/companions are welcome to visit every day between 8:00 and 22:00. Healthy siblings of the newborn can visit every day between 16:00 and 18:00.

    Address

    Visiting hours

    • Today 17:00 - 19:00
    Hvitt murbygg med brune vinduskarmer med parkeringsplasser på utsiden. Foto

    Egsveien 100, Building 5

    Egsveien 100, Building 5

    Egsveien 100, 4615 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment centre.

    In general, you should use public transport, and you must pay a deductible. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must fill out a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Kristiansand, you can submit prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.

    You can find us on the 1st floor of the main building, right by the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:30.

    Hospital Pharmacy Kristiansand

    Doesn’t the appointment suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally at helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are due to visit if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of a sick child with siblings. At the hospital, we will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as relatives


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital’s departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (siesta/no visitors: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    Most inpatient wards in Kristiansand have a small collection of books that patients and relatives can borrow. Contact your department for more information and assistance.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments do not allow flowers. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. Please take this into consideration.

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. Of course, you may do so as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, their opinion must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether it is okay to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires consent from the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    Our hairdresser is located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building and is open to everyone. If needed, the hairdresser can come to the ward. The hairdresser also adjusts wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    To book an appointment: 94 81 59 01 

    See alsowww.harspesialisten.noto book an appointment.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This could include, for example, a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us, and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    ​Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk on the ground floor in the main building’s lobby at Eg.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:30–20:00

    The kiosk sells, among other things, newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, cards and various gift items.

    Cafeteria
    The “Kilden” cafeteria is located next to the kiosk and has the same opening hours.

    The cafeteria serves, among other things, rolls, baguettes, salads, cakes, hamburgers and sausages.

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and be mindful of their fellow patients. It is important to put your phone on silent at night, and on silent or vibrate during the day. To avoid disturbing other patients, it is a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee from Monday to Friday, 08:00–20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the parking meter where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Overview of parking areas at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At Arendal Hospital, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the car park through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the car park.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it may be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.​

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You should therefore not count on being able to charge your car while you are here as a patient or visitor. You can find all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park free of charge at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents or guardians of children (under 18) with a hospital stay of more than 14 daysare entitled to free parking for the remainder of the child's stay. This also applies if the child's stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women's Department at Kristiansand Hospital. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    ​​The Service Desk in Kristiansand is right by the main entrance. You can contact the desk with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    ​If you need an interpreter, you must inform the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The health service covers the cost of the interpreter.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.