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Medical abortion at the hospital

In Norway, women have a statutory right to decide whether to have an abortion up to the end of the 18th week of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, the application must be considered by an abortion board.

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.
 
To have a medical abortion at home, you must be over 18 and in good health. You must be able to understand and speak Norwegian or English, and have the option of having an adult with you. Home abortion is an option up to week 9 of pregnancy. At some hospitals, home abortion is possible up to week 10.
In Norway, women have a statutory right to decide whether to have an abortion up to the end of the 18th week of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, the application must be considered by an abortion board.

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.

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

At your GP's office

Your GP assesses the length of the pregnancy before referring you to the hospital.

At the hospital

At the hospital, you will talk to a nurse and/or gynaecologist. You will have a gynaecological examination with an ultrasound to determine how far along the pregnancy is, and you will be tested for chlamydia.

You will receive detailed information and have a consultation before the final treatment method is decided. Usually, the abortion is initiated with medication. You will be asked to sign the declaration “Request for termination of pregnancy”.

Before

At the hospital, you will have a consultation with a nurse and/or doctor. After your examination and assessment at the hospital, if it has been agreed that the abortion will be carried out with medication, two different medicines will be used.

  • Mifegyne, which starts the abortion process
  • Cytotec, which helps the body complete the abortion

The first part of the treatment takes place at the gynaecology outpatient clinic. You will swallow a Mifegyne tablet. Once you have taken it, it is too late to change your mind. You can go home and must return to the gynaecology department within 36–48 hours for the next step in the treatment.

You may experience bleeding and menstrual-like pain after taking Mifegyne. Use sanitary pads, not tampons, if you bleed. You can take 1 gram of paracetamol up to four times a day if needed. In a few cases, the abortion occurs before you have taken Cytotec.

Contact the hospital if:

  • You vomit within 2 hours of taking Mifegyne
  • The abortion occurs before further treatment has started

During

Between 36 and 48 hours after taking Mifegyne, you will return to the hospital. You are welcome to bring someone with you. The treatment can take time, so feel free to bring something to read or similar.

  • You may want to have breakfast before you come
  • A nurse will welcome you and explain the next steps in your treatment plan
  • You will be given 4 tablets to insert deep into your vagina
  • You must lie down for 10–15 minutes after treatment has started; after that, you should get up
  • You will be given pain relief as needed
  • You will usually be admitted for at least 6 hours
  • If bleeding has not started after four hours, a new dose of tablets will be inserted into the vagina every 3 hours until the abortion is complete
  • You may experience severe menstrual cramps, and heavy bleeding is normal
  • You must not drive yourself that day
  • You should have someone with you for the first 24 hours after you return home from the hospital.

 

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After

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

Your period usually returns 4–6 weeks after the abortion. You can start hormonal contraception immediately after the abortion. An IUD can be inserted by your GP after 4 weeks. You can exercise and be active as usual.

Follow-up

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

Contact your GP or the hospital if you have:

  • A positive pregnancy test after four weeks
  • Pain and heavy bleeding with clots for more than 14 days
  • Bleeding that lasts more than 28 days
  • Fever (over 38 degrees)
  • No return of your period after 6 weeks

Please note that an ongoing pregnancy after an abortion occurs in 1–2 out of every 1,000 women who receive treatment. This rate 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 the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Arendal

    Location

    The outpatient gynaecology clinic is on the 1st floor of Wing E, and the maternity/postnatal ward is on the 4th floor of Wing C.
    Sørlandet sykehus Arendal sett fra luften.

    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal

    Sykehusveien 1

    Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal

    Getting here

    Transport

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

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

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you will have to pay a deductible. 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

    Does your appointment time not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via 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 this 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. 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 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 visiting: 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.

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

    Many people like 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 also have allergic reactions to perfume or scented creams. We ask you to take this into consideration.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, 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:

    • Respect 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 pictures of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. When the child turns 12, their views must be given considerable weight. When the child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being 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 pictures of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

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

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

    This could include a hospital admission, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to a 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 results before your appointment with us and bring them with you when you come to the hospital.

    If you are attending as a day patient or being admitted, 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 the equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a list/overview of your regular medications
    • Medical equipment for daily use

    ​From time to time, we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or religion.

    In Arendal, the hospital’s quiet room/chapel is on the basement level of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground 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.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel following a death. Please contact the hospital chaplains to arrange this.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00 for anyone who would like a place for quiet and reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 at weekends.

    Kiosk
    The kiosk is in the lobby on the first floor.

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

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, bread rolls, salads, calzone, panini and hot dogs.

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

    Parking spaces at Sørlandet Hospital are subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Everyone wishing to park on hospital premises 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 online

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the car park, using 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 vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once you have 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 should therefore not 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 are staying 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 begins 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 Centre to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the signs.

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

    ​Care benefits compensate for 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,care benefits, attendance and basic benefitsandNational Insurance benefitsat NAV.

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

    ​The Service Centre in Arendal is right by the main entrance. You can ask questions here about your appointment at the hospital.

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

    Do you need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. 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.

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

    If you need an interpreter, please let the hospital know well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are 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 settings 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 Gynaecology outpatient clinic, Kristiansand

    Where to go

    Women’s Clinic, 1st floor.
    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 place of treatment.

    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

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


    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 visits: 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

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

    Many people like 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. We ask you to bear this in mind.

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

    Here are a few helpful 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 must consider what is in the child’s best interests. Once a child has turned 12, their views must be given considerable weight. Once a child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being 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 pictures 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 are a participant for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you are not a participant 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 fits wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    Book an appointment: ​ 94 81 59 01 

    See also www.harspesialisten.no​​ to book an appointment.

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

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

    Ask your GP to send you the test results before your appointment with us and bring them 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, salad, cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.

    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. Out of consideration for 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 Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Everyone wishing to park on the hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking with 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 through 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 as vehicles enter and exit the parking garage 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 vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once you have registered, you will pay automatically each time you park in the garage.  

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

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged a fee 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 should therefore not count on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can view all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

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


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) who are staying in hospital for more than 14 daysreceive 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 ward for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit allows 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 the hospital in Kristiansand. 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 located 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 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 free wireless internet at the hospital.

    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.

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