
The only way to be sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. These are available at most supermarkets and chemists.
It can take up to 3 weeks for a pregnancy test to become positive after sex, so it’s important to take the test at the right time to be sure it’s a reliable result. Doing the test too early may mean it’s negative when you are actually pregnant, so please wait until your period is overdue before doing the test, or for 21 days after sex if your periods do not come regularly.
If you’ve had sex but don’t want to become pregnant you can have emergency contraception. The most effective method is the emergency coil (IUD), which can be fitted up to 5 days after sex, or up to 5 days after the date you likely ovulated.
Emergency pills (there are two types) are also available.
Book a telephone call if you need emergency contraception where we will discuss your needs and the most suitable method for you as well as book an appointment if needed.
If no appointments are available, you can walk into one of our clinics (Sir Ludwig Guttmann Centre or Ambrose King Centre) and our reception team will help to arrange an assessment for you.
You can also go to your nearest pharmacy for advice and the emergency contraceptive pill if appropriate.
If you are pregnant, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions and you may feel uncertain as to whether you want to continue with the pregnancy or not. Some women know straight away, others need time to decide.
Our service is here to support you. We have a specialist team of doctors, nurses and counsellors to provide the care, support and advice you may need.
Your pregnancy choices include:
Whatever you decide, it’s your decision. If you decide you are sure you want to continue with the pregnancy, you should arrange to see your GP to arrange antenatal care and discuss your health during pregnancy.
You can contact our service even if you are not sure, and ask to speak to a counsellor.
An unplanned pregnancy is often a difficult time. We offer care, support and advice in a confidential and non-judgemental way to help you decide what’s right for you.
Please phone 0300 033 5000. The line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
This service is run for a number of community services which includes GPs, occupational therapists and podiatrists. The service is available to women registered with a Tower Hamlets GP.
If you live outside Tower Hamlets or you are not registered with a GP you can contact:
Please note that for medical abortions you are now able to take both sets of tablets at home in most cases.
Your appointments
Once a referral is received though the SPA, you will be contacted by text message and will be given a time range for your first appointment which will be a telephone call with a doctor or nurse from the team. You need to be in a suitable environment with good phone reception where you can talk openly. The phone call will take around 30 to 40 minutes
You should have a positive pregnancy test before you refer yourself. The pregnancy age will be calculated by the 1st day of your last period. Routine ultrasound will be avoided unless the Nurse or Doctor advises this is necessary.
Please check and be as sure as possible as to when the first day of your last normal period was as this information is really important to determine the type of abortion that is suitable and most safe for you.
We will also ask about your medical, sexual and social history, any medication you take as well as information about any previous pregnancies.
Depending on the type of abortion, there may be a choice to have this at home or in clinic. We can discuss this with you during your telephone appointment.
If you wish you can bring a friend, partner or relative with you. However, you will be seen on your own for part of the consultation. If you are under 18 you will be seen by the under 18s pregnancy advisor offering emotional support through the process, whatever decision you make.
At your face to face appointment we will:
Please remember to:
There is limited street parking. The nearest buses are: 25 or 205 or the nearest stations are Mile End or Stepney Green.