We know how you feel; you are not alone. Many of our staff have been where you are. We can help you understand your choices and what makes sense for your current situation. Call or text us to schedule your free and confidential appointment today.

 

Before having an abortion, you should consider the following:

• Is your pregnancy normal?

• Are you at risk for natural miscarriage?

• Do you have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention?

• How far along are you?

• What kinds of abortion procedures are available to you?

• Are there any short-term or long-term risks to consider?

• Is someone pressuring you to terminate your pregnancy?

 

Abortion Pill

The “Abortion Pill” or RU-486 is a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which, when taken together, cause loss of pregnancy. The first pill cuts off the supply of progesterone, which is essential to fetal growth, while the second pill induces labor to empty the contents of the uterus. Symptoms may include severe cramping, heavy bleeding for the next 12 hours, and nausea or vomiting. 

 

Surgical Abortion

There are different types of surgical abortion procedures, depending on whether you are in your first or second trimester of pregnancy.

 

Aspiration/Suction: Up to 13 weeks LMP

This surgical procedure is used throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. Most first trimester surgical abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain, however, sedation may also be available.

For very early pregnancies (4-7 weeks LMP) a thin plastic tube is inserted into the uterus. It is attached to a manual or electric vacuum device which is used to suction out the embryo. Later in the first trimester, the cervix needs to be opened wider because the fetus is larger. A curette may also be used to scrape any remaining fetal parts and blood clots. This is usually painful, so a local anesthetic is typically injected directly into the cervix beforehand. Serious physical complications are infrequent with early surgical abortion, but are significant if they occur, which may include bleeding, infection, incomplete abortion and allergic reaction to medication. 

 

Dilation & Evacuation ( D&E) 13 weeks LMP and up

Most second trimester abortions are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral or intravenous pain medication and sedation are commonly used. General anesthesia may be used, if available.  Second-trimester abortions use the dilation and evacuation approach, requires the cervix to dilate overnight using laminaria or Dilapan (surgical sticks that help expand the cervix). Once the cervix is dilated, both suction and gynecological tools are used to suck and scrape the contents of the pregnancy out of the body. Incomplete abortion with retained tissue is one of the more common complications (causing infection). Other risks include heavy bleeding, blood clots, and damage such as a torn cervix, punctured uterus or injured bowel. Infection may cause scarring of the pelvic organs. 

 

 

If you were to experience any emotional distress in addition to physical symptoms after an abortion, please make a free and confidential appointment with our trusted and caring staff. We will always discuss all your options and concerns in a caring, professional and confidential environment, although we do not perform or refer for abortion.