A
surgical abortion is a relatively simple medical procedure.
It generally takes 5 to 15 minutes. In addition to the
procedure itself, we assess your medical and contraceptive
history and perform an ultrasound and blood work. Every
appointment for an abortion also includes a private discussion
with a patient advocate. Here you'll have the chance to
ask questions and explore your decision in a confidential,
nonjudgmental atmosphere. We'll also discuss alternatives
to abortion, the surgery, including its risks and possible
complications, and birth control methods. We believe this
service helps women better integrate the abortion experience
into their lives.
The Abortion Procedure
Preterm's physicians perform first trimester abortions (4
through 12 weeks) using silent vacuum aspiration to minimize
any stress and discomfort. We perform second trimester abortions
(13 through 20 weeks) using the safe and gentle dilation
and evacuation (D&E) method. For second trimester abortions,
the physician may insert small dilators (laminaria) into
your cervical canal to stretch the cervix before performing
the procedure. Some patients receive an oral medication
to help the cervix dilate. If your pregnancy is 17 weeks
or more, the laminaria stay in overnight and we complete
the abortion the following day.
Pain
Relief Options
Every patient receives a local anesthetic to numb
the cervical area. If you choose this option only, as about
half our patients do, you can expect to feel some uncomfortable
pressure and menstrual-type cramping during the procedure.
If you choose oral sedation, we'll give
you pills to help relieve anxiety and discomfort. If you
choose to have conscious sedation, we'll administer
medication through an IV that helps you relax and lessens
any discomfort. If you choose anesthesia, also administered
through an IV, you'll sleep during the procedure and won't
feel anything. Please be aware that if you choose oral sedation,
conscious sedation or anesthesia, you'll need someone with
you to drive you home. If you choose conscious sedation
or anesthesia you'll have eating and drinking restrictions.
After
the Abortion
Afterwards you'll rest in our recovery room monitored by
nurses and recovery room staff. We'll give you written and
verbal instructions on care after the abortion. We'll also
give you birth control if requested. You should return to
Preterm for a follow-up exam or see your own medical provider.
Our nurses are available around the clock if you have any
questions or concerns.
Emotional
Reactions
It's common to have some strong feelings after the abortion.
You might feel relief that you made a difficult decision
about your life and handled the procedure well. You might
also feel loss, sadness, depression, or anxiety. You might
feel angry at the people you care about the most. It helps
to share these feelings with someone close to you. If you
have feelings you think are disturbing or out-of-control,
seek help. Ask your family doctor or gynecologist to refer
you to a source of help or call Preterm to talk with an
advocate about your feelings and discuss further steps to
take. You can make an appointment for a post-abortion counseling
session at no cost.
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Safe
and gentle
