Sedation Options
At Preterm Cleveland, our top priority is your comfort. Patients may choose from a variety of sedation options, including general anesthesia. Your sedation options may change based on past medical history and how far along you are in your pregnancy, but our care team will work with you to find the option that works best.
Sedation Options for First Trimester Abortions
A surgical abortion in the first trimester typically only takes about 3-5 minutes. Patients in the first trimester can choose from any of our sedation options as long as they meet all medical requirements and guidelines.
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Please note that you must meet all medical requirements for each sedation option. Your provider may recommend a different type of sedation based on your medical history or specific care plan.
We offer General Anesthesia for First Trimester Abortions
While most patients are okay with ibuprofen or oral pain medication, some patients prefer a deeper sedation. We're happy to offer conscious sedation and general anesthesia for first-trimester abortion patients as long as they meet all medical guidelines.
Sedation for Second Trimester Abortions
Patients getting an abortion early in the second trimester (13-14 weeks) may be able to get ibuprofen/acetaminophen or oral pain medication. But after 15 weeks of gestation, patients are required to have either conscious sedation or anesthesia.
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This means patients getting an abortion in the second trimester should plan to have someone drive them home from the procedure, and check with their provider about other restrictions.
Picking the Right Sedation Option
There’s no one perfect sedation option. What works for you is entirely dependent on your own preferences and where you’re at with your pregnancy, as well as your existing medical conditions.
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Before your abortion, you'll meet with a patient advocate as well as a physician to discuss your medical history, preferences, and anything else that may impact your treatment options. You'll learn about all the sedation types we offer and have a chance to ask questions.
Ready to make an appointment?
Call Preterm at
216-991-4000
​When talking with your doctor or patient advocate about sedation, there are a few different things to consider.
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How comfortable are you with pain?
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Do you have someone to drive you home after the procedure?
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Are you taking any medications that would cause a negative interaction with your preferred sedation type?
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Are you able to meet the requirements for the sedation type you pick?
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Are you okay (physically and mentally) being awake for the procedure?
Types of Sedation and Their Restrictions
Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen
Available to patients at no additional charge. You will be completely awake for the procedure and will feel heavy cramping or pressure during the abortion.
This is a great option for patients who:
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need to drive themselves home
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have a high pain tolerance
Oral Pain Medication​
You will still feel pressure or cramping during the procedure. You will still be completely awake, though the medication may make you feel more relaxed.
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Restrictions:
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You will need someone to drive you home.
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Stop alcohol a day before the appointment.
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Stop marijuana use two days before the appointment.
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Stop street drugs one week before the appointment.
Conscious Sedation​
Meant to reduce pain and anxiety, putting you in a deeply relaxed state. You will still be awake but may not remember your procedure. Some patients still feel cramping and pressure. ​
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Restrictions:
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You will need someone to drive you home.
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No food 8 hours before your appointment.
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No liquids 4 hours before the procedure (including water).
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Stop alcohol a day before the appointment.
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Stop marijuana use two days before the appointment.
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Stop street drugs one week before the appointment.
Anesthesia​
You will be completely asleep for the procedure and feel no pain. As with every sedation option, your abortion provider will look through your medical history to ensure you're a good candidate for anesthesia.
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Restrictions:
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You will need someone to drive you home.
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No food or liquids 8 hours before your appointment (including water).
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Stop alcohol a day before the appointment.
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Stop marijuana use two days before the appointment.
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Stop street drugs one week before the appointment.