Table of Contents
In some cases, abortion can be done at a clinic or hospital. Your pregnancy stage will most likely determine the type you receive. You are likely to experience a vacuum aspiration during the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s likely that you will have a dilation and evacuation, or D&E, if you’re in your second trimester (meaning you’ve been without your period for more than 13 weeks). Dilation and extraction, or D&X, might be needed if you’re further along. Find here – There are a number of types of abortion procedures.
You will not have to stay in a hospital or clinic overnight after an abortion procedure, as most abortions are performed on an out-patient basis.For more information,
In preparation for the procedure
In most cases, you will receive instructions over the phone from your health care provider when you schedule an appointment. The night before an abortion, you may have to fast starting around midnight because abortions in clinics are regarded as surgeries.
Upon arriving at the clinic, you’ll have to fill out some paperwork and tell us about your health history. Your pre-abortion workup will include a physical examination, a pregnancy test, a blood test, sexually transmitted disease screening and possibly further testing depending on your case. In addition to checking for fetal, uterine, and placental abnormalities, ultrasounds may be used to confirm your pregnancy status and check for further pregnancy complications.
A short counseling session with your doctor will help them determine the most appropriate procedure for you based on this information.
Controlling pain
While undergoing the procedure, your doctor will also discuss the possible options for pain management with you.
You will likely get local anesthesia for an in-clinic abortion, which means that your cervix will be numbed, but you will remain awake. The dosage of 600 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen usually provides adequate pain relief. However, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication to reduce your anxiety or to make you feel relaxed. To achieve heavy sedation, or to remain in a light sleep throughout the procedure, it may be possible to administer sedative medication via IV.
Abortion by suction under vacuum (Vacuum Aspiration)
It is most common for abortions to be performed in the first 12 to 13 weeks of pregnancy in the United States.
A vacuum aspiration is a procedure you may also hear called a “suction abortion” if you choose to abort in your first trimester. This procedure usually doesn’t require you to dilate or prepare your cervix. You may need to have your cervix opened a little before starting if you’re over 10 to 12 weeks pregnant, so the medical tools can reach your uterus. Those tiny sticks will likely be made of sterilized seaweed that absorbs moisture and expands. These are called laminaria.
You’ll lie on an exam table on the floor with your feet in stirrups, just as you would for a pelvic exam, once you’re ready for the procedure. During the treatment, an anesthesiologist will insert a medical instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold it open and a swab of Betadine will be applied to your vagina and cervix.
The Dilation and Extraction Method of Late-Term Abortion
It’s important to find a specialized, experienced provider who can perform the D&X procedure if you plan to have an abortion later on in your pregnancy. In general, doctors reserve this procedure for situations in which the fetus or mother is suffering from serious health problems.
What will happen next?
Once the procedure has been completed, you will rest at the clinic for about 30 minutes under supervision. In the recovery area, you’ll be able to relax until it’s time to go home. If you have been sedated, you will need a driver. An antibiotic prescription will also be issued.
It’s likely you will experience some cramping for a few days and you may experience some light bleeding for about two weeks. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or codeine are effective pain relievers that can be taken over-the-counter or prescribed.
See Also – Working Mom Daily Schedule