FIRST TRIMESTER ABORTION:
A first trimester abortion is one that is performed prior to 12 weeks gestation as determined by ultrasound. The standard procedure for this type of abortion is vacuum aspiration or suction curettage and is performed on an outpatient basis. Twilight anesthesia which is an IV sedation will be used. Twilight anesthesia will put you in a very light sleep.
As the procedure begins, the doctor will do a pelvic examination. Which is similar to your annual gynecological exam. The doctor will then insert a speculum and clean the area with an antiseptic solution. Next the doctor will begin the dilation procedure followed by suction and curettage. The doctor will check the uterine walls to make sure the pregnancy was successfully terminated. You may feel some discomfort and cramping during and after the procedure. Some bleeding may also occur. After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will stay for at least an hour where a nurse will monitor you until discharge.
Patient Quote: "They made me feel comfortable. I had a great experience coming to ACU Health Center."
SECOND TRIMESTER ABORTION:
A patient who is 12 to 17.5 weeks gestation as determined by ultrasound is in the second trimester. The abortion procedure for a second trimester abortion is done in twosteps and frequently in two days. First, sterile laminaria are inserted to dilate the cervix. For the second step, the uterus is emptied using suction and at times the D&E method.
After the first step it is important for you to stay off your feet as much as possible the rest of the day. The more activity you engage in, the more likely you are to expel the laminaria. You can take non-aspirin pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol if needed, but remember not to eat or drink, after the designated time. You should not take aspirin products since this will thin your blood and might make you bleed more.
It is most important that you return for the second appointment of the abortion. If you fail to return, you risk an infection called Septicemia, an infection in the uterus, and other complications.
For the second step you will have the abortion procedure, using the dilation and evacuation, or D&E method. This procedure is similar to the vacuum aspiration method as described on the first trimester abortion page.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY:
**Due to sterile conditions and out for respect for all patients, no family members or friends will be allowed beyond the waiting room area, at any time during the visit. This includes ultrasound, surgery, and in the recovery room.
1. Registration - Each patient will receive a registration packet to be filled out prior to surgery. The information asked will include your name, address, phone number, an emergency contact name and phone number, your complete medical history, etc... Please be prepared to provide us with this type of information. An abortion consent form is also given to you at this time. You will need to read over it and sign the consent. If there is anything you do not understand, we will go over it with you in counseling.
2. Ultrasound - An abdominal ultrasound will be done for each patient. The results will provide us with a intrauterine gestation and the duration of pregnancy. We do not offer prenatal ultrasounds at our center.
3. Lab - In lab, vital signs are taken, a blood sample is drawn to determine Rh factor as well as red blood cell level, and a urine sample will be analyzed. Test results will be processed immediately. Rh-negative patients will need an injection called Rhogam and will need to pay an additional fee.
4. Payment - Payment is due in full on the day of the procedure. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and money orders/cashier’s checks. We do NOT accept personal checks. At this time, we will also want to see a photo ID as well as any other documents we asked you to bring when you made the appointment. If you are going to be using pre-approved insurance then we would need you to bring in your insurance card and maybe a signed claim form.
5. Counseling - The primary purpose of the counseling session is to completely explain the procedure further, discuss your paperwork, and answer any questions you may have. A health educator will discuss with you your medical history and pregnancy history with you and have you sign all consent forms. Also at this time, you should feel free to discuss your situation with the health educator and present any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
6. Change for surgery - The office staff will call you back after counseling to change for surgery. You will be required to remove all clothing, except for your T-shirt, bra, and socks, then put on a hospital gown. All jewelry and contact lenses must be removed at this time.
7. Surgery - Surgery will be done in a private surgical suite. An IV will be put in your arm and the twilight anesthesia will be administered through this IV. The procedure itself as described at the beginning of this section will take less than 30 minutes. After the procedure, a nurse will assist you into a wheel chair and take you to the recovery room.
8. Recovery - You will be required to stay in the recovery room for at least one hour. A Nurse will monitor your condition and periodically take your vitals. You will be given some soda and crackers once you have been in the recovery room and are stable, awake and alert. After one hour, your condition will be assessed, you will be given discharge instructions (home care and information about your prescriptions for medication), and you will be released to the person waiting to give you a ride home. Due to the anesthesia you should not drive for at least 24 hours after the procedure so you must have someone drive you home.
9. Medication - You will need to get prescriptions filled and start taking your medication that same day.
- Methergine is prescribed to help your uterus contract back to pre-pregnancy state and minimize bleeding.
- Tetracycline is an antibiotic prescribed to help you avoid infections.
- Pain medication prescriptions are given in case you need them. We recommend over the counter pain relief such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. If that does not relieve your cramping, then get the prescriptions filled.
Patient Quote: "Every staff member was considerate and made the atmosphere and procedure as comfortable as possible."
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