Sedation/Pain Management Options

Anesthesia Options Fact Sheet

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your procedure. To that end, we offer you a full range of medications and anesthesia options.

If you choose a medical abortion, we will send you home with prescription pain medications to help make you more comfortable.

Our anesthesia choices for surgical abortion procedures include local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia.

Conscious Sedation
With this option, you will receive intravenous medications which cause you to feel drowsy, relaxed, and comfortable.  Your cervix is numbed with a local anesthetic. You will not lose consciousness during the abortion but you will probably have little recollection of it later on.  A staff member will remain at your side, making sure that you are comfortable.

Intravenous sedation allows you to be aware of your environment and makes the procedure almost pain free. The medication works quickly and after a brief rest you are able to get dressed and return home for a rest in the comfort of your own bed.

Most procedures at Choice Medical Group are performed with conscious  sedation. For most women, this is the appropriate amount of anesthesia necessary for both comfort and safety.

Local Anesthesia
Some patients prefer to be completely awake and aware during their procedure. If this is your choice, your cervix is numbed with medication and you can expect some mild to moderate cramping. An additional medication to relax you is available if you have someone to drive you home. A staff member will support you throughout the procedure.

General Anesthesia
For a small percent of patients, general anesthesia is appropriate. With this option, you are asleep and are continuously monitored and cared for by a licensed nurse anesthetist.  Most second trimester abortions are performed under general anesthesia.

Our anesthesia uses several medications, and is very short-acting -- you can expect to be awake within a few minutes after the doctor has finished. Because it suppresses critical bodily functions, which must be carefully monitored, it does carry a greater risk than conscious sedation.

Both conscious sedation and general anesthesia are good methods for women who believe the procedure may be too uncomfortable or who may experience too much anxiety to remain calm throughout the abortion.

Other factors, such as the length of your pregnancy, certain medical conditions, and current medications you are taking, must also be taken into consideration.

 Our staff will assist you in determining which option is the best, and safest, for you.