second trimester procedures
Throughout the entire procedure, you are supported by well-trained and caring staff. Let us know the kind of support you need (a hand to hold, soothing conversation, explanation of the process, distraction or relaxation techniques).
Between the 12th and 14th week of pregnancy, the procedure can be completed in one day. Expect to be at the clinic for approximately 3 – 4 hours.
- First you will check in, review more forms, and have the opportunity to ask more questions.
- An IV line will be inserted into your arm.
- You will be given a medication called misoprostol. This medication softens the cervix over a period of 2 hours.
- You will go to an exam room for the procedure.
- Your physician will review your medical history and answer any of your questions or concerns.
- If you are having sedation, it will be administered at this time.
- The surgery lasts only a few minutes.
- Afterward, you will be brought to the recovery room where our nurses and recovery room staff will care for you and monitor your vital signs and condition for about 30 minutes.
- You will be given post-abortion medications to take home.
Between the 15th and 24th week of pregnancy, the procedure is completed over two days. Expect to be at the clinic for approximately 3 – 4 hours each day.
On the first day:
- First you will check in, review more forms, and have the opportunity to ask more questions.
- You will go to an exam room where a clinician will insert osmotic dilators into your cervix. (Osmotic dilators are small sticks which absorb fluid and expand, causing the cervix to gradually open and soften.) This is a brief procedure, but you may experience some discomfort.
- It will be necessary for you to be within a one hour drive of the clinic overnight. This is for your safety. If overnight accommodations are needed, several reasonably priced motels are located nearby.
- Most women experience cramping as the cervix dilates, which can range from mild to severe. You will be given pain medication to help. You can call us anytime throughout the night on our 24-hour telephone service.
On the second day:
- You might be given a medication called misoprostol. This medication further softens the cervix over a period of 2 hours.
- You will go to an exam room for the procedure.
- Your physician will review your medical history and answer any of your questions or concerns.
- Your nurse anesthetist will insert an IV line into your arm and administer anesthesia.
- The osmotic dilators and the contents of the uterus will be removed, using electric vacuum aspiration and specialized surgical instruments. The surgery lasts only a few minutes.
- Afterward, you will be brought to the recovery room where our nurses and recovery room staff will care for you and monitor your vital signs and condition for about 30 – 60 minutes.
- You will be given post-abortion medications to take home.