In-Clinic Abortion

What is an abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. In-clinic abortion procedures are safe and effective. It’s also called surgical abortion.

What are the types of Surgical abortions?

Normally, it works by using suction to take a pregnancy out of your uterus. There are a couple of kinds of in-clinic abortion procedures. Your doctor or nurse will know which type is right for you, depending on how far you are into your pregnancy.

Suction abortion (also called vacuum aspiration) is the most common type of in-clinic abortion. It uses gentle suction to empty your uterus. It’s usually used until about 14–16 weeks after your last period.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another kind of in-clinic abortion procedure. It uses suction and medical tools to empty your uterus. You can get a D&E later in a pregnancy than an aspiration abortion — usually if it has been 16 weeks or longer since your last period.

When can I get an in-clinic abortion?

How early you can get an abortion depends on where you go. In some places, you can get it as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. Other doctors or nurses prefer to wait until 5-6 weeks after the first day of your last period.

How late you can get an abortion depends on the laws in your state and what doctor, abortion clinic, or Nico Women Clinic. It may be harder to find a health care provider who will do an abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy, so it’s best to try to have your abortion as soon as possible.

What happens in surgical abortion?

Surgical abortion is usually a minor operation. Depending upon the duration of the pregnancy, the following types of surgical abortions are performed:

Vacuum Aspiration

Vacuum aspiration is performed till 14 weeks of pregnancy.
The procedure is performed under either local or general anaesthesia.
The procedure involves using a vacuum source to detach and remove the embryo or fetus through the cervix.
A thin cannula attached to a pump is passed into the uterus. Once the pump is turned on, the tissues of the fetus gently get removed from the uterine wall.

Dilation & Curettage

Dilation & curettage is quick, bladeless, and painless, and ensure complete expulsion with same-day discharge.
First, the doctor gives you the medicine for the dilation of the cervix. This is particularly important for the pregnancy tissue to expel out of the birth canal. It may take 30–40 minutes or more. Then, once the cervix is dilated, the surgeon uses a curettage instrument to remove all the pregnancy tissues from the uterus. Soon after a few hours, the cervix contracts naturally and the pregnancy is over without any cuts or sutures.

Induction abortion

During the process, the doctor gives you medicine that puts you into labor so that the uterus contracts to release the pregnancy.
The doctor may use suction to clear out the uterus. You may have to stay in the hospital for a day as the procedure may take longer.
If you experience cramps and severe pain, the doctor may prescribe some sedatives to prevent discomfort.

How to prepare for surgical abortion?

Before your surgical abortion, your gynecologist is likely to explain you everything about the procedure during the consultation. After analyzing your health and the status of your pregnancy, the doctor may also give you some instructions on how to prepare for the abortion.

Few things that you need to take care of while preparing for the day of your surgical abortion may include:

Taking your medicines (dilation medicines, pain killer, or any other regular medicines) as prescribed by the doctor
Arranging for someone who can drive you home after the surgery as you will not be advised to drive
Following
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption a day or two before undergoing the procedure
Avoiding eating or drinking anything other what is asked by the doctor on the day of your surgery
Getting some sanitary pad handy as you are likely to bleed after the surgery
Carrying a heating pad or hot water bottle to relieve you of any post-surgery cramps and pain
Be at the clinic or hospital at least 2 hours before the surgery

Lastly, but most importantly, be mentally prepared for the abortion. It is important to take it easy!