Second Trimester Abortion in Johannesburg | surgical Abortions

Second Trimester Abortion (13–24 weeks) - 100% Safe and Confidential

Abortions in the second trimester are safe and can be carried out using a surgical method called Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). The second trimester of pregnancy starts at 13 weeks and ends at 26 weeks.

What is Second Trimester Abortion?

A second-trimester abortion is the termination of a pregnancy within the second trimester. The second trimester starts in the 13th week of pregnancy and goes up to the 26th week of gestation. The abortion, however, can only be done at 24 weeks based on the current legalities surrounding it. In the second trimester, abortion is typically done through surgical methods. One standard surgical procedure employed for second-trimester abortions is known as Dilation and Evacuation (D&E).

Decisions regarding second-trimester abortion should be made in consultation with a gynaecologist, who’d consider individual circumstances before deciding whether or not it would be suitable for the patient. It is crucial to seek abortion services from licensed clinics under the supervision of qualified doctors to ensure safety and minimize potential complications.

Second Trimester Abortion Method

During the second trimester of pregnancy, abortion is solely conducted through surgical methods.

The surgical method commonly employed during the second trimester of pregnancy is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). This procedure is typically performed to terminate pregnancies between 13 and 24 weeks. In the D&E technique, the cervix is dilated, meaning it is gently expanded to allow access to the uterus. Specialized instruments such as forceps, suction devices, and curettes are then utilized to extract the pregnancy tissue from the uterus carefully.
The dilation of the cervix facilitates the safe removal of the pregnancy contents. This surgical procedure is essential during the second trimester due to the increased complexity of fetal development at this stage.

D&E is performed with the patient under anaesthesia. The anaesthesia can be general, which puts the patient in a state of complete unconsciousness, or local, which numbs the specific area, depending on the individual’s preference and medical considerations. The choice of anaesthesia aims to ensure the patient’s comfort and minimize discomfort during the procedure.

It’s important to note that the decision to undergo a D&E or any abortion procedure is a personal one and should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals who can provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances and medical considerations. Individuals need to get their abortion from licensed abortion clinics and under the supervision of a qualified doctor. This is particularly essential for ensuring safety and preventing potential complications.