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Abortion
Information
For an abortion up to 14 weeks a suction method of termination is
used.
For an abortion from 15 weeks to 24 weeks requires dilation and evacuation,
a 2 day procedure involving insertion of a dilator on day one and
the actual abortion on day two.
You can have a surgical abortion between the 4th and 24th week of
your pregnancy. After an initial consultation, you will return for
one of the three outpatient surgical procedures appropriate to the
length of your pregnancy and your health history.
The earliest abortion option can take place as early as 4 weeks following
the first day of your last menstrual period.
Many patients prefer to end their pregnancy as soon as possible. MVA
(manual vacuum aspiration), known as the “quiet abortion”,
is often used in these early procedures.
Vacuum aspiration abortion is performed between 7 and 12 weeks after
your last menstrual period. This safe and simple procedure, which
takes about 3 to 5 minutes, is the most commonly performed abortion
in the United States.
The third procedure, for women in their second trimester (those who
are between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant), is called a D&E. For this
procedure, your cervix must be softened or dilated by one of two methods:
(1) insertion of a laminaria or (2) use of a medication to soften
the cervix. A clinician will review your ultrasound and medical history
and then give you information and instructions for the safest dilation
method for you.
ULTRASOUND / LAB FACILITIES
Diagnostic ultrasound is available on site to determine gestational
size. Lab work includes urinalysis, Rh typing and pregnancy testing.
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