First Trimester Abortion - Under 12 weeks

If you are under 12 weeks of pregnancy, the procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is accomplished within one visit. Local anesthetic is injected into or near the cervix. Intravenous medication may be administered to ease discomfort. The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched. The suction cannula is then inserted into the cervix and the uterine contents are removed by vacuum aspiration. After the suction cannula is removed, a spoon-like instrument called a curette is used to gently scrape the walls of the uterus to be certain it has been completely emptied of the fetus and other tissues, thereby reducing the risk of complications. The procedure takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Following the procedure, the patient is evaluated in the recovery room for a period of up to an hour and will be observed for evidence of any complications. The patient is then given a follow up exam appointment unless she plans to visit her own physician or another facility for her follow up care.