Abortion procedures
Each year, approximately 1.2 million pregnancies are terminated by abortion in the
United States. Forty-nine percent of pregnancies among American women are unplanned.
Of those women, half choose to have an abortion. (Alan Guttmacher Institute)
There are two kinds of abortions - surgical abortions and
medical abortions. The method used depends on how long you have been
pregnant - the gestational age of the pregnancy. This is why knowing how far you
are in your pregnancy is important in making an informed decision.
Surgical Abortion Procedures
Dilation & Aspiration (D&A) Abortion
This procedure is used in the first trimester of pregnancy; from 7-13 weeks gestational
age.
A series of dilators are used to open the cervix.
The doctor inserts a long plastic tube, which is attached to a strong vacuum. At
the end of the tube is a scraping device called a cannula. The doctor uses this
to scrape and suction the inside of the uterus making sure he gets all the fetal
parts, placenta, and uterine lining.
The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
As with any medical procedure there are risks. The short term risks include bleeding,
infection and an incomplete abortion. The long term risks are possible future infertility
or difficulty with future pregnancy due to uterine scarring.
It is important to have a follow-up exam two weeks after the abortion.
Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion
Note: According to Texas abortion law, abortions are not performed in the state
after 25 weeks.
This procedure is used in the second trimester of pregnancy, from 13-26 weeks gestational
age.
Abortion performed in the middle months of pregnancy is a significantly different
procedure from the first trimester. The procedure entails a somewhat greater risk.
Laminaria, a seaweed type product that absorbs fluid, is used to dilate the cervix.
It is usually inserted and left overnight (this will cause cramping). The next morning,
the cervix will have dilated and softened.
Because the fetus and placenta are well developed, suctioning and scraping are more
involved. The risk of bleeding and infection are increased.
The fetus and placenta are removed in parts with forceps. Suction is then used to
scrape the uterus to ensure that no fetal parts remain. Unlike a first trimester
abortion, this type of abortion is generally performed under sedation.
Possible Complications Following Surgical Abortions:
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Damage to the uterus or nearby internal structures
- Cervical tears
- Continued pregnancy
Medical Abortions (RU486)
This procedure is used up to 7 weeks, or 49 days
This drug must be used in the first 49 days or less, counting from the beginning
of the last menstrual period.
Three pills of RU486 are given at the clinic and the patient is sent home. The drug
acts by blocking the progesterone hormone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy.
Without the hormone, the lining of the uterus softens and begins to break down and
bleeding begins. Two days later, the patient returns to the clinic and is given
two pills of the prostaglandin misoprostol. As the drug takes effect, the patient
experiences powerful, painful contractions which begin to work to expel the fetus.
This can happen during the 3-4 hours she is at the clinic or after she returns home.
Fourteen days later she returns to the clinic to determine whether the medical abortion
has occurred. If the medical abortion has failed, a surgical abortion procedure
must be performed.
Side effects include heavy bleeding, clotting, cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Most women will bleed or spot for 9-16 days. Blood clots are often larger than the
fetus.
Certain conditions or habits can put you at increased risk for complications. Examples
include high blood pressure, diabetes, allergies, or heavy smoking. It is important
that you communicate this to your doctor.
Possible Emotional Complications of Medical and Surgical Abortions:
- Anxiety attacks
- Intense grief or depression
- Flashbacks about the abortion
- Nightmares about the abortion
- Withdrawal from relationships
How can you know if you might have some of these emotional complications following
an abortion? Ask yourself these four questions:
Am I making this decision too quickly, without time to explore all the options?
Am I thinking only about practical reasons? (financial problems, single parenthood,
etc.)
Do I go back and forth, having trouble making a decision because of conflicting
feelings?
Am I letting others (my boyfriend, parents, friend or doctor) make the decision
for me?
If you answered “yes†to any of these question you may have emotional complications
following an abortion procedure.
Do you need more abortion information? Call Real Options for Women today for your
confidential consultation.
Call 972.424.5144 or e-mail us at info@realoptionsforwomen.com.