Pain Management Options
The procedure method is a simple medical procedure that usually takes 3–30 minutes (depending on how far you are into your pregnancy). Our physicians use a vacuum aspiration technique to remove the contents of the uterus.
Patients can choose:
- A local anesthetic (numbing of the cervix)
- A local anesthetic along with anxiety medication to help you feel more relaxed prior to your procedure. Please note that the anxiety medication option is less effective or has no effect for patients who regularly take anxiety medications as prescribed by their physician.
- Moderate Sedation – 3 medications are given through an IV: one for pain management and two that act as relaxants that make most patients very drowsy. Most patients drift in and out of sleep.
After your Procedure abortion
After your procedure abortion, you will rest in the recovery room for 20-45 minutes. During that time, we will monitor your vital signs (blood pressure and pulse), and review your Aftercare Instructions. If your blood type is Rh negative, a nurse will administer an injection of Rhogam.
Call us first if you have a problem: 877-342-5292
- Call any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for post abortion problems.
- Our abortion Aftercare Instructions can help you evaluate if what you are experiencing is normal.
- Call during office hours for birth control information, scheduling appointments, emergency contraception, and other questions.
Procedure abortion
5-13 weeks:
A local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix. The injection may cause a pinching and burning sensation that lasts about 3-5 seconds.
The cervix will be gently dilated and a small sterile tube will be inserted into the uterus. A light suction will then be used to remove the contents of the uterus.
14-18 weeks:
Some additional care is necessary for people who are over 14 weeks. Prior to the start of the procedure, small dilating rods called laminaria will be inserted into the cervix in order to dilate the cervix slowly. Some people may experience mild to moderate menstrual-type cramps during the insertion.
19-21+6 weeks:
For abortions over 19 weeks, the dilators must remain in place overnight. People who are between 19 and 21+6 weeks will come to AWC for laminaria insertion and return to the clinic the next morning for their surgeries. These laminaria will be removed prior to the start of the abortion procedure.
