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MEDICAL ABORTION
This type of abortion is available to women that have
a confirmed pregnancy through 7 weeks LMP. Medical abortion uses
a medication (Mifeprex) that stops the development of the pregnancy.
Two days later, Misoprostol tablets are inserted vaginally. Misoprostol
is a prostaglandin that causes the uterus to contract and induces
a miscarriage. Following the insertion of the Misoprostol, women
experience strong cramping and moderate to heavy bleeding and
clotting for several hours. During this cramping and bleeding
the pregnancy is generally passed with the uterine lining. Off
and on bleeding is common for up to 4 weeks after the miscarriage.
During the initial appointment, an ultrasound
is done to confirm pregnancy. Time with the counselor is spent
discussing emotions surrounding the pregnancy, the process, what
to expect after the abortion and birth control options.
A packet of information will be given to take
home with instructions for care, Misoprostol, an antibiotic, prescription
level ibuprofen, prescriptions for pain and nausea medications,
birth control samples, instructions on use and a prescription
for continuation.
A two-week check-up is mandatory for this type
of abortion. The physician will do an ultrasound that confirms
the pregnancy was miscarried and brief exam to insure the uterus
is small and non-tender. If the medical abortion did not induce
a miscarriage, a suction aspiration will be needed to end the
pregnancy (10 in 100).
SUCTION ASPIRATION
ABORTION
This type of abortion procedure is the most commonly
used between 7 and 15 weeks from the last period. 89% of all abortions
done are performed using suction aspiration - also known as Vacuum
Aspiration.
Following conception the fertilized egg implants
into the uterine lining (endometrium). The Suction Aspiration
uses a straw-like instrument (cannula) that is attached with tubing
to a machine that provides light suction. The cannual is inserted
through the cervical opening. A light suction that last 15 seconds
to 2 minutes empties the lining of the uterus where the pregnancy
is implanted.
During the appointment, an ultrasound is done
to confirm gestation of pregnancy. Time with the counselor is
spent discussing emotions surrounding the pregnancy, a description
of how the procedure is done, what to expect after the abortion
and birth control options. This procedure can be performed on
the same day with combination medications (Vicoden and Valium
or Demerol) given before the abortion to ease cramping, or can
be scheduled at the time of counseling for a general anesthesia
(asleep).
Most women can resume normal activity by the
evening of the abortion. Following the abortion, women experience
off and on bleeding that can last for 2 weeks. Pregnancy symptoms
such as nausea, breast tenderness and fatigue will be gone within
a few days of the procedure. A packet of information will be given
to take home with instructions for care, an antibiotic to take,
prescription level ibuprofen, birth control samples, instructions
on use and a prescription for continuation. A two-week check-up
is recommended. A list of appointment times is included in the
take home information.
Abortions between 13 and 15 weeks from the last
period are also performed using suction aspiration. Beyond 12
weeks, the physician will insert a dilator (laminaria) in the
cervical opening to slowly dilate the cervix overnight. The following
day, the procedure is completed under general anesthesia (asleep).
Recovery time following this type of procedure is generally
no different than the abortion 7 - 12 weeks.
DILATION and EXTRACTION ABORTION
This type of procedure is performed 16 - 25 weeks from the
last period. Following one or two days of cervical dilation with
laminaria, the abortion is done under a general anesthesia (asleep).
During the appointment, an ultrasound is done
to confirm gestation of pregnancy. Time with the counselor is
spent discussing emotions surrounding the pregnancy, a description
of how the procedure is done, what to expect after the abortion
and birth control options. The physician will do a physical exam
and an insertion of a cervical dilator called a laminaria is done.
Laminaria slowly dilates the cervix by absorbing the moisture;
when inserted it is the size of a wooden match and when removed
is the diameter of a pencil. Following insertion of the laminaria,
women report having light to moderate cramping that is generally
eased with ibuprofen or a prescription narcotic. Women 16 - 20
weeks by ultrasound have one insertion of laminaria with the abortion
completed on the following day. Between 21 and 25 weeks the laminaria
is exchanged on the second day and the abortion is completed the
third day under general anesthesia.
Most women can resume normal activity
by the evening of the abortion. Following the abortion, women
experience off and on bleeding that can last for 2 weeks. Pregnancy
symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness and fatigue will be
gone within a few days of the procedure. A packet of information
will be given to take home with instructions for care, an antibiotic
to take, prescription level ibuprofen, prescription for narcotic
pain medication, birth control samples, instructions on use and
a prescription for continuation. A two-week check-up is recommended.
A list of appointment times is included in the take home information.
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