The first trimester abortion is performed between 5 & 12 weeks by the dilation and vacuum aspiration method. This procedure is the safest, most modern method of early pregnancy termination.

An appointment for an abortion at the Center includes:

Lab Work:
The lab work consists of a pregnancy test, urinalysis, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin, Rh testing and weight.

Counseling:

Each patient will speak individually with a counselor, although family and friends are welcome to participate. The counselor will explain the procedure and follow-up care, discuss methods of birth control and answer questions. The counseling session is designed as a time for the patient to exchange information and express any concerns or feelings she may have.

Painless Surgical Procedures / Anesthesia – Local / Twilight / General:

The physician will perform a pelvic and take a sonogram printed picture to determine uterine size, followed by the dilatational of the cervix by vacuum aspiration of the contents of the uterus.

Recovery:
Patients are cared for in our recovery area by our medical staff over a minimum of 60 minutes.

Following the abortion, patients who are Rh Negative, will receive an injection of Rhogam before leaving.

Discharge Instructions:
At the time a patient is discharged she is given a printed card with our 24 hour emergency number and is encouraged to call should she have any questions or problems. Also included are detailed after care instructions for the next 2 to 3 weeks until the follow-up examination. At the physician’s discretion, the patient will receive medication as needed (Ergotrate and antibiotics).

Follow-up:
Patients are provided with a follow-up examination (without care) within 2-3 weeks after the procedure has been performed. At that time, the counselors and physician will offer advise and assistance in the choice of an appropriate contraceptive method.

Emergency Procedures:
As the Population Council’s study made evident, serious complications are very rare. However, all possible provisions are made for immediate treatment if any complication should occur.

2nd Trimester Abortion
Performed between 13 & 15 weeks by vacuum aspiration and curettage, and between 16 & 22 weeks by dilation and evacuation. Referrals can be made for over 22 weeks. It is a safe, two-day outpatient procedure involving separate visits to the Center.

1st Visit

Sonography:
All patients need sonography to accurately determine the length of pregnancy. This will also verify that the pregnancy is in the uterus.

Lab Work:
Consists of urinalysis, blood pressure, pulse, hematocrit, blood typing, blood group and weight.

Counseling:
Same as in a 1st Trimester Abortion.

Laminaria:
Laminaria is an osmotic dilator made of seaweed that is inserted into the cervical canal. This dilates the cervix slowly and gently overnight. The insertion of Laminaria is the beginning of the abortion procedure. The patient must return to the office for surgery on Thursday.

Fees:
All fees must be paid in full before the insertion of Laminaria. Fees vary depending on the length of pregnancy.

2nd Visit

Anesthesia

Procedure:
The physician performs a pelvic examination followed by removal of the Laminaria. The uteran contents are removed using a combination of vacuum aspiration, curettage and instruments. This is a 5 – 6 minute procedure.

Recovery:
Same as for a 1st Trimester Abortion.

Follow-Up:
A follow-up examination two weeks after the procedure is required and may be scheduled at the Center at no additional charge. If you have been referred by a private physician or family planning agency and would like to return there for follow-up, we would be happy to send the necessary information at your request.

Referrals:
We can provide referrals for patients who exceed our limit of 22 weeks