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Getting An Abortion | What to Expect Before, During And After The Abortion Procedure.

Are you contemplating having an abortion? Or do you know somebody who is considering terminating their pregnancy? There are tons of genuine and personal reasons why women go for abortions. For some, it is because of incest or rape, while for others, it is because they were in hostile relationships or are simply not ready to be parents. This guide contains a lot of valuable information about pregnancy termination and is designed to give you a better understanding of the whole process.

What is an in-clinic abortion?

In-clinic abortion utilizes suction to take the baby out of the uterus. Depending on how old the pregnancy is, there are different types of in-clinic pregnancy termination procedures. Your nurse or doctor will know which one is ideal for you.

Also known as vacuum aspiration, suction abortion, is one of the main types of in-clinic abortion. A doctor utilizes gentle suction to empty the uterus. It is very effective for 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy. D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) is another type of in-clinic abortion method. It uses suction in combination with other medical tools to pull out the baby. It is very effective for 16 weeks or more pregnancy.

Why do people prefer in-clinic abortions?

The type of abortion you opt for depends on your situation and preference. Some women choose in-clinic because they want the procedure done in a health facility, with doctors, nurses, and other medics present. What’s more, the procedure is much faster than the pill. Most in-clinic methods only take 10 to 15 minutes, while the abortion pill may take up to 48 hours to completely empty your uterus.

How do I prepare for an in-clinic abortion?

Prior to the procedure, you will meet a health facility counselor, doctor, or nurse to discuss the right method for you or your options. You will have detailed lab tests and examinations to determine how far you are into the pregnancy.

The nurse or doctor will then tell you if there is anything you need to do before the abortion. You will be given instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure as well as how to take any medication prescribed to you. You may also be given a number to contact if you have any concerns and questions.

Also, note that you will perhaps have some cramping and bleeding after the abortion. So plan beforehand to make your recovery more comfortable. Give yourself at least 24 hours to relax and have maxi pads or a heating pad ready. Some pain medications like Motrin or Advil may also come in handy. Avoid aspirin; it can enhance the bleeding.

How does the process work?

As mentioned earlier, suction abortion is one of the most common types of abortion. And before the abortion, you will get some medication to ease cramping. Sedation, too, may be an option. Actually, there are some types of sedation where you are awake but relaxed while there are some that put you to sleep completely.

Drugs to counter infections and open the cervix may also be given. There is also the option of a small dilator (laminaria) into the opening of the cervix a few hours or a day before the abortion. In the surgical room, there will be support staff to help the nurse or doctor during the process. During suction, the medic will:

· Examine the uterus.

· Use a speculum to see the vagina.

· Inject a numbing medication near or into the cervix.

· Stretch the opening of the cervix with various dilating tools if they didn’t place them earlier.

· Insert a tube through the cervix up to the uterus.

· Use a tiny suction machine or device to take the pregnancy out of the uterus softly.

· The doctor or nurse may also use a curette (a small surgical device) to empty any tissue left in the uterus.

Once the process is over, you will be taken to a recovery room until you feel okay and ready to go home. This kind of abortion takes between 10 to 15 minutes. However, the appointment may take longer because you will be examined, read, and sign a couple of forms and then stay in the recovery area afterward for an hour or more.

Does it hurt?

In-clinic abortions feel different for everybody. It can be a little uncomfortable or slightly painful. The degree of discomfort will depend on the drugs you get, how old the pregnancy is, and how much pain and cramping you have. But generally, in a clinic, procedures are way less painful than other techniques.

The nurses and doctors will do everything possible to make the process comfortable. The numbing and pain medications will make it hurt less, or you may also get sedation. You can rest for a few days after the process, but most people are usually back to their regular daily routine within 24 hours.

What happens after the abortion?

As mentioned earlier, immediately after the surgical procedure, you will rest for a while. And if you had any type of sedation, you will not be able to drive or go home by yourself, so bring somebody to help you leave safely—plan on resting for the rest of the day. You can go back to driving, exercising, school, work, or any other activity the next day if you feel well. And yes, you can have intercourse too if you feel up to it.

It is normal to experience some bleeding after the process. You can use menstrual cups, tampons or pads or anything comfortable for you to counter bleeding. Your nurse or doctor may recommend pads so that you monitor how you are bleeding. Though keep in mind that some people don’t bleed at all! This is normal. You may also experience spotting for a couple of weeks.

You will be given some information on what to expect and how to take care of your body after the procedure. A phone number will be given for you to contact with any concerns and questions. It is important to take all your medications promptly, regardless of how you feel. The medic may want you to go back for a follow up in 2 to 5 weeks. Many people don’t have any issues after abortion, and recovery is normally easy and quick.

Possible complications

Pregnancy termination in abortion clinics is very common because it is one of the safest. That said, note that just like any other gynecological procedure that takes place in reputable health facilities, in-clinic abortions in Orlando also come with some sort of risks. Chances of getting complications increase the later you have the termination. While serious complications are very rare, they can happen. In some extremely rare scenarios, these complications can be serious:

· Some pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus.

· Pregnancy is not terminated fully.

· Blood clots in the uterus

· You get Infections

· Heavy bleeding from the vagina that soaks through several maxi pads in an hour or less

· Injury to the uterus or cervix

· Adverse reactions to the medication

· A high body fever of around 100.4 or more

· Severe discomfort or pain around the belly that drugs do not help

Also, if there is a smelly discharge from your vagina or any indications that the pregnancy is still there, call and make an appointment immediately. If you have any concerns or questions, you can call the number you were given when you had the termination.

The good news, however, is that these complications are not only rare but are also very easy to treat. If the procedure doesn’t end the pregnancy, you can go for another in-clinic abortion. But this is not common.

How much will it cost?

In-clinic abortions in the first three months cost up to around $1500 but is usually less. A second or third-trimester termination will cost more. The exact cost will depend on the facility and whether you have insurance that covers the entire amount or part of it. You can contact your health insurance firm to find out the policies.

There are also some government insurance covers in some states that cover abortion with conditions. Your local health agency can give you more data about the plan in your state or any other options that can help you pay the hospital bill.

Final Thoughts

Although in-clinic abortions involve some risk, the reality is that the surgical procedure is one of the most common and safest out-patient surgeries. Actually, it is ten times safer than carrying the baby to term and delivering normally!

At our abortion clinic in Orlando, we believe that safe, personal, and compassionate abortion care is a critical part of healthcare for ladies. We are specialists in this distinctive area and possess an exceptional level of proficiency. Our abortion clinics lead the country in abortion care for your heart, mind, and, most importantly, body. In less than 24 hours, the process will be complete, and you can return to your normal activities.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center  | Abortion Clinic Orlando