Dilation And Evacuation (D&E) Abortion | What To Expect.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) abortions are one of the most common types of abortions. This type of abortion is done during the second trimester, between 13 and 24 weeks.

D&E abortions are usually performed because a fetus has an anomaly that is incompatible with life or because the health of the mother is in danger.

In this post, we will discuss what to expect during a D&E abortion.

Counselling Before An Abortion

Counselling Before An Abortion is mandatory in some states, but not all. You will likely meet with your doctor or a counsellor to discuss your decision and go over the risks and benefits of the procedure.

You will also be asked about your medical history and given a physical examination. If you are Rh-negative, you will be given a shot of RhoGAM to prevent problems with future pregnancies.

Ultrasound

You will then be given an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and to check for any anomalies in the fetus.

Dilation And Evacuation Procedure

Before the procedure, you will be given medication to help you relax. This is optional, but it can help make the experience more bearable.

During a D&E abortion, the cervix is dilated and the uterus is emptied. This procedure is usually done in a hospital or clinic.

The first step is to dilate the cervix. This is done by inserting thin rods of varying sizes into the cervix. The rods are slowly increased in size over a period of several hours depending on the individual case.

Once the cervix is dilated, a suction device is used to remove the contents of the uterus. The suction device may be attached to a handheld syringe or an electric vacuum pump.

After the contents of the uterus have been removed, forceps are used to remove any remaining tissue. The forceps are inserted through the dilated cervix and into the uterus.

The D&E procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes to an hour.

After The Procedure

After the D&E procedure, you will be asked to rest in a recovery room for a few hours. You will be monitored for any complications during this time.

You may experience cramping and bleeding after the procedure. This is normal and should resolve itself within a few days. You may also have spotting or light bleeding for up to four weeks after the procedure.

It is important to avoid sex, tampons, douching, or using vaginal medicines for two weeks after the procedure to reduce your risk of infection.

You should make an appointment for a follow-up visit with your doctor within two weeks of the procedure.

Most women can return to normal activities in 1 to 2 days after the procedure.

Complications

The most common complication is heavy bleeding. Other possible complications include infection, damage to the cervix or uterus, and perforation of the uterus.

These complications are rare and usually occur when the procedure is not performed by a trained professional.

Heavy bleeding, fever, chills, or severe pain should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately as these may be signs of infection. 

 If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

If you have fever, chills, or severe pain after the procedure, please consult immediately.

Conclusion

Overall, dilation and evacuation abortions are a safe and common way to terminate a pregnancy in the second trimester.

They can be performed early on before major organs have formed, making them less risky for patients.

It is also less invasive than other types of late-term abortions, such as induction abortions or dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures.

If you have any questions please contact us.

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