Advanced technology along with increased experience, have made it possible to perform early surgical abortions as early as 2 days past a woman's missed period.

Early first trimester abortions are performed from 4 to 6 weeks from the last normal period.

The procedure begins with the gentle opening of the cervix using a series of narrow rods, or dilators; once the cervical opening is wide enough, a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the uterus. This tube, or cannula, is attached to an aspiration device that empties the uterus through gentle suction. After the uterus has been aspirated, a small spoon-shaped instrument called a curette is used to determine whether or not the uterus has been completely emptied.

Once the procedure is complete, you will be monitored in the recovery room. Most women who receive local anesthesia stay in the recovery room approximately 20 minutes; patients who opt for conscious sedation or general anesthesia stay in the recovery room approximately 25 to 35 minutes.

An early pregnancy must be documented by high quality vaginal ultrasound and a high sensitivity early pregnancy test.

Though infrequent, some patients who undergo an early pregnancy termination may require mandatory follow up appointments to ensure that the procedure is complete. You will be advised prior to leaving our facility whether follow up is required or not. Completion of an early pregnancy termination must be documented by ultrasound, visualization of pathology by an experienced examiner, and by surgical technique.

If an intrauterine pregnancy cannot be clearly identified through ultrasound examination, the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy must be recognized.

Patients who are at risk must be followed closely with a number of serial blood tests and ultrasound exams as ectopic pregnancies can be potentially life threatening. If detected early enough, some ectopic pregnancies can be treated with medication and will not require surgery.

Should an emergent procedure be required, our office will help coordinate an appointment with a nearby hospital.

First Trimester Pregnancy Termination (D&C)
First trimester abortions are performed from 7 to 12 weeks from the last normal period.

The procedure begins with the gentle opening of the cervix using a series of narrow rods, or dilators, each a little wider than the one before; the largest dilator is about as thick as a fountain pen. When the cervical opening is wide enough, a blunt tipped tube is inserted into the uterus. This tube, or cannula, is attached to an aspiration machine that empties the uterus through gentle suction. After the uterus has been aspirated, a small spoon-shaped instrument called a curette is used to determine whether or not the uterus has been completely emptied.

Once the procedure is complete, you will be monitored in the recovery room. Recovery times vary depending on many factors including type of anesthesia, complications and side effects from the procedure, as well as your own readiness to leave.

Most women who receive local anesthesia stay in the recovery room approximately 20 minutes; patients who opt for conscious sedation or general anesthesia stay in the recovery room approximately 25 to 35 minutes.

Early Abortion Comparison Chart