Wondering how long an abortion takes? Whether you’re considering the abortion pill or a surgical abortion, here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.
Types of Abortion and Their Timeframes
There are two types of abortion: the abortion pill (also called a medical abortion) and a surgical abortion. Each one involves different steps and takes a different amount of time.
What To Know Before an Abortion
Before proceeding with either option, you’ll need to confirm a few key details with a medical professional:
- How Far Along Are You?
An ultrasound provides an accurate gestational age, often more reliable than counting from your last menstrual period.
- Is the Pregnancy Viable?
A limited ultrasound determines if the pregnancy is developing and rules out an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus).
- Are There Any Medical Risks?
Conditions like clotting disorders, an IUD, or other medical conditions may affect your eligibility for an abortion.
At Care Net Owensboro, we offer limited ultrasounds at no cost to help you get the answers you need. Call us today at 270-685-1300 to see if you qualify!
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take?
The abortion pill process involves two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
- Mifepristone: This drug is taken first, either at a clinic or at home. It blocks the hormone progesterone to stop the pregnancy from continuing.
- Misoprostol: This drug is taken 24-28 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Abortion?: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours of taking Misoprostol and may last for several days. Mild bleeding can continue for 9–16 days or up to 4 weeks.[1]
If vaginal bleeding is severe enough to saturate two thick pads within one hour, immediate emergency medical attention is warranted.
How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?
The time a surgical abortion takes depends on the procedure type and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and dilation and evacuation.
Preparation
The cervix may be dilated a day or two in advance. Before the abortion procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic, oral pain relief, or (rarely) general anesthesia.
Procedures
- Vacuum Aspiration: Vacuum aspirations are performed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, though they are sometimes performed up to 14 weeks. They take about 5 to 10 minutes. Typically, women can go home the same day of the procedure.[2]
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Dilation and curettage procedures are performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure itself can take up to 10 minutes. However, the entire process takes longer because you’ll need to receive anesthesia.[3]
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Dilation and evacuation procedures are performed in the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14 to 27). The procedure takes about 30 minutes, but extra time is required to prepare you for the D&E.[4]
Recovery
After a surgical procedure, clinic or hospital staff will monitor you in a recovery room for a few hours to ensure you don’t develop complications. You may also receive pain medication. Light bleeding may last for 1–2 weeks.[5][6]
When Should I Receive Abortion Follow-Up Care?
Receiving follow-up care after an abortion is crucial. Plan a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. This will help check for complications and ensure your body is healing well.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hemorrhaging. Bleeding after the abortion pill is expected. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging.[7]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after Misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[8]
- Infection. If you develop a fever 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat a possible infection.[9]
Abortion Information in Owensboro, Kentucky
Abortion takes time—both the procedure itself and the recovery process. Before choosing an abortion, call us today at 270-685-1300 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff. We’re here to help you make a fully informed decision!
Please be aware that Care Net Owensboro does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. Danco Laboratories, LLC. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). Manual vacuum aspiration. https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/manual-vacuum-aspiration
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and curettage (D&C): Treatment, risks & recovery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage
- Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). Understanding dilation and evacuation (D&E). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de
- See source #3.
- See source #4.
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html