An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for an abortion clinic, it’s important to know what to expect. This can help you make a fully informed decision.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The different types of in-clinic abortion procedures
- The possible risks and side effects
- When to seek medical help if you experience complications
- What to do before visiting an abortion clinic
Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures
The type of in-clinic abortion you can receive depends on how far along your pregnancy is. The abortion provider will recommend either a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Suction (Vacuum) Aspiration Abortion
A suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion is typically performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Here’s how it works:
- Before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix.
- Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
- During the procedure itself, a suction device is used to remove the fetus.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed during the second trimester.[3] This procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes once it begins, although cervical preparation may start hours or even a day or more beforehand. Pain management may include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the facility and the patient’s needs.
This procedure is more complex than a suction (vacuum) aspiration abortion due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers with specialized training and experience.
Here’s how it works[1]:
- Before the procedure, medications and/or osmotic dilators (such as laminaria) may be used to open the cervix.
- The dilators absorb moisture and expand, preparing the cervix for the procedure.
- During the procedure, suction is used to remove uterine contents, and forceps may be used to remove the fetus.
- The provider then confirms that the uterus has been completely emptied.
How Much Does an In-Clinic Abortion Cost?
The cost of an in-clinic abortion depends on how far along you are. Abortion costs vary significantly by state, facility, gestational age, anesthesia requirements, and whether additional visits are required Here are the national ranges[2]:
- First Trimester (up to 13 weeks of pregnancy): Prices range from $600 to $979.
- Second Trimester (13 to 24 weeks of pregnancy): Costs typically range from about $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on gestational age, location, anesthesia requirements, and the provider.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.[3]
Potential physical risks include:
- Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[4]
- Asherman Syndrome: A rare condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus after uterine procedures, potentially affecting future fertility or menstrual function.[5]
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[6]
Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[7][8]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal behaviors
If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Complications can happen after an in-clinic abortion. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy, excessive bleeding
- Persistent fever
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
What to Do Before Visiting an Abortion Clinic
Before visiting an abortion clinic, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age. This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.
Viability
A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 6 and 7 weeks of pregnancy.[9]
Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care, especially ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening.
Gestational Age
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.
Knowing your gestational age is important because the type of abortion procedure, potential risks, and expected recovery can vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is.
Care Net Owensboro provides ultrasounds at no cost to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Click the button below to schedule your appointment.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Considering an In-Clinic Abortion? Visit Care Net Owensboro First.
If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion, Care Net Owensboro is here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:
- No-cost Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment.
- Compassionate Support & Guidance: A safe space to ask questions and explore each of your pregnancy options without pressure.
Give us a call at 270-685-1300 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Care Net Owensboro does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/
- As advertised by abortion providers.
- Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
- Coleman, PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881096/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth