First Trimester
Surgical Abortion

First Trimester
Surgical Abortion

Early Pregnancy First Trimester Surgical Abortion

Procedure

  • Patient lies on her back with feet in stirrups and a speculum is inserted to open the vagina.
  • A local anesthetic is administered to her cervix. Then, a tenaculum (a slender sharp pointed hook attached to a handle, and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts) is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by cone shaped rods.
  • When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula (a long plastic tube connected to a suction device) is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta.
  • The procedure is usually short, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours.

Risks and Side Effects 1

  • Cramping, bleeding/spotting, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint.
  • Less frequent side effects include possible heavy or prolonged bleeding, blood clots, damage to the cervix and perforation of the uterus.
  • Infection due to retained remains of the fetus and related tissues, an STD, or bacteria being introduced to the uterus, can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness, scarring, infertility and in some cases, death.

1 American Pregnancy Association (2019). Possible physical side effects after abortion. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-side-effects/

Are you considering abortion?

Are you unsure of your options?  Here at Shady Grove Pregnancy Center we specialize in helping you through the process. Our counselors will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way.  We would be happy to serve you.

You’re more than the results of a test. We promise: no shaming, no pressure, and no judgment.

Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy test today.

You’re more than the results of a test. We promise: no shaming, no pressure, and no judgment.

Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy test today

Answers To Common Questions

Making an appointment is a great way to ensure that you can be seen at a time convenient for you. We do accept walk-ins, provided that a counselor is available.
We recommend you make an appointment if you think you are pregnant, have missed your period, or have pregnancy related questions.
You will meet with a trained counselor to go over your information and a pregnancy test will be performed. With a positive pregnancy test, we can then set up an appointment for an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and its viability.

All our services are provided free of charge.

We absolutely understand the comfort of bringing a loved one with you to your appointment. You’re welcome to bring your boyfriend, family member or friend with you.
We adhere to a strict privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients will be protected from disclosure of information that violates their right to privacy except where required by law.

What others are saying about Shady Grove Pregnancy Center

What others are saying about Shady Grove Pregnancy Center

"When I first went to the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center I was really nervous. But I found the counselors friendly and non-judgmental. They gave me all my options, even privacy to think about it. When I left they gave me some information and promised to call and check up on me. It was a very good experience and I would do it all over again."
Nosipho
"My partner and I met with one of the counselors at the Center - we were very lucky because instead of telling us what to do she helped us untangle the mess in our heads and come to a decision peacefully, in a safe, non-judgmental environment..."
Elana
"....Everyone was friendly, welcoming, accepting and open minded. I was impressed with the center's dedication to ensuring their clients are well prepared for the next step in their journey. I strongly recommend this center and encourage anyone who needs any pregnancy-related counseling to seek their service."
Tiffany
"....Everyone was friendly, welcoming, accepting and open minded. I was impressed with the center's dedication to ensuring their clients are well prepared for the next step in their journey. I strongly recommend this center and encourage anyone who needs any pregnancy-related counseling to seek their service."
Tiffany
"When I first went to the Shady Grove Pregnancy Center I was really nervous. But I found the counselors friendly and non-judgmental. They gave me all my options, even privacy to think about it. When I left they gave me some information and promised to call and check up on me. It was a very good experience and I would do it all over again."
Nosipho
"My partner and I met with one of the counselors at the Center - we were very lucky because instead of telling us what to do she helped us untangle the mess in our heads and come to a decision peacefully, in a safe, non-judgmental environment..."
Elana
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