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.
All you need is a photo ID.
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
"Provided a safe place to voice concerns."
Liz P.
"I was given resources to go forward with."
Monica G. "I will definitely recommend some people I know. Every resource helps."
Alsion R. "My counselor was very attentive."
Jimenez B. "My counselor helped me think about all my options."
Beatriz S. 
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