Second Trimester Abortion is for patients that are between 14 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
The doctor will perform the abortion by using the Dilation & Evacuation “D&E” technique. This procedure is a more complex and involved procedure than a D&C during first trimester. It may require two days.
- We insist you should have someone with you throughout the night prior to your procedure. There is a hotel next door to our medical center for accommodations in the immediate area if you must travel.
- You must review your Patient Rights and Responsibilities before you come in for your procedure.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Day 1
- On the day of your procedure, you will need to register with the receptionist, who will gather information regarding your medical history, your personal information, and take care of insurance or payment. We accept most insurance programs as well as Maryland Medical Assistance.
- You will be given Mifepristone, a medication that stops the growth of the fetus and that softens and dilates your cervix.
Day 2
- You will use the Mifepristone medication as directed, starting on the morning of the second day until your cervix is dilated sufficiently for the procedure.
- You will come to our office in the morning where we can observe your condition.
*Ask us about our Private Office Experience service.
We offer three levels of anesthesia for our surgical procedures:
- Local anesthesia is an injection given around the cervix, also known as a cervical block
- Twilight (conscious) IV sedation, which puts you in a semi-conscious state where you are still breathing on your own and will quickly regain consciousness soon after the procedure is complete.
The choice of anesthesia is yours, and there is no difference in the price. We recommend IV sedation since it gives you more pain relief, and most likely you will not remember the procedure.
- As part of the surgical procedure, all patients will receive the medicines Xanax and Cytotec. Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication, which will not only help you relax, but also contributes to the efficacy of the twilight sedation. Further, it reduces the amount of medication needed for anesthesia.
- If needed, the physician will dilate your cervix.
- Once the cervix is dilated, a combination of a suction curette and specially designed forceps are used to remove the products of the pregnancy.
- Following surgery, we allow ample recovery time in the recovery room.
- You will be discharged with written and oral instructions on how to take care of yourself and what to do if you have a problem.
- Follow-up visit in 2-3 weeks to Gynemed Surgical Center
- We encourage and will assist you in exploring various family planning / birth control options.
Note: Complications are possible, but rarely occur.
We truly understand and appreciate the support of the family and friends who accompany you during this difficult and emotional time, but out of respect and for the privacy of our other patients they will not be allowed to be with you during your pre-op examination and your procedure.
Our staff will gladly keep your guest informed of your progress and provide them with an estimated time for discharge. We will also call them by phone if they prefer to leave and come back when you are ready to leave.
NOTICE: For the privacy and safety of all patients and staff we ask that you to be aware of the following. Thank you!
- No food allowed inside the center
- No backpacks allowed inside the center
- Guests are not allowed inside the center
- Private parking
- Protestors if any, are not allowed inside the parking lot