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 baby 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 baby 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.
Early Fetal Development (up to week 12)
The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a vacuum abortion. 2
- 4-8 Weeks
9-12 Weeks
- All major systems and organs begin to form.
- The external genital organs are developed.
- The beginnings of the eyes and ears are developing.
- Fingernails and toenails appear.
- Tiny limb buds appear, which will develop into arms and legs.
- Eyelids are formed.
- The eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are becoming more distinct.
- The arms and legs are fully formed.
- The embryo is in constant motion but cannot be felt by the mother.
- The voice box (larynx) begins to form in the trachea.
- All major body systems continue to develop and function, including the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and urinary systems.
*Lifeline PHC does not perform or refer for abortions.
1 American Pregnancy Association (2019). Possible physical side effects after abortion. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-side-effects/
2 Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.). Pregnancy: The first trimester. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pregnancy_and_childbirth/first_trimester_85,p01218
Are you considering abortion near Elkin, NC?
Are you unsure of your options? Here at LifeLine Pregnancy Help Center we specialize in helping you through the process. Our onsite medical professionals 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 gossip.
Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy test today.
You’re more than the results of a test. We promise: no shaming, no pressure, and no gossip.
Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy test today
Answers To Common Questions
Lifeline Pregnancy Help Center continues to remain open and has taken all necessary precautions to protect our clients, staff, and volunteers from COVID-19. We limit appointments to ensure the safety of our clients and staff, so please call ahead for your specific time slot. Masks or face shields are required for all staff, volunteers, and clients.
To ensure the safety of our clients and staff, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time. Please call us at (336) 526-5433 or schedule online.
We recommend you make an appointment if you have missed a period, have any pregnancy related questions, or think you or a friend might be pregnant.
After completing paperwork, you will meet with our professionals to go over your information and a pregnancy test will be administered. We will provide access to an ultrasound exam to confirm your pregnancy.
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. However, due to Covid-19, we are limiting our visits to our clients only. Your boyfriend, family member or friend can drop you off and wait nearby until your appointment is over. We do make exceptions so please inquire when you call to schedule your appointment.
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, required for public health reasons, required to avert a threat of harm to the client or a third person, or when other circumstances may reasonably warrant such use or disclosure without prior authorization (e.g., abuse reporting, suicide/homicide prevention.