Second Trimester
Surgical Abortion
Second Trimester
Surgical Abortion
D&C: Dilation & Curettage
Procedure
- Suction aspiration can be used up to 15 weeks. In the second trimester a D&C procedure is typically also required, which uses a curette: a long, looped shaped knife that scrapes the lining, placenta, and baby away from the uterus.
- This procedure is usually short, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours following the procedure.
Risks and Side Effects
- 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.
D&C: Dilation & Curettage
Procedure
- In most cases, 24 hours prior to the actual procedure, the abortion provider will insert laminaria or a synthetic dilator inside the cervix.
- Cone-shaped rods of increasing size are used to continue the dilation process.
- The cannula is inserted to begin removing tissue away from the lining of the uterus. Then using a curette, the lining is scraped to remove any residuals.
- If needed, forceps may be used to remove larger parts.
- This may be a lengthier procedure than earlier pregnancy abortions.
Risks and Side Effects
The risks and side effects for a D&E are the same as those of a D&C, but they can be more severe. Most D&E procedures are performed in a hospital setting due to the increased risks of severe complications.
Fetal Development Weeks 13-20
The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a D&E abortion. 1
- The fetus kicks, moves and can turn from side to side.
- The eyes have been gradually moving to the front of the face, and the ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. The fetus can hear your voice.
- The fetus is developing reflexes, like swallowing and sucking.
- The fetus can respond to certain stimuli.
- The fetus goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness.
- Eyelids are beginning to open, and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.
- Fingerprints and toeprints have formed.
- Rapid growth is continuing in fetal size and weight.
*Lifeline PHC does not perform or refer for abortions.
1 Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.). Pregnancy: The second trimester. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pregnancy_and_childbirth/second_trimester_85,P01234
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.
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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.