ABORTION WHAT TO EXPECT  

Your Decision

We recognize the importance of your decision and we care about you. If you choose to have an abortion, consider us your health care resource. We constantly strive to meet your individual needs and most of all, believe in your right to a safe, legal abortion. If you have any questions about abortion, call us. We support your decision, whatever it may be.

What to Expect

We use two types of abortion procedures depending on the length of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration (D&C) is used to terminate pregnancies up to 12 weeks from the last menstrual period (LMP). A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is used to terminate pregnancies from 12.1 to 18 weeks. This is the safest method of second trimester abortion.

During the surgery, a local anesthetic is used to numb the cervical area. We also offer anesthesia to help you relax. Patients may resume most normal activities the following day.

DAY 1 - ALL PATIENTS

Please plan to spend four hours at Kanawha Surgicenter. We recommend that you bring one friend or relative. Upon arrival, you fill out a medical history and consent forms. You receive an important instructional sheet with post-operative care information and our 24-hour telephone number.An ultrasound will be done to determine the weeks of pregnancy. A staff member explains the procedure and post-operative care. She confirms that you are comfortable with your decision and discusses medical history and birth control methods. One simple blood test is done to determine whether you are anemic. Please ask questions at any time.

DAY 1 - D&C PATIENTS ONLY

(up to 14 weeks LMP)
You meet our physician who does a pelvic exam to determine the length of pregnancy. The physician then performs the D&C procedure which takes about five minutes. After the abortion, you rest 20 to 30 minutes. During this time we review postoperative information.

DAY 1 - D&E PATIENTS ONLY

(12.1 - 18 weeks LMP)

The physician performs a pelvic exam and inserts dilataria (thin pieces of sterile material) which absorb moisture and expand slowly overnight. After a short rest, you schedule the next day’s appointment. Patients traveling more than 50 miles are required to stay overnight in a hotel at their own expense.

DAY 2 - D&E PATIENTS

Our physician checks for adequate dilation of the cervix. If dilation is sufficient, the physician performs the D&E procedure. Be sure to have someone with you who can drive you home. You will have anesthesia for your procedure.