What should I expect during a second-trimester induction abortion?, The medications usually cause the abortion to begin within 12 hours. The abortion usually is complete within 12 to 24 hours, although the timing can vary. The medications may cause side effects such as nausea, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Talk with your healthcare professional about whether you can go home the same day.
A second-trimester abortion is one that takes place after 13 weeks of pregnancy. Most women who have a second-trimester abortion have a procedural abortion. Procedural abortion in the second trimester is done with dilation and evacuation (D&E).
In the United States, about 1 in 10 abortions occur between 13 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.
You may need to start the process of dilating (opening) the cervix before the procedure starts. There are different ways to dilate the cervix before a procedure, including using medication or dilators (rods). Sometimes, this may require you to visit your healthcare professional the day before your procedure.
Your healthcare professional should take steps to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. You may receive some type of anesthesia.
Before an abortion, a healthcare professional should ask questions about your health. You may have a physical exam. An ultrasound exam may be done to help confirm how many weeks the pregnancy is. The healthcare professional should talk about
any risks that may come with the procedure
instructions about how to care for yourself at home after the abortion
What should I expect during a second-trimester induction abortion? What should I expect during a second-trimester induction abortion?, The medications usually cause the abortion to begin within 12 hours. The…
