Second & Third Trimester Abortion
Surgical Abortion in 2nd & 3rd Trimester
Second Trimester Abortion
Surgical Abortion: Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
Dilation and Evacuation is a surgical abortion to terminate pregnancy 13 to 24 weeks. Surgical abortion is performed by a doctor in-clinic.
The Procedure: In most cases, 24 hours prior to the abortion procedure, the abortion provider will begin dilation of the cervix due to the cervix must be opened wider than required for an Apsiration Abortion to allow the use of forceps. Forceps are used to grab and extract the fetus through the vagina and a suction is used to remove any remaining tissue. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be required.
Side Effects and Potential Risks:
- Incomplete Abortion
- Cramping, nausea, and sweating
- Heavy/prolonged bleeding
- Blood clots
- Damage to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Possible signs of infection: fever, pain, or abdominal tenderness could signal an infection caused by an STI or bacteria being introduced to the uterus, or as a result of tissue being left in the uterus after the abortion. Contact a health provider with any concerns.
Before having a surgical procedure completed you should first have STI testing. Click here to schedule an appointment
In the State of Oklahoma:
- A patient must undergo an ultrasound before obtaining an abortion, schedule your free ultrasound
- an abortion may only be performed at 20 or more weeks postfertilization (22 weeks after the last menstrual period) only in cases of life endangerment or severely compromised health.
Third Trimester Abortion or Late Term Abortion
Surgical Abortion
Later Term Abortion terminates pregnancy after 24 weeks. Late Term abortion is not performed in Oklahoma. The procedure is about a 4 day process.
Reference:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Induced Abortion,
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion#:~:text=A%20first%2Dtrimester%20abortion%20can%20be%20performed%20with%20surgery%20