1st TrimesterSurgical Abortions (Up to 12 Weeks) - General Info

An Abortion is one of the safest outpatient procedures there is. We would like to
emphasis that to date we have had NO PATIENT COMPLICATIONS IN OUR OFFICE.
We have accomplished this by only using disposable equipment for our procedures,
and by emphasizing cleanliness and sterility throughout our office. Our patient’s
safety and care is our number one priority. 

Most abortions are preformed in the first trimester (Up to 12 weeks). With the
advent of the vaginal probe sonogram, women are now afforded the opportunity
to terminate their pregnancy in as early as 2 weeks.

The abortion is relatively a low risk procedure, statistically, it is 9 times more
dangerous to go through childbirth than to have a surgical abortion. However,
all risks will be carefully reviewed with you during your initial consultation
with your Board Certified physician.

	Procedure for the First Trimester Abortion

The procedure is preformed using Dilation and vacuum curettage (suction).
An alternative technology offered is the mini-vac aspiration. This procedure of
non-electric suction is provided by a hand held syringe to evacuate the uterine
contents. This procedure is proven best for early pregnancies. A major advantage
to this procedure is less discomfort due to less cervical dilation. Mini-vac aspiration
is best done during pregnancies under 7 weeks from last menstrual period.

We are a private OB/GYN practice and unlike clinics there is no 2-7 hour office wait.
When you get to the office, plan to stay for approximately 1 hour. The 1 hour is
spent in taking a medical history, information session, lab work, and an ultrasound (sonogram). This hour also includes the abortion procedure and recovery period.
This procedure is preformed by qualified Board Certified Gynecologists under
local, IV sedation, or general anesthesia up through 12 weeks from the last
menstrual period. 

	Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between local anesthesia, IV Sedation (twilight), and General Anesthesia?

• Local Anesthesia is administration of medication to numb the cervix. With this
  method you will feel some discomfort, Like bad period cramps, during the time of
  actual abortion.
  
  
• IV Sedation (Twilight) is the administration of Demerol and Phenergan through
  the IV line which causes sedation and drowsiness. During the procedure, you
  will feel minimal cramping and discomfort.
  
  
• General Anesthesia is the administration of the medication through the IV,
  which will put you to sleep for the duration of the procedure. During the procedure,
  patients usually feel no pain or discomfort

  Please Note: Choice of anesthesia will be discussed and determined by patient
  and physician during their initial consultation session.

What to expect at the Time of your Visit:

• Our receptionist will cordially greet you and ask you to fill out a medical
  history form.
  
  
• A laboratory work-up will be done including blood analysis, RH factor,
  urinalysis, urine and/or blood pregnancy test.
  
  
• An ultrasound, using a state-of-the-art computerized sonogram will be
  preformed by your Board Certified physician to determine the length
  of your pregnancy.
  
  
• The physician will explain the abortion procedure, and discuss contraception
  methods with you, answering any questions you may have.
  
  
• The Physician will perform the procedure.
  
  
• After the abortion, you will rest in the recovery room till medications wear off.
  
  
• You are then given antibiotics and detailed instructions before
  you are sent home.
  
  
• Birth control pills are provided for free at the time of your visit.