Gynecology

Abortion - Surgical Second Trimester

Overview
Pre-Operative Appointment
Surgical Appointment

Surgical Appointment

You will register at the hospital reception area. You will then meet the doctor at the hospital operating room. You will receive anesthesia medicine through an IV in your arm. The anesthesia will make you very relaxed and sleepy. When you are well relaxed, the doctor will remove the laminaria and will use suction and instruments to empty your uterus.

When you wake, you won't remember the procedure. After the procedure, nurses will monitor you for two hours. You will probably have some cramping and spotting; we will provide you with a heat pack and a maxi-pad for your recovery and ride home. You will be given instructions on how to take care of your body, antibiotics to prevent infection and a prescription for birth control if you desire it. The procedure and recovery period take around four to five hours.

You must have a ride home and may take a taxi home only if you have someone to accompany you. If you do not have anyone to accompany you home, contact ACCESS at (510) 923-0739 for a pro-choice volunteer driver. You should go home, rest, and let the medications wear off. You should be able to return to normal activities, such as work and school, the next day.

Follow-up Visits

Unless you are experiencing complications related to your abortion, you do not need to visit our office again. We recommend that you make an appointment to see your regular doctor for an annual pap smear, physical/gynecologic exam and birth control refill requests.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008