2112 F Street NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20037
202-659-9403
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SECOND TRIMESTER ABORTION
SECOND TRIMESTER ABORTION
In-clinic abortion between 12 to 27 weeks
A second trimester abortion, also called Evacuation (D&E) is performed for pregnancies that are between 12-27 weeks gestation. Our experienced doctors have been providing confidential and compassionate second trimester abortions in our Washington, DC abortion clinic for over 45 years.
Our doctors specialize in caring for patients with a history of Caesarean (C-section) deliveries.
What to expect
Second Trimester Abortion
The procedure sometimes can involve two or three consecutive office visits all depending on ultrasound information and patient medical history. To estimate the stage of your pregnancy we’ll need to know the first day of your last normal menstrual period. Use our pregnancy calculator in the footer below.
When you arrive at the facility for your second trimester abortion a sonogram will be performed to get an exact measurement of the pregnancy to determine gestational age.
We provide local and general anesthesia. Under local anesthesia, we provide pre-operative medications such as anti-anxiety and pain medications.
STEP 1
- Sterile, disposable laminaria sticks are gently inserted into the cervix to dilate or open it.
- Once the laminaria sticks are in place inside the patient’s cervix, a period of time elapses to allow the laminaria sticks to gradually dilate the cervix.
- The patient usually returns to our office the following morning for the second step of the second-trimester abortion.
STEP 2
- While performing the second step of the procedure the gynecologist, with special expertise in second-trimester abortions, uses a method called dilatation and evacuation (D&E).
- D&E is the safest method for second-trimester abortions.
- In order to increase the safety for our patients, we always use ultrasound guidance during every second-trimester abortion.
A certified nurse anesthetist administers all anesthesia and is present during all phases of the chosen procedure. Patients are monitored continuously for their pulse oximetry, blood pressure, pulse during the anesthesia and until she awakens fully from the anesthesia. As an important safety measure, resuscitative equipment is readily available at all time.
Follow Up
All second trimester abortion patients receive prescriptions of medications to be taken upon discharge.
- An antibiotic is prescribed to prevent an infection.
- A prescription for a medication to help the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant size.
You will be asked to return to our clinic for your FREE post-operative appointment within 2-3 weeks. A healthcare provider will discuss birth control options with you.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions and/or concerns.
NOTICE: Learn about fake clinics that do not offer abortion care.
