Unwanted Pregnancy? Call 718-829-7000
If you are 13 to 24 weeks pregnant, you are in the Second Trimester of your pregnancy. Second Trimester Abortions performed during the second trimester of a pregnancy are called dilation and evacuation (D&E).
In order to secure the safety of your procedure, you will undergo a series of routine tests and exams: a urine test, a blood test, a sonogram and GYN exam.
A sonogram is considered the most reliable method of assessing how far you are into your pregnancy. A sonogram is a test that uses sound waves to see your pelvic structures. It will be done during your examination with your physician while you lie down comfortably. There is little or no discomfort while the sonogram is being performed. Although you may have had a sonogram elsewhere before coming to our office, we must perform our own sonogram.
A second trimester abortion is performed in two consecutive days. On the first day, cervical dilators will be inserted into the cervix to gently and comfortably dilate the cervix through the night.
On the second day of your Second Trimester Abortion, you will be given anesthesia, which will put you to sleep for up to 15 minutes. Once asleep, the pregnancy tissue will be removed.
At Bronx Abortion, we offer you the opportunity to select the type of anesthesia that is right for you. You can choose to be awake or asleep for the procedure. Your anesthesia options are described in more detail below.
Local Anesthesia involves the injection by the physician of pain-stopping medication into your cervix. You will be fully awake during the procedure, but your cervix will be numbed. You can expect to have moderate cramping during the procedure.
General Anesthesia where drugs are administered by an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist to cause the patient to be asleep and unaware during the procedure.
IV Sedation where relaxing drugs (such as Versed, Fentanyl, etc) are administered through an intravenous needle in the hand causing light conscious sedation or "Twilight" to reduce pain sensation.
Recovery time is somewhat longer after general and twilight sedation options, and we recommend that patients not drive themselves home afterward.
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DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY APPOINTMENT TIME. THIS INCLUDES GUM, CANDY, WATER, ETC.
IF YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT MEDICAL CONDITION AND ARE TAKING MEDICATIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE SO THAT A TRAINED STAFF MEMBER CAN GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT WHETHER YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE.
If you are being treated for a chronic or unusual medical condition such as (High Blood Pressure, Seizures, Heart disease, Diabetes ) PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE to speak to one of our trained nurses for specific instructions.
Do not wear any jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, rings, etc. All body piercing jewelry must be removed. (Especially any tongue or nose piercings).
Do not bring any valuables or a large amount of cash.
Are you using medical insurance to pay for the procedure? VERIFICATION MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE your office visit. Please give us a call and one of our staff members will verify your insurance.
Bring a valid picture ID along with your insurance card on the day of your appointment.
On the second day of your Second Trimester Abortion, you will be given anesthesia, which will put you to sleep for up to 15 minutes. Once asleep, the pregnancy tissue will be removed. The surgeon will apply gentle suction to the lining of the uterus, thus 'evacuating' the pregnancy. Finally, the surgeon will massage your uterus to control bleeding and help the uterus contract to its normal size.
You will receive prescription medications to take at home: antibiotics to prevent infection; also, medication to help your uterus return to its pre-pregnant size.
We urge you to return to the office after 2-3 weeks for a free follow up. A female counselor will discuss birth control with you at that time and answer any other questions you may have about your female reproductive health.
We will provide you with clear, written post-operative instructions prior to your procedure, that way you will be able to discuss them with your physician as needed.
Important tips to remember after the procedure:
• To prevent any infection, we will provide you with antibiotics. It is essential that you take all the medications prescribed by your physician in the manner explained.
• All Rh-Negative type patients are given an injection of Rhogam followedthe procedure.
• You must have an escort to take you home following the procedure done with anesthesia other than local anesthesia. For your own safety, you must not drive for the remainder of the day.
You may resume your normal activities and normal diet after the procedure. It is recommended that you rest during the day of your procedure. You may eat whatever you like but it is suggested that you begin with soups, toast or other easily digestible foods. Do not drink alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, until you have completed the antibiotics prescribed by your physician.
To protect against infection, it is important that nothing goes into your vagina until you have your two-week appointment (Follow-Up). This means:
• NO Tampax or tampons, use only sanitary pads.
• NO vaginal douching.
• DON’T take tub baths or swim, ONLY Shower.
• NO vaginal intercourse.
• You will be required to return to our office within two-week period time after your first visit. During your follow up visit a sonogram will be performed to evaluate the completion and safety of the procedure.
Contraceptives options will be also discussed in your follow up visit.
If you were referred to our office by your Ob/Gyn physician, we encourage you to return to your physician for your post-operative care. However, complete post-operative care and on-going gynecological services are available at our office for all patients.
Our 24 hour HOTLINE number is given to patients after their procedure for questions, problems, and emergencies.
NOTE: It is possible to become pregnant before your next period, so after your follow up, be sure to use a reliable method of birth control.