Instructions: Second-Trimester Abortion
This page is a summary of the instructions we give to women who come to us
for a second-trimester surgical abortion. If you are interested in Surgical
Abortion in general, please feel free to browse our materials, but keep in mind
that other clinics may give you different instructions.
Your First (Pre-Operative) Appointment
Before Your First Appointment
At your first appointment, you will meet with the doctor and health educator
to review your medical history. You will learn about and consent for the
procedure. Then the doctor will insert laminaria (thin sticks made from a
special seaweed material that widen as they absorb moisture from your body) into
your cervix. The laminaria will stay in your cervix overnight and will prepare
your body for the surgical procedure the next day.
 | You may eat and drink normally before your first appointment |
| Bring and swallow 600 mg of ibuprofen total (usually three 200 mg
over-the-counter tablets) upon arrival at our office |
| You should dress comfortably |
| You may bring one support person to accompany you throughout the
pre-operative visit |
| You may have cramping and spotting overnight |
| You should have maxi-pads and pain relievers (ibuprofen is recommended) at
home |
After Your First (Pre-Operative) Appointment
You will be given detailed instructions by your health educator and doctor.
If you would like to read ahead or have lost these instructions, click here.
Most importantly:
| You may have some cramping caused by the dilators that have been placed in
your cervix. You may take ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin for the
cramping. |
| You may have some very light bleeding or spotting. If you have heavy
bleeding or believe you have ruptured your membranes, please call the clinic
or the night-time contact line immediately and ask to speak to the
Gynecology doctor on call. |
| You should wear a maxi-pad overnight |
| Do not remove the laminaria or the gauze sponge that have been
inserted. If the gauze falls out, do not replace it. You do not need
to contact the clinic. |
| Do not insert anything into your vagina |
| Do not swim or take a bath |
| You MUST keep your surgical appointment. An infection may develop if the
laminaria are left in for too long. |
Your Second (Surgical) Appointment
Before Your Surgical Appointment
You will be given detailed instructions by your health educator and doctor.
Most importantly:
| Bring your insurance card and ID |
| Leave all jewelry, valuables and extra money at home |
| Remove nail polish from at least one finger |
| Wear comfortable clothing |
| Do not wear thong underwear; you will be given a maxi-pad |
| Do not eat or drink ANYTHING for 8 hours before your procedure |
| You must have a ride home; your doctor will tell you approximately when
you'll be ready to go home |
| Tomorrow, you will be given medications, including antibiotics. Please
tell the doctor if you have any allergies. |
| One person may support you during recovery, but not during the procedure.
You will be in the recovery room for approximately one to two hours. |
After Your Surgical Appointment
You will be given detailed instructions by your health educator and doctor.
If you would like to read ahead or have lost these instructions, click here. |
Comprehensive
Women's Health Center