Surgical Abortion Procedures During First Second And Third Trimesters
132 Healthwise provides fast access to the highest level of diagnosis and care for patients who have concerns about their sexual health, including pregnancy termination (abortion). Surgical procedures can be performed in the first, second and third trimesters. At Parkmed NYC, we have the skills, medical knowledge, and deep compassion for our patients to provide second trimester abortion care to the people we serve. Before the surgery, a thorough medical evaluation, including an ultrasound, will be conducted to determine the gestational age and assess your overall health.
First Trimester (Week 1-12)
Medical abortions can be performed up to 9 weeks, but you may decide to have a surgical termination instead for medical reasons or due to your own preferences. The two options available in the UK are:
- Manual Vacuum Aspiration (up to 12 weeks) which uses gentle suction to remove the contents of the womb
- Dilation and Curettage (from 9 weeks) which uses medication to relax the cervix and then clears the womb contents using special instruments
Second Trimester (Week 13-26)
A second trimester abortion refers to the termination of a pregnancy during the second trimester of pregnancy, which takes place between the 13th and 27.6th weeks. A second trimester abortion can still be done safely and effectively depending on your medical condition and how far into the second trimester of pregnancy you are. Several different surgical procedures may be available in the second trimester, depending on how far along you are and the clinic you choose for your abortion:
- Dilation and Vacuum Aspiration (up to 15 weeks), which uses medication to relax the cervix and then removed the womb contents using suction.
- Dilation and Curettage, during which the cervix is widened by medication and the womb contents are removed by instruments. Sedation or a general anaesthetic is required.
- Dilation and Evacuation (from around 15 weeks), also known as D&E, uses forceps to remove the womb contents under sedation or a general anaesthetic.
The 24 week legal limit for abortions falls near the end of the second trimester. After this time, access to abortion is more limited.
Third Trimester (Week 27 on)
Abortions aren’t usually carried out in the third trimester unless the woman’s life is in danger or a severe foetal abnormality has been detected. If an abortion needs to be performed at this stage in pregnancy, the following procedure is used:
- Dilation and Extraction, during which the cervix is opened up using medication and the intact foetus is removed from the womb using forceps. A general anaesthetic is usually required.
Comparison of Surgical Abortion Procedures
| Trimester | Procedure | Gestation Period |
|---|---|---|
| First Trimester | Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) | Up to 12 weeks |
| First Trimester | Dilation and Curettage (D&C) | From 9 weeks |
| Second Trimester | Dilation and Vacuum Aspiration | Up to 15 weeks |
| Second Trimester | Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) | From around 15 weeks |
| Third Trimester | Dilation and Extraction | Week 27 onwards |