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). If you are considering an abortion, it is important to understand how surgical procedures vary depending on the stage of pregnancy.
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): This procedure uses gentle suction to remove the contents of the womb.
- Dilation and Curettage (from 9 weeks): This method uses medication to relax the cervix and then clears the womb contents using special instruments.
Second Trimester (Week 13-26)
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): It uses medication to relax the cervix and then removed the womb contents using suction.
- Dilation and Curettage: During this procedure, 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): This technique 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)
Surgical procedures can also be performed later in the third trimester. However, 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 this procedure, the cervix is opened up using medication and the intact foetus is removed from the womb using forceps. A general anaesthetic is usually required.
Summary of Surgical Abortion Procedures
| Trimester | Procedure Type | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| First Trimester | Manual Vacuum Aspiration | Up to 12 weeks |
| First Trimester | Dilation and Curettage | From 9 weeks |
| Second Trimester | Dilation and Vacuum Aspiration | Up to 15 weeks |
| Second Trimester | Dilation and Evacuation | From around 15 weeks |
| Third Trimester | Dilation and Extraction | Week 27 on |