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Pregnancy terminations (abortion) are performed at Aalto Women's Center from 5 to 15.6 weeks gestation, with gestational age being calculated and determined only by pelvic ultrasound.

All abortions are performed under intravenous sedation with Versed (a Valium-like tranquilizer) and Demerol (a potent pain management medication). These medications induce a "twilight" type sedation and provide excellent pain relief. These medications are supplemented by local anesthesia (paracervical block). The quality of pain relief is indeed superior to that provided to women in the early stages of labor.

Each procedure room is equipped with its own high-resolution ultrasound machine. All mid-trimester abortions (from 12 to 15.6 weeks) as well as many first trimester abortions are performed under ultrasound guidance, a technique that allows direct visualization of instruments within the uterine cavity by the surgeon. This approach greatly enhances the safety of the procedure and minimizes the possibility of having an incomplete abortion. In fact, all patients are closely evaluated with a postoperative vaginal ultrasound exam to reduce to an absolute minimum the possibility of an incomplete abortion.

At our facility, all abortion procedures up to 15.6 weeks are usually performed in 1 day. Rarely, uterine or cervical malformations, or distortions of pelvic anatomy, secondary to previous pelvic surgery or tumors may require a 2-day procedure. This is of significant economic importance to you. Why? Some abortion facilities routinely perform the same procedures in 2 days, with the resulting additional hidden cost to the patient secondary to lost wages, increased childcare cost, and transportation burdens for both patient and her driver.

Upon completion of the abortion procedure, patients are taken to the recovery room, where vital signs and bleeding are closely monitored. Post-operative bleeding is usually mild and similar to a normal menstrual period. Some patients do not report any bleeding. Patients are usually discharged in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. In the recovery room, patients receive postoperative medications and a prescription for similar medications. All patients are strongly cautioned against the use of alcohol and aspirin, as they may increase post-operative bleeding. Substance abuse is strongly discouraged in the aftermath of abortion procedures. Patients are advised to strictly adhere to all After-Care Instructions.

Our approach has produced excellent results, with hospitalization very rarely needed, mainly due to ectopic pregnancies or clotting disorders. Complications, however, may occur in all surgical procedures and hospitalization and treatment of such events by a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist is readily available.

Should you develop any problems, remember to call us FIRST. A physician is on call 24 hours a day. Early detection and treatment of problems offer the best results.

We are the professionals best suited to handle post-abortion problems in the office in the safest and least costly manner, usually in our office. Should you go to an emergency room for treatment, the staff may not be sympathetic to your circumstances and familiar with specialized abortion care and management of its complications. This could result in unnecessary procedures, including general anesthesia and major surgery.

Follow your after-care instructions carefully to insure you have the best outcome.

What is Surgical Abortion?

A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy by emptying the uterus (or womb) with special instruments.

There is more than one kind of in-clinic abortion procedure. The most common is called aspiration. It is also known as vacuum aspiration. Aspiration is usually used up to 16 weeks after a woman’s last period. More than 9 out of 10 abortions in the United States happen during this time.

D&E (dilation and evacuation) is another kind of in-clinic abortion. D&E is usually performed later than 16 weeks after a woman's last period. Less than 1 out of 10 abortions in the United States happen during this time. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, abortions are performed only for serious health reasons.