In the majority of the cases, the abortion procedures used are determined based on how long a woman has been pregnant. During the first trimester women have more options, and the number of options decreases as the pregnancy progresses. This is why women should make their mind up quite fast.
The first trimester and abortion processes
Since this refers to the early stages of pregnancy, women have the possibility to choose between medical and surgical procedures. The medical abortion options are available only during the first nine weeks of pregnancy.
MTX
This refers to methotrexate and misoprostol and it is a kind of medical process of abortion. It is an option during the first seven weeks of pregnancy. It is a combination of medication that is rarely used in the U. S. because mifepristone, that is a lot more effective in this case, is also available.
Misoprostol and mifepristone
This procedure of abortion is also a medical kind of abortion and it can be used until the 7th-9th week of pregnancy. There are a lot of different names for the same drug. The advantage of the procedure is that it is widely available in all over the country and this is why a lot of women opt for it.
Manual vacuum aspiration
This abortion method can be used starting with the 3rd week of pregnancy and it is available until the 12th week. The procedure isn’t considered to be very invasive. However if you opt for this kind of abortion you will need local anesthesia on the cervix.
Aspiration
This is a surgical method of abortion and it can be used until the 16th week of pregnancy. The same procedure is known to have several different names, including dilation and curettage, suction curettage, D&C and vacuum aspiration. This is also an invasive method to end a pregnancy.
The second trimester
During this time the medical abortion procedures aren’t an option anymore. The only option left for women in this period is the surgical abortion. You should know that this kind of abortion is an invasive one and this means that there are risks associated with the procedure.
Dilation and curettage
This abortion option is also known as D&C and it is an available option until the 16th week of pregnancy. You could also opt for dilation and evacuation or D&E. This is similar to D&C and this is why it can be used until the 16th week of pregnancy. Both of the procedures carry some levels of risk.
Induction abortion
The truth is that this abortion option is rarely used. During the procedure there is potassium chloride, salt water or urea injected into the amniotic sac. Women receive Pitocin intravenously and there are prostaglandins inserted into women’s vagina.
Now you know a lot more about the procedure of abortion and if you have to, you will be able to make an educated decision. Just take into consideration the gestational age of the baby and the suggestions of your health care provider.
