D&C: Dilation & Curettage
Procedure
- Suction aspiration can be used up to 15 weeks. In the second trimester a D&C procedure is typically also required, which uses a curette: a long, looped shaped knife that scrapes the lining, placenta, and baby away from the uterus.
- This procedure is usually short, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours following the procedure.
Risks and Side Effects
- Cramping, bleeding/spotting, nausea, sweating, and feeling faint.
- Less frequent side effects include possible heavy or prolonged bleeding, blood clots, damage to the cervix and perforation of the uterus.
- Infection due to retained remains of the baby and related tissues, an STD, or bacteria being introduced to the uterus, can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness, scarring, infertility and in some cases, death.
D&E: Dilation & Evacuation
This procedure is typically used for later pregnancies.
Procedure
- In most cases, 24 hours prior to the actual procedure, the abortion provider will insert a synthetic dilator inside the cervix.
- Cone-shaped rods of increasing size are used to continue the dilation process.
- The cannula is inserted to begin removing tissue away from the lining of the uterus. Then using a curette, the lining is scraped to remove any residuals.
- If needed, forceps may be used to remove larger parts.
- This may be a lengthier procedure than earlier pregnancy abortions.
Risks and Side Effects
The risks and side effects for a D&E are the same as those of a D&C, but they can be more severe. Most D&E procedures are performed in a hospital setting due to the increased risks of severe complications.
Fetal Development Weeks 13-20
The following describes some of the developmental steps of the baby during the time frame when a woman is eligible for a D&E abortion. 1
- The baby kicks, moves and can turn from side to side.
- The eyes have been gradually moving to the front of the face, and the ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head. The fetus can hear your voice.
- The baby is developing reflexes, like swallowing and sucking.
- The baby can respond to certain stimuli.
- The baby goes through cycles of sleep and wakefulness.
- Eyelids are beginning to open, and the eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.
- Fingerprints and toeprints have formed.
- Rapid growth is continuing in fetal size and weight.
Are you considering abortion? Are you unsure of your options? Here at Birthline of Wichita we specialize in helping you through the process. Our onsite staff will answer your questions in a caring and confidential way. We would be happy to serve you.
Contact us today: Birthline of Wichita, 339 N Seneca, Wichita, Ks 67203; 316-265-0134
Citations
1 Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.). Pregnancy: The second trimester. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pregnancy_and_childbirth/second_trimester_85,P01234
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BIRTHLINE OF WICHITA
339 N Seneca
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 265-0134
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