If you have been pregnant from 13 to 24 weeks, you are in your Second Trimester of your pregnancy. Abortions performed during the second trimester of a pregnancy are called dilation and evacuation (D&E). This procedure is performed during two consecutive days.
On the first day, you will submit samples of blood and urine, and receive an ultrasound to determine how long you have been pregnant. After our nurse determines the length of your pregnancy you will be attended to by a team of warm, friendly healthcare professionals in the operating room.
You will be asleep for approximately 3-7 minutes during the procedure. Once asleep, the surgeon may give you an injection through the abdomen and into the uterus, depending on the length of your pregnancy. The surgeon will then insert a speculum into the vagina so that the cervix can be seen. The surgeon will insert laminaria, which are thin dilators, to dilate the cervix gently and comfortably overnight. You will return in the morning to have the pregnancy removed.
We ask that you remain with a 50 mile radius from our office after the laminaria have been inserted. Please remember that you must have an escort accompany you home on both days. You will return to our Bronx Office the next morning at 7:30am.
On the second day of your Second Trimester Abortion, you will be attended by our experienced counselors, anesthesologists, nurses and doctors will monitor your vital signs and provide you with anesthesia. For the second day procedure, you will be asleep for approximately 5-15 minutes. Once asleep, the pregnancy tissue will be removed. The surgeon will insert a speculum in the vagina to improve access to the cervix. The cervical dilators will be removed and the pregnancy tissue will be removed from the uterus via the dilated cervix. The surgeon will apply gentle suction to the lining of the uterus to ensure that all pregnancy tissue was removed. Finally, the surgeon will massage your uterus to control bleeding and help the uterus contract to its normal size.
All second trimester abortion patients receive prescriptions of medications to take at home. You will take antibiotics to prevent infection. You will also take medication to help your uterus return to its pre-pregnant size.
You may return to the office for your free postoperative appointment within 2-3 weeks. A healthcare provider will discuss birth control with you at that time.
The office is open for appointments Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for appointments - please call 718-829-7000.
Appointments to see a physician are made by phoning the above number and can be set as early as the next day, evenings or on Saturday.
The professional care does not end when the patient leaves the office. A telephone HOTLINE is always open to patients 24/7.
Detailed information regarding the HOTLINE and AFTER-CARE instructions are given to all patients along with their post procedure medication and instructions for use.
Patients are advised to return to their referring physicians or agencies for their follow up examination two or three weeks after the procedure. For those patients who do not have this care available the examination is offered at no extra charge. Abortion services are a supplement to ongoing GYN care provided by the patient's own doctor.
