First Trimester Abortion: Vacuum Aspiration
also known as Suction Aspiration
In the first trimester, abortion can be done as early as you have a positive pregnancy test, up to 13 weeks LMP (since your Last Menstrual Period).
Aspiration is the medical term for the abortion procedure. The abortion is performed by the doctor in the clinic. The abortion appointment will last three to four hours for the ultrasound assessment of stage of pregnancy, bloodwork, decision-making about your various options including sedation options, learning about the procedure and aftercare instructions.
During the appointment all of your questions will be answered, all of your options will be explained. During the procedure, the doctor will put the speculum into your vagina followed by three main steps: (1) an injection to numb the cervix which is the opening to the uterus, (2) insertion of a soft flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus, (3) suction to remove the pregnancy and tissue. The actual procedure takes less than five minutes to complete.
After the procedure, depending on which of the optional pain medications (sedation options) you have chosen, you are able to leave the clinic within 20 minutes to two hours. You may return to work or school the next day.
For further information, see
