First Trimester Procedure

5 weeks LMP-14.0 weeks LMP (up to 3.0 BPD)

The entire process - including counseling, lab work, tests and the abortion - is usually completed in a three to four hour visit. The surgery will take between 5 to 25 minutes and consists of a cervical block, dilation of the cervix, and suction (aspiration) to remove the pregnancy.

Fees

Please call for current prices and information. As you review them, keep in mind that abortion is a medical procedure involving your health, your body, and your mind. Our fee includes necessary tests, counseling and sedation. Other clinics may not provide these
additional steps, or include them in their stated fee. At Southwestern Women's Surgery Center, there are no hidden costs for comprehensive care. So before you make a decision solely on price, we encourage you to consider the importance of value.

Postoperative Instructions

• After the abortion you may eat and drink normally. It is best to avoid strenuous activity, avoid lifting over 10 pounds, and avoid spending a lot of time on your feet. Be guided by how you feel.
• Please put NOTHING in the vagina for at least 7 days.
• Do not have intercourse.
• Do not use tampons- sanitary pads only.
• Do not douche, go swimming, or take a tub bath- showers are fine.
• Take your temperature twice a day for one week. If your temperature is over 100.4 degrees, please call us.
• For 7 days following your abortion, you will be taking Doxycycline (100mg) or another antibiotic. Take as directed and avoid heavy exposure to sunlight, antacids, iron and alcohol.

 It is important that you make an appointment for a check-up two weeks after your abortion. You can return to our office or you can make arrangements with your own physician.  Every woman bleeds differently. Your bleeding should be like a normal period or lighter. There may be no bleeding at all for 2-3 days. Then it may begin like a normal period for a week. Or you may begin bleeding immediately and this can last 7-10 days. A few women do not bleed at all, which is also normal.

Your next normal period should begin in 4 to 8 weeks. If you do not have a period within 8 weeks from the procedure date, please call us. It is possible to get pregnant before your first period begins. Therefore, if you want to avoid another pregnancy, you should use the birth control method which has been advised for you by our counselors and/or your physician. Hormonal birth control methods such as pills, the Depo Provera injection, the Nuva Ring, and the Ortho Evra Patch, may change your cycle. If you have questions please call the office.

Be sure to report if:

• Your bleeding is heavier than the heaviest flow of a normal period
• You continue bleeding longer than two weeks (although it is normal to spot longer)
• Your temperature is ever 100.4 degrees or more.
• You have any foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• You have severe pain, or pain unlike menstrual cramps
• You soak through a maxi-pad in 1 hour or less
• If you pass clots that are quarter-sized or larger