Part 2 – Abortion in the 2nd Trimester

In Georgia, a woman can get an abortion in her first trimester and roughly halfway through her second trimester. Allow us to explain what a surgical abortion and medical abortion would entail during the second trimester:

What happens in a second trimester surgical abortion?

A second trimester surgical abortion takes place between 13 weeks and 20 weeks gestational age of the baby. A process called dilation and evacuation (D&E) is used to remove the baby from the uterus. The abortionist will dilate your cervix which will create a bigger opening for the baby to pass through. After your cervix has widened (which could take 24 hours), the abortionist will remove the baby and placenta with instruments and suction. In most cases, a patient can expect the following during and after a surgical abortion:

• It is completed over a 2-day period.
• Light bleeding occurs up to 2 weeks after the surgical abortion.
• Cramping may occur for a few days after the surgical abortion.
• Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, breast swelling, vomiting, and fatigue may occur for several days afterward.

What happens in a second trimester medical abortion?

A second trimester medical abortion consists of taking two different medications roughly 24 – 48 hours apart from each other. The medicine will force the woman’s body to go into labor, causing the baby to be expelled from the body. While a medical abortion is more cost effective, there is a risk of incomplete abortion compared to a surgical abortion. In most cases, a patient can expect the following during and after a medical abortion:

• The medicine may need to be administered in a hospital or medical setting.
• Heavy bleeding and cramping will occur during and after the medical abortion.
• Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, breast swelling, vomiting, and fatigue may occur for several days afterward.

Are you experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? We are here for you.

Contemplating an abortion can cause physical, mental, and emotional strife. We’re here to listen to you about your concerns and thoughts, discuss your options, and help you during this time. If you want to make an appointment with one of our friendly medical professionals, feel free to send us a text: 404-777-4771.