First Trimester Abortion

We are committed to ensuring you feel informed, safe, and supported.

Here’s what your visit may include:

• Meet with licensed medical staff
• Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and gestational age
• Private discussion of your options and the D&E procedure
• Review of your complete medical history

Sedation Options

• Local — you will be given a Xanax and ibuprofen to help you relax and reduce cramping during the procedure
• IV — medicines administered to relax and make the procedure comfortable
• Asleep (painless) — medicine introduced through the IV to make you go to sleep

Procedure (5 to 20 minutes)

1. At the time of the procedure, you will have a speculum placed in the vagina; this is like when you go for a Pap smear.
2. The physician will give you numbing medicine around your cervix and then dilate your cervix if needed.
3. Suction will be used to remove the pregnancy.
4. The physician will do a final check with a curette to make sure the uterus has been emptied.

Post-procedure

• Post-procedure monitoring in a private recovery space
• Discharge instructions and 24-hour emergency contact number
• Prescription medications for pain and aftercare
• Same-day birth control options, including pills, the NuvaRing®, or Depo-Provera® (3-month injection)
• Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.
• Light to moderate bleeding and mild cramping are normal during recovery.

Abortion is a very safe procedure. In any surgical procedure, there are risks of minor and major complications. These risks during first trimester abortion are relatively low in comparison with many surgical procedures.

Complications which can occur during or after abortion are:

• Some of the tissue remaining in the uterus (incomplete abortion). This may require a second procedure at no charge to you.
• Perforation of the uterus and internal injuries resulting from that. This may occur one time in every two thousand procedures.
• Infection can occur which may require further treatment.
• Laceration of the opening of the uterus might require stitches.
• Heavy bleeding or hemorrhage, pains, continuing pregnancy is also possible, though very improbable, complications.
• Shock and death can occur from any surgical procedure, including abortion. Deaths due to abortions are 0.4 per 100,000, 10 times less than childbirth.
• Emotional problems may occur but are unlikely.

• Trusted by patients for SAFE first trimester abortion care
• One-on-one counseling (no group counseling)
• Located in Virginia with a reputation for compassionate, confidential treatment
• Licensed MALE and FEMALE medical providers with extensive experience in abortion care
• Supportive environment where YOUR choices are respected
• Flexible scheduling and quick appointment availability
• We’re a member of the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional association of abortion providers, that offers benefits like access to quality assurance, technical assistance, training, and 24/7 security support, along with resources for continuing medical education and legal guidance.