First Trimester Abortion

Most abortions are performed in the first trimester (6-12 weeks). This is a relatively low-risk procedure, often referred to as a D & C (dilation and curettage). This procedure takes approximately 5 minutes and may be done under local or conscious sedation.

What To Expect…

1. Our receptionist will greet you and ask that you fill out a medical history form.
2. A laboratory work-up will be done including blood analysis, RH typing, and urine and/or blood pregnancy test.
3. An ultrasound will be performed by a physician to determine the length of your pregnancy.
4. A counselor will then explain the abortion procedure to you. She will discuss contraception methods and will answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
5. In the operating room, you will be attended by a Gynecologist, Anesthesiologist, and a nurse.
6. After the abortion, you will rest in the Recovery Room for about one hour. A Registered Nurse and Medical Assistant will be there to assist you.
7. We strongly recommend an appointment to return for a post-operative examination in 2-3 weeks. If you were unable to return to Metropolitan, it would be wise to see your own physician or visit a family planning facility for a check-up and birth control method.

Second Trimester Abortion

Abortion in the second trimester (13-24 weeks) is called a D&E, or Dilation and Evacuation. In some D&E procedures, laminaria, a natural dilator, is used to open the cervix over a period of several hours, or in pregnancy over 19 weeks, overnight.

What To Expect….

1. Our receptionist will greet you and ask you to fill out a medical history form.
2. A laboratory work-up will be done including blood analysis, RH typing, urine and/or blood pregnancy testing.
3. An ultrasound will be performed by one of our board certified gynecologists to determine the length of your pregnancy and discuss the procedure, which will be most appropriate for you.
4. A counselor will explain the details of the procedure, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have.
5. If cervical dilators are needed, the physician will insert them at this time.
6. As in any abortion procedure, you will be attended to by a gynecologist, anesthesiologist, and nurse while in the operating room.
7.) After your recovery time of at least one hour, a registered nurse will discharge you.
7. Please make an appointment to return to us for a post-operative exam, or visit your own physician in two or three weeks.

The Abortion Pill - Non-Surgical Abortion

Metropolitan Medical Associates offers an alternative to surgical abortion. Non-surgical abortion or “abortion by pill” is an option for women who are less than 49 days (7 weeks) from their last menstrual period. Some women prefer non-surgical abortion as an alternative to surgery and anesthesia because they feel that the process is more natural. For women who do not want to involve any one else in their decision, the privacy of the abortion pill is also a deciding factor.

Metropolitan Medical offers Mifeprex, also known as RU-486, to patients who meet the criteria for this method. Following blood work and ultrasound, counseling is given to explain the procedure and answer questions. Mifeprex is administered in our office, followed 2 days later by another medication called Misoprostol. This second mediation causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. All patients are required to return for a follow-up exam two weeks later. A less frequently utilized medication is called Methotrexate, which is usually administered by injection. Again, the patient is required to return to us for follow-up and to ensure the success of the procedure. In rare instances, a D&C may be needed after either method to remove any retained tissue.

The Morning After Pill

Emergency contraception commonly called “the morning after pill” can be used to prevent pregnancy after having sex without birth control or if a birth control method has failed. It is an option for women who have had unprotected intercourse and do not wish to become pregnant.

You are a candidate for emergency contraception if you have had unprotected intercourse within the last 72 hours. If used within 72 hours after sex without birth control, emergency contraception can be very effective.