Second Trimester Abortion

Many women seek abortion care in later weeks of the pregnancy for various and compelling reasons. As with first trimester abortion patients, second trimester abortion patients are concerned with safety and standards of care. We can assure our patients that our Board-Certified OB/GYN Physicians are experts in the field of second trimester abortion care. Many of our patients are referred to our Center by other Physicians in the area due to our long-standing reputation of being one of the few Centers in the South Florida area that provide this specialized abortion procedure.

The majority of our second trimester abortion procedures are offered in a two-day appointment process. The two separate visits are designed for the safety of the patient. The first day includes the discussion of our services to help you understand the expectations for the next two days. Our staff will perform an ultrasound to determine the weeks of pregnancy, lab work (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hemoglobin, and Rh typing) and a confidential counseling session. You may include anyone that you wish in your confidential counseling session. We respect your need for individualized attention so that you can understand the process of the two days. The counselors spend as much time with you as you need so that you are assured of the safety of the procedure, as well as your aftercare instructions. We want you to feel comfortable discussing your options, your decision and your feelings toward your abortion care. The counselor is experienced in addressing any of your concerns, as well as future birth control options.

The first day of your visit does include the insertion of laminaria and dilapan into the cervical canal. Laminaria is an osmotic dilator made of seaweed that is sterilized for this procedure. Dilapan is a synthetic osmotic dialator. Laminaria and dilapan insertion allows a gradual dilation of the cervix, which is safe and results in a simpler procedure the next day. The patient is provided with pain relief for this day.

Our Center has a 24-hour telephone response system for patients if they have concerns through the night. We fully prepare our patients to make the first day uneventful and they have a clear understanding of what to expect on the second day. Our staff is attentive to your two-day visit and on your return visit on the second day you are met with kind greetings by familiar faces to assure you that we are here to help you every step of the process.

The second day is the actual completion of your abortion. When you come to our Center, you will have your vitals taken and be given medication (Cytotec) that you place between the cheek and gums of your mouth. The medicine becomes effective in forty-five minutes to one hour. This medicine causes the cervix to become softer thus facilitating a safe procedure. When you are in the procedure room, you will receive sedation that provides a twilight anesthesia. The patient is relatively unaware and comfortable during the procedure. The laminaria and dilapan are removed and the pregnancy will be removed using a combination of vacuum aspiration, curettage and instruments designed for this specialized procedure. The second trimester abortion procedure is very safe and is completed in a few minutes.

Following the abortion procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery room staffed by licensed nurses who will care for you. Your vital signs are monitored as well as your emotional well-being. The nurses are trained to respond to your needs in your recovery process. You will receive aftercare instructions and any other medical needs such as Rhogam injections for Rh Negative blood types. Birth Control options are provided which include the pills, ring, or Depo-Provera injections.

Some patients may be experiencing an unforeseen fetal anomaly and are seeking a second trimester procedure based on unfortunate results presented by their own Physicians. We can accommodate any specialized needs, which includes cooperating with the referring physician for genetic testing.