Abortion Information Southern Maryland

We provide free pregnancy services and abortion information in Southern Maryland. If you’re considering abortion and you live in Lexington Park, Leonardtown, or Prince Frederick, Maryland, we are here to help.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland understands the difficulty of facing an unexpected pregnancy. Perhaps you’re considering abortion, you may have already called an abortion clinic in Maryland. Take time to learn more about your options. We strive to provide you with objective pregnancy and sexual health education so you can make a confident decision. Learn more about your pregnancy and what to do next. All services are provided at no cost to you, call us 301-737-4604 today.

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ABORTION SOUTHERN MARYLAND

MEDICAL ABORTION (Abortion Pill)

Medication abortion also called the abortion pill, may be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant). The abortion pill is taken in two doses, with the first dose of the regimen typically take a doctor’s office and the other dose taken at home.1

In the past, the FDA specifically warned people not to buy the abortion pill, or the generic version on the Internet but this recommendation has now changed. The abortion pill is available for online order and is available without in-person consultation or examination.

Receiving an ultrasound prior to undergoing an abortion is recommended in order to confirm the gestational age and location of the pregnancy, which will determine which type of abortion is most appropriate.

SURGICAL ABORTION

There are several types of surgical abortions. Suction aspiration, also called suction curettage, or vacuum aspiration abortion, is performed during the first 6 to 14 weeks gestational stage. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another type of procedure typically done in later weeks. Both types have risks and side-effects and greatly vary depending on your gestation and health.⁴

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MEDICAL ABORTION

Medication abortion (also called the abortion pill) can be taken up to 70 days (10 weeks pregnant) after the start of your last menstrual period.

Abortion Pill Facts:

The abortion pill is formally called RU-486 and was approved by the FDA in 2000; it is also called a medical or chemical termination.
The abortion pill is actually a regimen of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in two separate doses.
The abortion pill is approved up to 10 weeks gestation, but some abortion providers may prescribed this regimen at later gestations of pregnancy.
It is not an option for people with certain medical conditions.
The abortion pill is not the same as the emergency contraceptive, The Morning After Pill or Plan B One Step.
Abortion pill reversals possible if prompt action is taken after the first dose and less successfully after the second dose.

Action – The first medication, Mifeprex (mifepristone), blocks progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is necessary for the pregnancy to survive. Without progesterone, the embryo dies. The second medication, Cytotec (misoprostol), causes cramping and cervical dilation which leads to expulsion of the embryo and uterine contents.

Side effects – Cramping and bleeding are expected. Bleeding may be like a heavy period. Bleeding can last 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include excessive bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness and headache.

Complications – Possible complications include heavy bleeding requiring surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection. Before taking any medication, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and know what do to if complications arise.

Follow-up – It is important to follow-up with your doctor after taking this medication regimen to see if an abortion has been completed and to monitor for complications.

SURGICAL ABORTION

In general, surgical abortions are performed by dilating the cervix and passing instruments through the cervix and into the uterus to suction, grasp, pull, and remove the pregnancy. The exact procedure is determined by the fetus’ stage of growth. The different types of procedures are as follows:

Aspiration/Suction 23,24 – Up to 13 weeks estimated gestational age.

Most early surgical terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia is typically offered to reduce pain. The abortion involves dilating the cervix, passing a tube inside the uterus, and attaching it to suction device which pulls out the embryo and pregnancy contents.

Dilation and Evacuation 25,26 (D&E) – 13 weeks estimated gestational age and up.

Most second trimester terminations are performed using this method. Local anesthesia, oral, or intravenous pain medications and sedation are commonly used. Besides the need to dilate the cervix much wider, the main difference between this procedure and a first trimester abortion is the use of forceps to grasp fetal parts and remove the fetus in pieces. D&E is associated with a much higher risk of complications compared to a first trimester surgical abortion.

D&E After Viability 27-29 – 21 weeks estimated gestational age and up.

This procedure typically takes 2–3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother. General anesthesia is usually recommended, if available. Drugs may be injected into the fetus or the amniotic fluid to stop the fetus’ heart before starting the procedure. The cervix is dilated wide, the amniotic sac is broken, and forceps are used to dismember the fetus. The “Intact D&E” pulls the fetus out legs first, then compresses the skull in order to remove the fetus in one piece.

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At your appointment, you will receive a lab-quality pregnancy test initially. If the test is positive, you will be offered an ultrasound. A free ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy and estimate how far along you are. If you are contemplating abortion, an ultrasound will provide crucial information to help you understand your options better. Speak with a nurse today.

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Abortion Costs

You’re pregnant! There are many things to consider when evaluating your pregnancy options. With all the stress and uncertainty, you might be considering abortion. In addition to the physical and spiritual demands a termination places on you, there is also a monetary cost associated as well. It is important to know the financial burden associated and costs in your area.

→ Find out about Abortion Costs.

Abortion Procedures

There are two types of termination, medical and surgical. Medical terminations, also know as ‘the abortion pill’ or RU-486 can be taken up to 70 days after the start of your last menstrual period. Surgical terminations are done using medical instruments to physically terminate the pregnancy.

→ Find out about Abortion Procedures.

ABORTION PILL

Medication termination also called ‘the abortion pill’, can be taken up to 10 weeks pregnant. The typical cost for the pill in Maryland is $400-525 but could be higher per provider.

→ Find out about The Abortion Pill.

→ Find out about The Abortion Pill Reversal.

REFERENCES

1. mayoclinic.org
2. mayoclinic.org
3. mayoclinic.org

Carolyn Estornell MSN, FNP-C

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our medical director: Carolyn Estornell MSN, FNP-C

It’s your right. Know your options.

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