Abortion Procedures Maryland

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland provides information on abortion procedures in Maryland. We offer free pregnancy services in Lexington Park and Prince Frederick, Maryland. .

CALL

TEXT

APPOINTMENT

ABORTION PROCEDURE METHODS

CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION – NO COST TO YOU

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.
[/db_pb_accordion]
Confidential Consultation
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.

Contact Form Client
How May We Help You? *
How May We Contact You? *
May we call or text you back? *

Learn more about abortion restrictions and what to do before abortion in Maryland.

Carolyn Estornell MSN, FNP-C

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.

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT