|
505-242-7512 |
Southwestern Women's Options |
522 Lomas Blvd. NE |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| En Español |
Laminaria Insertion Procedure for second
trimester abortion
(Dilation and Evacuation)
Abortion procedures performed in the
second trimester must be completed in either two or three days, depending on
the length of the pregnancy. The approximate breakdown is a follows:
14.0 – 18 weeks: 2 day procedure
19.0 – 24 weeks: 3 day procedure
The size of the pregnancy in the second trimester necessitates that the
cervix be slowly and gradually dilated, or widened, over the course of one
or two days. On the final day of the procedure the contents of the uterus
are removed using a combination of aspiration (suction) and evacuation. The
dilation and evacuation method is one of the most medically safe manners in which to
perform a second trimester abortion and it ensures the least amount of
discomfort for the patient.
To dilate the cervix the physician will insert a substance called laminaria,
which is sterile compressed seaweed, into the cervical canal. The laminaria
rods slowly expand as they absorb the natural moisture from the body, thus
gradually enlarging the opening of the cervix. On the day of the procedure,
the laminaria are removed, and the uterus is then evacuated. (If your
procedure is to be completed in three days, you will have the laminaria
changed on your second day in the clinic.)
While dilation of the cervix is not the actual abortion, it does begin the
procedure and is a crucial part. Thus, it is imperative that you return at
your appointed time to have the surgery completed. In addition, if you
reside outside of the Albuquerque area (farther than one hour’s drive from
the clinic), you need to plan to stay in the area during your procedure.
This information is being provided in order to give you a basic idea of what
the second trimester procedure entails. To not hesitate to call the clinic
if you have questions.
| *example size of a laminaria |
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