First Trimester Abortion
Women seeking abortion services in the first trimester will find a competent and caring staff during their visit to ACWC.
Early Abortion (First Trimester)
Shortly after you arrive, one of our medical assistants (MAs) will bring you into a triage room, where she will take your blood pressure, pulse, and weight. After your vitals are taken, the MA will bring you to a private examination room where you will meet a member of our medical team. We will review your medical history, perform an ultrasound to determine the gestational age of the pregnancy, and give you medications. You will receive oral pain and antibiotic medications. Nausea medications are also available as needed. The doctor may give you additional medicine to soften your cervix. If you bring a support person with you, he/she/they must wait for you until after your visit is complete.
Early Pregnancy:
A pregnancy up to 14 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period is considered early. This period of time is also known as the first trimester of pregnancy.
What is an early abortion?
An early abortion ends a pregnancy during the first trimester. The procedure is 98% successful most of the time…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Abortion Federation all agree that in-clinic procedures and medication abortion are safe during the first trimester. The FDA and WHO organizations offer family planning and abortion care guidelines that prioritize safety and are supported by medical evidence. Based on these standards, the NAF organization provides accreditation and quality clinical protocols to its member clinics.
Despite the available medical evidence, a recent Georgia Law was passed restricting abortion care to people who present before fetal cardiac activity is detected around 6-7 weeks.
How is an early abortion performed?
During the first trimester, surgical abortion and medical abortion are both safe and effective for most patients. Patients will be able to talk over both options with our staff and doctors and select the best option.
When patients check in for their appointment, ACWC staff will collect payment and confirm completion of clinic forms, have their vital signs checked, complete an ultrasound to confirm how far along the pregnancy is, and provide health education to review all of the options. Abortion services at ACWC are integrated into the general primary care practice. Therefore, our patients are not identified in the waiting area as seeking pregnancy termination services, and there are no signs advertising this service in the main areas of our clinic. This safeguards the confidentiality and security of our patients and staff.
Once these steps are completed, you will meet with a physician to discuss your medical history and the option you selected to manage your pregnancy. If you desire to end the pregnancy, the doctor will review the abortion options available to you.
Medical Abortion:
In most states of the U.S., first-trimester medical abortion is available at the time pregnancy begins up to 10 weeks. In Georgia, abortion is only available before fetal cardiac activity, which usually happens between 6-7 weeks.
Several medications are used for a medical abortion. Mifepristone and misoprostol are the primary drugs used for this procedure. To alleviate cramping, a pain medicine will be prescribed. Additionally, medication to manage nausea and vomiting will be provided or prescribed at ACWC.
Mifepristone is an oral medication that works by blocking progesterone, a hormone that allows the continuation of a pregnancy.
Misoprostol is a tablet that causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy. After taking misoprostol, most patients will start bleeding. For many patients, the bleeding is similar to a menstrual period. Misoprostol can be inserted in the cheeks, under the tongue, or into the vagina 0-72 hours after the mifepristone is taken.
The medications can cause nausea and pain. The doctor will provide medications and instructions to control these symptoms. Two follow-up consultations by phone or video conference are scheduled during weeks 1 to 5 after both medications are taken. These visits will be scheduled after the initial ACWC visit.
Surgical Abortion:
In most states, first-trimester surgical abortion is available at the time pregnancy begins up to 14.0 weeks. In Georgia, abortion is currently available before fetal cardiac activity begins. Fetal cardiac activity is usually seen on ultrasound around 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy.
The surgical abortion procedure is also known as uterine aspiration or vacuum aspiration. Cutting or surgical incisions are not needed. Surgical abortion can be accomplished in a one-day procedure in the first trimester of pregnancy. The normal time to complete the procedure is 15 minutes.
The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office with pain-relieving medications given through a vein (IV sedation) or an injection near the cervix (local anesthesia).
A trusted member of the ACWC staff will be with you throughout your health education, examination, surgical procedure, and recovery. The entire visit will take around three hours. Please make arrangements to have a driver available to take you home after the procedure if IV sedation is desired.
Preparation:
Shortly after you arrive, one of our medical assistants (MAs) will bring you into a triage room, where she will take your blood pressure, pulse, and weight. After your vitals are taken, the MA will bring you to a private examination room where you will meet a member of our medical team. We will review your medical history, perform an ultrasound to determine the gestational age of the pregnancy, and give you medications. You will receive oral pain and antibiotic medications. Nausea medications are also available as needed. The doctor may give you additional medicine to soften your cervix. If you bring a support person with you, he/she/they must wait for you until after your visit is complete.
Procedure:
During a surgical abortion, the doctor will:
- Use a speculum to inspect your vagina and cervix (opening to the uterus)
- Sanitize your vagina and cervix with gauze and soap
- Apply a numbing agent to your cervix (if no IV sedation is given)
- Dilate (open) your cervix with small instruments
- Insert a narrow, flexible tube into your uterus
- Apply mild suction to the other end of the tube to remove the pregnancy tissue
Ultrasound guidance may be used during your procedure. The suction portion only takes a few minutes, and the entire procedure takes around 15 minutes.
Toward the end of the procedure, you may feel uterine cramping that feels similar to menstrual cramps as the uterus shrinks down to its usual size.
Anesthesia/Pain Control:
ACWC offers you the option of going to sleep, receiving oral sedation, or staying awake for the abortion procedure.
Please Note:
On the day of the appointment, please follow all instructions about ending eating and drinking before the clinic visit. This ensures a safe, uncomplicated anesthesia experience.
The medications that cause you to sleep through your abortion are also known as “general anesthesia.” You will receive the intravenous (IV) medications under the care of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). You may experience mild to moderate cramping once awake. A nurse in the recovery room will help manage any discomfort during recovery. Patients who select this option must have a driver take them home because they may still be drowsy and cannot safely drive.
Other anesthesia options include sedation with anti-anxiety and/or pain medications given through an IV or by mouth. A driver must take you home after receiving any of these.
Local Anesthesia is the administration of pain medication to a small area of the body. The patient will be awake during the procedure, but the local pain medicine will help to make you comfortable. The doctor will place the medication near the opening of the uterus (womb) to decrease the feelings of pain and cramping during the procedure. An advocate will be at your side to support you through the process. Patients who choose this option can drive themselves home after the procedure.
Recovery:
After the procedure, patients will relax for a few minutes. You will likely experience some cramping, spotting, or bleeding. While in recovery, we will offer you a heating pad. When you are ready, you may get dressed in a private bath. Menstrual pads will be provided. Your nurse will review home care instructions. Prescription medicine, including birth control, will be submitted to the pharmacy you provided. The medications are usually available at the pharmacy within 2 hours after the visit. The staff will recommend you go home to rest and recover. You will be able to return to your usual activities the next day.
Follow-Up Visits:
Call to schedule an optional follow-up appointment 1-4 weeks after your procedure if you want to verify that your procedure has been completed and that you are healing well. At this visit, you may ask for a prescription for a birth control method if you did not receive one after your procedure.
Bring the following to the first appointment:
- Federal or State insured ID
- Bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Name and location of your preferred pharmacy
- Comfortable/warm clothes or jacket
- Driver/escort if sedation is desired
- Mobile devices may be used in certain areas and only with earphones
- Wear a mask
Please leave the following at home:
- Small children, unless someone who can wait with them at another location
- Valuables
- Pets
Abortion Cost and Fees:
Please visit our fees page to review the cost of service. The phone staff can discuss this with you further.
The Atlanta Comprehensive Wellness Clinic difference:
We are devoted to providing professional, affordable pregnancy management. We believe every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
To inquire about our Medical Abortion services by mail, please contact us at 770-212-9652.
Call Us Today 770-212-9660
Suite 570E
Atlanta, Georgia 30324
Atlanta Comprehensive Wellness Clinic offers evening clinics. Make your appointment today.
Watch Video of Medical Abortion Procedure
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