Are you asking yourself, “Am I too far along to get an abortion?” days or weeks after discovering an unexpected pregnancy? For anyone who’s thinking about terminating, this is a really smart question to be considering. Your unique answer will depend on various factors closely related to your health and the condition of your pregnancy. (So, it’s vital to get a few key pieces of information to navigate this journey wisely.) Our expert team at Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you plan your next steps within a safe, confidential, and pressure-free space.
Any pregnancy outcome (abortion, adoption, or parenting) is bound to have implications for your physical and emotional well-being. That’s why exploring your options is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Avenue exists to support you in this process! We offer free appointments to provide important information about your pregnancy and teach you the medical procedures and risks involved with all your available avenues.
Discover our no-cost early pregnancy services! We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more!
Possible Abortion Procedures and Timelines
Let’s begin with a short description of how abortion processes work at different stages of pregnancy. The following information is provided courtesy of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
First Trimester
A common first-trimester abortion is what’s often referred to as, “the abortion pill”, a combination of 2 medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) ingested one after the other. Mifepristone stops the development of the pregnancy, and misoprostol causes the uterus to empty itself. Another option is a first-trimester surgical abortion. This is usually completed by means of a vacuum aspiration (aka, suction curettage). a vacuum pump is used to remove the pregnancy through a tube, and any remaining contents are removed using a small tool called a curette. In general, vacuum aspiration is an option up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.
*At this time, the abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Second Trimester
A second-trimester abortion is a termination that takes place after 13 weeks of pregnancy. This is most commonly completed through a procedure called dilation and evacuation (D&E). Once the cervix is dilated, the pregnancy is removed using a suction pump and instruments.
Late Term
It’s generally more difficult to access an abortion in the later stages of pregnancy due to rising complications and risks. ACOG states, “The cost and complexity of abortion care can increase as you get farther along in your pregnancy. And many states limit when during pregnancy an abortion can be done.”
Learning the Gestational Age
It’s important to find out the gestational age of the pregnancy (how far along you are) so you can determine which abortion method(s) would be most appropriate for you. This key information can be assessed through an ultrasound. At Avenue Women’s Center, we offer free and confidential limited medical ultrasounds, performed by highly skilled and compassionate nurse sonographers. In addition to confirming the gestational age of your pregnancy, an Avenue scan can clarify your chances of miscarriage (in case an abortion wouldn’t be necessary) and the location of your pregnancy (in case you’d need to seek medical attention beyond an abortion). Our expert staff is available to provide accurate information on the processes involved with all your available pregnancy options.
All pregnancy options (including all abortion methods) come with inherent health risks. Because your safety is the most important factor in all of this, it’s critical to be attentive to your unique wellness needs throughout the decision-making process. Avenue is here to help you learn more about your pregnancy, so you can take informed and confident next steps.
Reach out to schedule an appointment at Avenue! Our pregnancy consultants and nurses are available to meet you with warmth, sincerity, and professionalism.
*Abortion laws vary significantly by state. Check your state’s guidelines to assess the legality of abortion options in your area.
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Reference:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2024, May). FAQs: Abortion Care. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.