If you just found out you’re pregnant and didn’t plan for it, you’re probably looking into your abortion options.

Before you contact an abortion clinic, it’s important to know about the different types of abortion procedures. You should also know when they can be done and what risks and side effects they might have.

This information will help you make a well-informed choice about what to do next. Keep reading to learn about first-trimester abortions, second-trimester abortions, and what to expect!

First-Trimester Abortion Procedures

The first trimester is from conception to the end of week 13. During this time, abortion providers usually offer medical abortions or dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures.

What Is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, uses two medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. The FDA has approved it for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1]

The first medicine, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from growing. The second medicine, misoprostol, makes the uterus cramp and push out the pregnancy.[1]

You usually take mifepristone at an abortion clinic. Then you take misoprostol 24 to 48 hours later at home.[1] The bleeding and cramping will start between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.[2] Most women pass the pregnancy during that same time.[3]

It can feel like a heavy period, but everyone’s experience is different. Recovery usually involves rest and over-the-counter pain medicine. You may need follow-up care if bleeding continues.

Can the Abortion Pill be Reversed?

If you’ve taken mifepristone but want to continue your pregnancy, Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) may be right for you.

The treatment uses natural progesterone supplements to restore hormone levels, which may help the embryo stay attached to the uterus and keep growing.[4]

If you want to continue your pregnancy, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network right away. For 24/7 support, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network’s helpline at (877) 558-0333 or email [email protected]. 

What Is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

A dilation and curettage (D&C), also called vacuum aspiration abortion, is a surgical abortion available up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.[5] It’s often done in under 30 minutes.

Hours before or the day before the procedure, small tools or medicine is used to open (dilate) the cervix. Misoprostol may be given to soften the cervix.[6]

During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped tool called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus. They may also use a suction device at the end to remove any tissue that was missed by the curette.[6]

Second-Trimester Abortion Procedures

The second trimester runs from week 13 to week 27. During this time, dilation and evacuation (D&E) becomes the standard procedure because the pregnancy is more developed.

What Is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)?

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often done in the second trimester.[7] It’s more complex than a D&C because the fetus is larger and requires skilled providers.

Here’s how a dilation and evacuation works:

• Cervix Dilation: The day before, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are placed into the cervix. They absorb moisture to expand and slowly open it. Medicine may also be used overnight to soften the cervix.[7]
• Procedure: A thin tube called a cannula suctions out what’s in the uterus, and forceps remove any remaining tissue.[7]

D&E procedures usually take 10-30 minutes and are done under anesthesia. You may have cramping and bleeding for up to two weeks. You’ll have a follow-up visit to make sure everything is complete.

Risks and Side Effects of Abortion

Every type of abortion has risks and side effects. Understanding these can help you weigh your options.

Medical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

After a medical abortion, expect vaginal bleeding or spotting for 9-16 days. In some cases, it can last 30 days or longer.[2]

Other common side effects include[2]:

• Stomach cramping (from misoprostol)
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and upset stomach
• Chills or mild fever

Serious risks to watch for:

• Hemorrhaging: Bleeding that soaks two full-size pads per hour for 2+ hours needs immediate medical attention.[8]
• Incomplete Abortion: If tissue stays in the uterus, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent infection.[9]
• Infection: A fever, nausea, or vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol could mean an infection. This might need antibiotics or surgery to treat.[2]

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

D&C and D&E procedures have risks such as:

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally poke a hole in the uterus, which might need surgical repair.[10]
• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can affect future fertility.[11]
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[12]
• Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[13]

Have Questions About Abortion in Vero Beach, Florida? Get the Facts at Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC.

If you’re exploring abortion, you don’t have to do it alone. The caring team at Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC provides free, confidential help to guide you in making the best choice for your health and future.

Call us at (772) 569-7939 or schedule an appointment online today.

Please be aware that Care Net Pregnancy Center of IRC does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1 
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
3. Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). Mifepristone (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 
4. Delgado G, Davenport ML. Progesterone use to reverse the effects of mifepristone. Ann Pharmacother. 2012;46(12):e-pub ahead of print. https://stenoinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Article-Annals-of-Pharmacotherapy-APR.pdf 
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage 
6. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910 
7. Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/ 
8. Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf 
9. Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
10. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm 
11. Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551 
12. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594 
13. Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/