Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration

• Patient will lie on her back with feet in stirrups and a speculum is inserted to open the vagina.
• A local anesthetic is administered to her cervix. Then, a tenaculum [a slender sharp pointed hook attached to a handle, and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts]1 is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by cone shaped rods.
• When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula, which is a long plastic tube connected to a suction device, is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta.
• The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours.

Risks and Side Effects:

• Cramping
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Feeling faint
• Less frequent side effects include
  • Possible heavy or prolong bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and possibly scar.

Fetal Development:  Week 9-13

• Genitals have formed
• Baby can make a fist
• Buds for baby teeth appear

American Pregnancy Association (2007).  Types of Abortion Procedures.  Retrieved from:  http://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/abortionprocedures.html

Fetal Development citation: http://mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development/PR00113