Different Types of Abortion: Procedures, Risks, and Side Effects

May 9, 2025 | Abortion

If you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant and it’s not what you planned, you’re probably researching your options.

If you’re feeling conflicted about an abortion decision, it’s important to understand the types of abortion procedures, when they can be performed, and their potential risks and side effects.

This knowledge equips you to make a well-informed decision about your next steps. Keep reading to learn more about first-trimester abortions, second-trimester abortions, and what to expect.

 

First-Trimester Abortion Procedures

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

 

What Is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. It’s FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. [1]

The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy. [2]

Mifepristone is usually taken in an abortion clinic, while misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later at home. [3] The bleeding and cramping will begin between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol. [4] Most women expel the pregnancy within that same timeframe. [5]

This experience can involve heavy bleeding, though intensity varies. Recovery often involves rest and over-the-counter pain relief, but follow-up care may be needed if bleeding persists.

 

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. [6] It’s often completed in under 30 minutes.

Hours before or the day before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix. Misoprostol may be given to soften the cervix. [7]

During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped device called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus. They may also use a suction device at the end to remove any remaining tissue that was missed by the curette. [8]

 

Second-Trimester Abortion Procedures

The second trimester runs from week 13 to week 27. During this stage, dilation and evacuation (D&E) becomes the standard procedure due to the pregnancy’s advanced development.

 

What Is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)?

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester. [9] It’s more complex than a D&C due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers.

Here’s how a dilation and evacuation works:

  • Cervix Dilation: The day before, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix, absorbing moisture to expand and open it gradually. Medication may also be used overnight to soften the cervix. [10]
  • Procedure: A cannula suctions out uterine contents, and forceps remove remaining tissue. [11]

D&E procedures typically take 10–30 minutes and are done under anesthesia. You may experience cramping and bleeding for up to two weeks, with a follow-up visit to ensure everything is complete.

 

Risks and Side Effects of Abortion

Every abortion type—medical or surgical—carries risks and side effects. Understanding these can help you weigh your options.

 

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) Side Effects and Risks

After a medical abortion, expect vaginal bleeding or spotting for 9–16 days, though it can last 30 days or longer in some cases. [12]

Other common side effects include [13]:

  • Abdominal cramping (from misoprostol)
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and digestive discomfort
  • Chills or mild fever

Severe risks to watch for:

  • Hemorrhaging: Bleeding that soaks two full-size pads per hour for 2+ hours requires immediate attention. [14]
  • Incomplete Abortion: If tissue remains, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent infection. [15]
  • Infection: Persistent fever, nausea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours post-misoprostol could indicate an infection, potentially requiring antibiotics or surgery. [16]

 

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks

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

  • Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair. [17]
  • Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility. [18]
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract. [19]
  • Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected. [20]

 

Have Questions About Abortion in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Get the Facts at Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center

If you’re exploring your options, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The caring team at Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center provides free, confidential guidance to help you make the best choice for your health and future.

Call us at (319) 364-8968 or schedule an appointment online today.

Request an Appointment

Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center 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
  2. See source #1.
  3. See source #1.
  4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus.
    https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
  5. Mifepristone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1).
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
  6. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C).
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage
  7. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C).
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
  8. See source #7.
  9. Understanding Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.).
    https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de
  10. See source #9.
  11. See source #9.
  12. See source #4.
  13. See source #4.
  14. Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA.
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
  15. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion.
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
  16. See source #4.
  17. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
  18. 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
  19. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
  20. 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/