What happens during an abortion
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Abortion care usually starts with assessment, information, consent and a plan for pain relief and aftercare.
- Medical abortion uses prescribed medicines; surgical abortion removes the pregnancy through the vagina in a clinic or hospital.
- The provider should explain expected bleeding, cramps, follow-up and when to seek urgent help.
Overview
What happens during abortion care depends on the method, stage of pregnancy and individual health needs. The process should include clear information, consent, pain relief planning and a route for urgent advice afterwards.
Medical abortion
In a medical abortion, a clinician prescribes medicines that first prepare the womb and then cause cramping and bleeding so the pregnancy passes through the vagina. For some early pregnancies this may happen at home, but the exact pathway depends on the service and clinical assessment.
Bleeding and cramps are expected. The provider should explain what amount of bleeding is expected, how to use pain relief, how follow-up works and when to seek help.
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortion is carried out in a clinic or hospital. Earlier procedures commonly use suction through the cervix; later procedures may use dilatation and evacuation with surgical instruments and suction.
Anaesthetic options may include local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic. If a general anaesthetic or sedation is used, the person will need advice about travel home, supervision and avoiding driving.
Afterwards
Most people can go home the same day after surgical abortion, and follow-up after medical abortion may be by phone, text or a special pregnancy test depending on the provider. Contraception can be discussed because pregnancy can happen again soon after an abortion.
Sources
- NHS, Abortion: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/
Relevance: NHS gives UK patient information on what abortion is, preparation, methods, recovery, complications and support. - NHS, How an abortion is done: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/what-happens/
Relevance: NHS explains medical and surgical abortion pathways, including timing, medicines, anaesthetic options and same-day recovery. - NHS, Recovery after an abortion: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abortion/recovery/
Relevance: NHS describes expected bleeding and cramps, fertility after abortion, contraception and when to contact NHS 111 or a GP. - NICE NG140, Abortion care recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng140/chapter/Recommendations
Relevance: NICE sets evidence-based UK recommendations on access, information, procedure choice, pain relief, follow-up and contraception after abortion. - RCOG, Abortion care patient information: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/abortion-care/
Relevance: RCOG provides patient-centred guidance on accessing abortion care, confidentiality, available methods, risks and aftercare.
Disclaimer
Educational only. Results vary. Not a cure. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if symptoms are severe, sudden or worrying. Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
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