Up through twelve to sixteen weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP), a vacuum aspiration may be performed to terminate pregnancy. The abortionist will provide pain medication and apply local anesthesia. The aspiration procedure will involve opening the vagina using a device called a speculum, then stretching open the cervix using metal or plastic rods; alternatively, the cervix may be stretched gradually (starting up to 24 hours before the procedure) using laminaria, a material that swells by absorbing moisture. The abortionist inserts a long, thin plastic tube into the uterus and removes the embryo or fetus by suction. 4
The force of suction pulls the fetus’s body apart The doctor may scrape the fetus or any remaining fetal parts from the uterus using a surgical instrument called a curette. If a curette is used, the procedure may be called suction curettage or dilation and curettage (D&C)5
Women who choose this method of terminating pregnancy may expect “mild to very strong cramps during the abortion” and “light to moderate bleeding or spotting for several days.” 6
Some women may experience bleeding up to two weeks.7
