First Trimester Abortion Procedures

Methotrexate & Misoprostol (MTX)

MTX is a two step medical abortion procedure which is done up to the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. MTX is also used as a treatment for ectopic pregnancy (occurs when a fertilized egg attaches someplace other than the uterus such as in a fallopian tube). First, methotrexate is taken either orally in tablet form or injected; methotrexate interferes with placenta growth, causing it to separate from the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus.

Around 5 to 7 days later, misoprostol is then taken either orally or inserted vaginally; misoprostol causes contractions which cause your body to expel the contents of the uterus. If MTX is not successful, a surgical abortion will be required to complete the process.

Mifepristone & Misoprostol

Also referred to as RU-486, Mifeprex, or the abortion pill, this is a two step medical abortion procedure which is done typically up to the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. First, mifepristone is taken orally in tablet form which causes the placenta to separate from the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus. Mifepristone also softens the cervix (lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) and increases contractions which cause your body to expel the contents of the uterus.

After this, misoprostol is then taken either orally or inserted vaginally; misoprostol also causes uterine contractions which causes your body to pass the contents of the uterus. If this abortion method is not successful, a surgical abortion will be required to complete the process.

Suction Aspiration

Suction aspiration is a surgical abortion procedure which is performed between 6 to 12 weeks gestation. There are two types of suction aspiration abortion procedures: manual & machine.

Manual Vacuum

Manual vaccum can take place between 3 to 6 weeks after the last menstrual period. A handheld syringe is used to suction tissue out of the uterus. As the tissue is removed, the uterus begins to contract. Most patients experience cramping during the procedure. This method is the only kind of surgical abortion procedure available during this early first trimester period and is not very commonly used.

Machine Vacuum

Machine vacuum (or vacuum aspiration) can take place between 6 to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period. It is the most common method of abortion used during this period. Before the procedure, the cervix is dilate (opened) after which a hollow tube (cannula) is inserted into the cervical canal. A pump is attached to this tube and applies suction which empties the uterus of all tissue contents. Most patients experience cramping during the procedure due to the uterus cramping as tissue is removed.

If all the tissue has not been removed following a vacuum aspiration, a Dilation & Curettage (D & C) may be necessary to complete the process.

Note: Hope Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or make referrals for abortions. We do strive to provide accurate information about abortion procedures & effects in order to ensure our clients make informed pregnancy choices.