Aspiration / Dilation & Curettage Abortion

Aspiration or D&C abortions are usually performed between 6 and 16 weeks of pregnancy. These appointments take 3 to 4 hours if no complications occur. Most of this time is spent on pre-procedure preparation, cervical dilation, recovery, and monitoring. The actual procedure takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes.

The procedure is performed while the patient is awake, with a local anesthetic administered to the cervix to reduce pain. Oral pain medication, anti-anxiety medication, or IV sedation may also be offered.[1]

6 to 12 Weeks

The procedure begins with cervical dilation. The cervix is the small, muscular canal that connects the uterus to the vagina. It has the same consistency as your nose and remains closed during pregnancy to protect the fetus and prevent infection.[2] To perform the abortion, the cervix must be forced open. This is done by inserting a series of metal rods into the cervix, which may cause pressure or cramping.[3]

Once the cervix is dilated, a surgical vacuum called a cannula is inserted into the uterus. The cannula is connected to a suction machine, which is typically 4 times more powerful than a home vacuum. The vacuum pulls the fetus’s body apart and removes it from the uterus along with all the other pregnancy tissue.[4]

Lastly, a curette, which is a metal rod with a looped end, is inserted into the uterus. It is used to scrape the uterine walls and remove any tissue that remains from the pregnancy. Pregnancy tissue can cause bleeding or mild to severe infections if not fully removed.[5]

During and after the procedure, patients may feel mild to severe cramping as the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size.[6]

12 to 16 Weeks

This abortion procedure is similar to that performed from 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, due to the larger size of the fetus (ranging from 2 to 5 inches and roughly the size of a lemon[7]), more extensive cervical dilation is required. To achieve this, medications such as misoprostol tablets are inserted into the vagina. These tablets take 1 to 2 hours to take effect and soften the cervix, making dilation easier.[8] Some cramping may occur as the cervix softens.[9]

At this stage of pregnancy, the fetus may be too large with bones too strong to be suctioned out by the cannula alone. In these cases, a grasping clamp may be used to pull the fetus apart into smaller pieces before suction begins.[10]

Post-Surgical Abortion

Cramping may continue intermittently for up to 4 weeks following the procedure. The intensity and duration can vary depending on factors such as how far along the pregnancy was.

Patients are advised to monitor their symptoms and seek medical care if they experience fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe or worsening pain, or heavy bleeding (such as soaking through multiple pads per hour), as these may be signs of complications.[11]

See our Abortion Risks page for further information on the potential side effects of the D&C abortion procedure.

(It is strongly recommended that patients understand all available options before making an irreversible medical decision. Please contact usif you would like more information on pregnancy options and available support.)

[1]Healthline. (n.d.). Surgical abortion: What it is and what to expect.https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion

[2]Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 3). Cervix: Anatomy, function, changes & conditions. Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23279-cervix

[3]Healthline. Surgical abortion: What it is and what to expect.

[4]Live Action. (n.d.). What is abortion?https://www.liveaction.org/what-is-abortion

[5]Live Action. What is abortion?

[6]Thorne, R. (2025, July 3). After abortion: Care, recovery, side effects, and more. Healthline.https://www.healthline.com/health/after-abortion#side-effects

[7]Zapata, K. (2025, July 17). How big is your baby? A week‑by‑week guide for expecting parents. Parents.https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/how-big-is-your-baby-this-week/

[8]Dey, M. (2013). Oral misoprostol is an effective and acceptable alternative to vaginal administration for cervical priming before first trimester pregnancy termination.Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 69(1), 27–30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3862374/

[9]Ipas. (2022). Recommendations for abortion before 13 weeks’ gestation: Vacuum aspiration – Cervical preparation. Ipas.https://www.ipas.org/clinical-update/english/recommendations-for-abortion-before-13-weeks-gestation/vacuum-aspiration/cervical-preparation/

[10]Live Action. What is abortion?

[11]Niinimäki, M., Pouta, A., Bloigu, A., Gissler, M., Hemminki, E., Suhonen, S., & Heikinheimo, O. (2009). Immediate complications after medical compared with surgical termination of pregnancy. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 114(4), 795–804.https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181b5ccf9