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Induction Abortion

Table of Contents

Treatment Overview

Induction abortion is ending a pregnancy by using medicines to start (induce) labor and delivery in the second or third trimester. This is done in the hospital. The doctor may also use a medicine to stop the pregnancy before induction.

The induction medicines may be put in the vagina, given by mouth, or given through a vein (I.V.). Different medicines may be combined to make sure that the induction works and to reduce bleeding. You will be offered medicines for pain.

What To Expect

As your body returns to its nonpregnant condition, there are some things you can expect during the days and weeks after the procedure.

Here are some things to do as you recover:

Why It Is Done

Induction is one option for abortion in the second or third trimester. It may be done because of a severe medical problem. It may also be done if you can't get an abortion earlier in pregnancy.

How Well It Works

Induction abortion is an effective way to end a pregnancy in the second or third trimester.

Risks

Induction abortion is safe and usually doesn't cause any problems. Possible problems include:

Credits for Induction Abortion

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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