Abortion, Milwaukee: Affliliated Medical Services offering abortion services in Wisconsin

SURGICAL ABORTION

Procedures are performed through 22 weeks, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. Surgical abortions are done by vacuum aspiration (suction) and instruments if needed. For surgical abortion procedures 12 weeks or less, the cervix is opened with dilators. The doctor inserts a small hollow tube that is connected to a suction device and removes the contents of the uterus, the pregnancy, the afterbirth, and the uterine lining. Most women feel some cramping, similar to strong menstrual cramps.

For surgical abortion procedures at 13-14 weeks, the cervix needs some softening prior to the procedure. To help the cervix soften, the patient swallows 2 tablets of Misoprostol a few hours before the procedure.

For surgical abortion procedures at 15 weeks and above, the cervix must be softened and opened with Laminaria (dilating sticks) prior to the abortion. The Laminaria are left in the cervix several hours. At 17 weeks and above, Laminaria may be left in place overnight. Most women feel some cramping while Laminaria are in the cervix.

If you have a problem or an emergency during or after your surgical abortion, you can speak with our on-call medical staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Click here for a Comparison of Medical and Surgical Abortions.

Anesthesia Options
This information will help you make your decision on what type of anesthesia you want for your surgical abortion.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is a medicine used to "freeze" or "numb" an area

For an abortion, the local anesthesia will be given in the cervix. You may feel a pinch or pressure while this is given.

During your abortion you can expect to feel cramping, like the "cramps" you may have with your period.

You will be alert and awake.

You are allowed to have one adult support person in the room with you during your abortion.

You may drive yourself home.

After the procedure, you will be monitored in our recovery room for at least one-half an hour and then be discharged home.

Twilight Conscious Sedation Anesthesia

Twilight or conscious sedation anesthesia is a combination of medicines given in a vein in your arm.

It will start to work in 15-30 seconds.

You can expect to feel light headed, dizzy, and relaxed.

You will be able to talk to us and breathe on your own.

You will feel pressure and maybe some cramping during your abortion. You may or may not be able to remember this.

This medicine is not like a general anesthesia and will NOT put you to sleep.

You will also receive a local anesthesia in your cervix.

An abortion procedure with conscious sedation costs more than an abortion with just local anesthesia.

You are allowed to have one adult support person in the room with you during your abortion.

You must have someone with you to drive you home. You may NOT drive, walk or take a bus home.

After the procedure, you will be monitored in our recovery room for at least one hour and then be discharged home.

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Affiliated Medical Services
1428 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(800) 498-0424 | (414) 278-0424