Different Types of Abortion: Procedures, Risks, and Side Effects  

If you’ve just discovered you’re pregnant and it’s not what you planned, you might be researching your abortion options. 

Before contacting an abortion clinic, it’s important to understand the types of abortion procedures, when they can be performed, and their potential risks and side effects. 

This knowledge equips you to make a well-informed decision about your next steps. Keep reading to learn more about first-trimester abortions, second-trimester abortions, and what to expect.  

First-Trimester Abortion Procedures  

The first trimester spans from conception to the end of week 13. During this period, abortion providers may offer medical abortions and dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures. 

What Is a Medical Abortion?  

A medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. It’s FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1]  

The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from continuing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[2]

Mifepristone is taken in an office or home setting, while misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later at home.[3] The bleeding and cramping will begin between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.[4] Most women expel the pregnancy within that same timeframe.[5]

Pain from an abortion pill procedure can vary, but many women experience more discomfort than they expected, with the majority reporting moderate to severe pain during the procedure.[6] Recovery often involves rest and over-the-counter pain relief, but follow-up care may be needed if bleeding persists.  

What Is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?  

A dilation and curettage (D&C), also called vacuum aspiration abortion, is a surgical abortion available up to about 14 weeks of pregnancy.[7]  

Hours before or the day before the procedure, small instruments or a medication may be used to open (dilate) the cervix. Misoprostol may be given to soften the cervix.[8]

During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped device called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus. They may also use a suction device at the end to remove any remaining tissue that was missed by the curette.[9]  

Second-Trimester Abortion Procedures  

The second trimester runs from week 13 to week 27. During this stage, dilation and evacuation (D&E) becomes the standard procedure due to the pregnancy’s advanced development.  

What Is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)?  

A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester.[10] It’s more complex than a D&C due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers.  

Here’s how a dilation and evacuation works:

• Cervix Dilation: The day before, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix, absorbing moisture to expand and open it gradually. Medication may also be used overnight to soften the cervix.[11]  
• Procedure: A cannula suctions out uterine contents, and forceps remove remaining tissue.[12]  

D&E procedures may be done under sedation or anesthesia. You may experience cramping and bleeding for up to two weeks, with a follow-up visit to ensure everything is complete. 

Risks and Side Effects of Abortion  

Every abortion type—medical or surgical—carries risks and side effects. Understanding these risks and side effects can help you weigh your options.  

In addition to the risks and side effects listed below, abortion has been associated with post-traumatic stress and mental health effects in some individuals.[13]

Medical Abortion Side Effects and Risks  

After a medical abortion, expect vaginal bleeding or spotting for 9-16 days, though it can last 30 days or longer in some cases.[14] 

Other common side effects include[15]:

• Abdominal cramping (from misoprostol)  
• Headaches  
• Nausea and vomiting  
• Diarrhea and digestive discomfort  
• Chills or mild fever  

Severe risks to watch for:  

• Hemorrhaging: Bleeding that soaks two full-size pads per hour for 2+ hours requires immediate attention.[16]  
• Incomplete Abortion: If tissue remains, emergency surgery may be needed to prevent infection.[17]  
• Infection: Persistent fever, nausea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours post-misoprostol could indicate an infection, potentially requiring antibiotics or surgery.[18]  

Surgical Abortion Side Effects and Risks  

D&C and D&E procedures carry risks such as:  

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly requiring surgical repair.[19]
• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[20]  
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[21]  
• Intense Pain: Studies show second-trimester abortions like D&E can be more painful than expected.[22]  

Have Questions About Abortion in Harrisburg, PA? Get the Facts at Morning Star Clinics.

If you’re exploring abortion, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The caring team at Morning Star Clinics provides free, confidential guidance to help you make the best choice for your health and future.  

Call us at 717-901-2799 or schedule your appointment online today.

Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
2. See source #1.
3. See source #1.
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
5. Mifepristone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 
6. McCulloch, H., Perro, D., Taghinejadi, N., Whitehouse, K. C., & Lohr, P. A. (2025, April 1). Expectations and experiences of pain during medical abortion at home: A secondary, mixed-methods analysis of a patient survey in England and Wales. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health. https://srh.bmj.com/content/51/2/137  
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage 
8. Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
9. See source #8.
10. Understanding Dilation and Evacuation (D&E). Saint Luke’s Health System. (n.d.). https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-dilation-and-evacuation-de
11. See source #10.
12. See source #10.
13. Babbel, S. (2010, October 25). Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) — Does It Exist? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/somatic-psychology/201010/post-abortion-stress-syndrome-pass-does-it-exist
14. See source #5.
15. See source #5.
16. Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
17. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
18. See source #5.
19. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
20. Mayo Clinic. (2024, July 6). Elective Abortion: Does it Affect Subsequent Pregnancies? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
21. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
22. Dzuba, I. G., Chandrasekaran, S., Fix, L., Blanchard, K., & King, E. (2022, May 12). Pain, Side Effects, and Abortion Experience Among People Seeking Abortion Care in the Second Trimester. Women’s Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9148646/