An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for an abortion clinic in Bakersfield, California, it’s important to know what to expect. This can help you make a fully informed decision.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The different types of in-clinic abortion procedures
- What to expect during recovery
- When to seek medical help if you experience complications
- What to do before visiting an abortion clinic
Types of In-Clinic Abortion Procedures
The type of surgical abortion you can receive depends on how far along your pregnancy is. The abortion provider will recommend either a dilation and curettage (D&C) or a dilation and evacuation (D&E).
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
A dilation and curettage (D&C), also called a vacuum aspiration abortion, is performed up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.[1] It’s often completed in under 30 minutes.
Here’s how it works[2]:
- Before the procedure, small instruments or a medication is used to open (dilate) the cervix.
- Misoprostol may also be given to soften the cervix.
- During the procedure, the abortion provider will use a spoon-shaped device called a curette to scrape out the tissue from the uterus.
- At the end, a suction device may be used to remove any remaining tissue that the curette missed.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
A dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical abortion most often performed in the second trimester.[3] This procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes and is performed under anesthesia. It’s more complex than a D&C due to the fetus’s size and requires skilled providers.
Here’s how it works[3]:
- Before the procedure, sponge-like sticks (laminaria) are inserted into the cervix.
- These sticks absorb moisture and gradually expand, opening the cervix.
- During the procedure itself, a cannula suctions out uterine contents, and forceps remove the fetus.
How Much Does an In-Clinic Abortion Cost in California?
In California, an in-clinic abortion can cost between $885 to $1,364[4], depending on how far along you are and whether or not you have insurance.
These prices do not include the cost of any pre-screening services (such as an ultrasound) or follow-up care.
Side Effects and Risks
Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.[5]
Potential physical risks include:
- Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.[6]
- Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.[7]
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract.[8]
Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:[9][10]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal behaviors
If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Complications can happen after an in-clinic abortion. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy, excessive bleeding
- Persistent fever
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- No bleeding within 24 hours of the procedure
What to Do Before Visiting an Abortion Clinic
Before visiting an abortion clinic, it’s crucial to receive an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age. This information helps you understand your pregnancy options and make the best decision for your health.
Viability
A viable pregnancy indicates that the pregnancy is progressing normally and has the potential to continue to term. During an ultrasound, technicians look for signs like a fetal heartbeat. This usually appears between 6.5 and 7 weeks of pregnancy.[11]
Getting an ultrasound before an abortion helps check for nonviable pregnancies. This includes miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. These conditions need alternative medical care.
Gestational Age
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy. Doctors measure it from the first day of your last period.
In California, knowing your gestational age is crucial because abortion is only legal until viability (approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy) in most cases.[12][13]
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Click the button below to schedule your appointment.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Considering an In-Clinic Abortion in Bakersfield, California? Visit Bakersfield Pregnancy Center First.
If you’re considering an in-clinic abortion in Bakersfield, California, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is here to help you make an informed decision. We offer:
- Free Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment.
- Compassionate Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
- Personalized Guidance: We are here to answer your questions and help you explore each of your pregnancy options.
Give us a call at (661) 326-1907 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, February 9). Dilation and Curettage (D & C). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/dilation-and-curettage
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 7). Dilation and curettage (D&C). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910
- Cooper, D. B., & Menefee, G. W. (2023, May 7). Dilation and Curettage. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568791/
- As advertised by abortion providers
- 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/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, April 5). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- 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
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2005, September 22). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01538.x
- Coleman, PK. Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2011;199(3):180-186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881096/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/