What It's Like To Get An Abortion When You're 6 Months Pregnant.

#1 Is it legal?

Yes, but most insurance companies will not cover it. The cost is typically a few thousand dollars, even when medically necessary.

#2 Circumstances

Circumstances range to include birth defects, danger to the mother, possibility of future fertility issues alongside poor life expectancy for the child and multiple birth issues.

The last option is generally an issue with twins and other multiple pregnancies where fatality is a likely outcome for one or more of the children and the mother is present.

#3 Conditions

The conditions for an abortion at six months are regulated. An abortion at six months should be performed surgically rather than with medication.

#4 Resolutions

Some parents ask to keep their aborted child or children whole in order to say goodbye, despite any abnormalities. This is a legitimate option that many doctors and staff will honor. The same applies if they are not able to do so or do not recommend it; the conversation is not an easy one, but they will have it with the patient.

#5 Preparations

Preparations will almost always include travel because there are only a few locations that are options for terminating a pregnancy at six months. Usually a therapy session and walkthrough of the procedure precede the actual surgery. There is also a bit of prep for the hormonal changes post op.

#6 D&C

D&C stands for Dilation and Curettage. The results are not pretty, but this is an effective option and there will be cramping and bleeding afterwards.

#7 D&C Prep

The patient receives therapy and a walkthrough of the procedure. The anesthesia administered can be local but general is also an option.

#8 D&C Procedure

During the procedure a curette, which is a looped steel knife, is used to cut and scrape out the pregnancy and evacuate the uterus. This method is 100% effective.

#9 D&C Post Op

The post-surgery cramping and bleeding is most significant with this method. It can be uncomfortable, but staying ahead of the cramping is key.

#10 D&E Procedure

Local or general anesthesia can be used. First the cervix is dilated and tools similar to pliers are used to remove the pregnancy. Everything evacuated must be accounted for, and thus this method is 100% effective as well.

#11 D&E Prep

D&E is Dilation and Evacuation. This follows the same prep as D&C in terms of therapy and is also not an option for parents who wish to say goodbye to their child post op.

#12 D&E Post Op

There is less heavy bleeding post-surgery, but the cramping is rated about the same. Usually OTC pain meds are okay.

#13 D&X Prep

D&X stands for Dilation and Extraction. This is the method that requires the most prep and is the most likely to allow for an intact delivery to allow parents the choice to say goodbye post op. This is not an option all the time, but if it can be done, most will do it.

#14 D&X Procedure

This procedure typically involves more than one day and medication to start dilation. The cervix must be dilated and the patient is generally unconscious if the pregnancy involved multiples. The pregnancy is terminated prior to birth through one of several means. Usually an injection is used for the intact option and then the pregnancy evacuated.

#15 D&X Post Op

Considering the most common circumstances for a termination at this stage in the pregnancy, the woman or couple have time to build up to the abortion but may need therapy and just OTC pain management. Barring any complications discharge is the same day as the procedure.