How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and exploring your options, first know that you are not alone. There is help available!

How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?

Your health and safety are important! Find out everything you need to know about surgical abortion before you get one.

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is the in-clinic method used to end a pregnancy. Because this is a serious medical procedure, it is usually performed by a physician in a clinic or hospital, and involves some form of sedation. The costs and risks associated with this type of abortion are higher than other methods. 

For first trimester surgical abortions, a vacuum aspiration is commonly used, where the fetus is suctioned out from the woman’s uterus. This is typically done for pregnancies between 6 and 12 weeks along. 

After 12 weeks, a dilation & evacuation (D&E) is more commonly used for surgical abortion. First, the doctor dilates (or opens up) the cervix with medication, either taken orally or placed in the vaginal canal. Second, the doctor removes the fetus using a combination of suction and medical instruments.

Some later pregnancies require the woman to be induced for labor. It is a longer process that involves procedures to soften the cervix using medication, terminate the pregnancy through an injection into the uterus, and start labor so the woman delivers the fetus and placenta. In other words, the woman goes through labor which may take hours and then delivers the dead fetus.

How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?

How long a surgical abortion may take depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. For early pregnancies, a surgical abortion may be complete in under an hour. For later pregnancies, the process could take 2 - 3 days, including a stay in the hospital.

To really know what to expect if you get a surgical abortion, gather all the information you can about your unique pregnancy situation first. Find out:

  • How far along are you? 

  • Do you have any potential medical complications, such as ectopic pregnancy? 

  • Do you know what method you would need to use? 

  • What are the risks associated with that method? 

Each type of surgical abortion comes with various risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, common side effects of surgical abortions include:

  • Bleeding, including blood clots 

  • Cramping 

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Sweating

  • Feeling faint

More serious risks to watch out for include:

  • Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour

  • Fever or Infection

  • Cramps lasting more than 48 hours

  • Pain that gets worse instead of better

  • Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

  • Perforation of the uterus

  • Damage to the cervix

  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall

If you have any of these symptoms after a surgical abortion, please go to the ER.

What Do I Need to Know Before a Surgical Abortion? 

To put your health and safety first, get all the information you can about your unique health concerns and pregnancy situation beforehand. One of the best ways to get your questions answered is through getting an ultrasound from a medical professional. An ultrasound exam can answer:

  • How far along you are (and what pregnancy options are available) 

  • If the pregnancy is viable (or if you’re having a miscarriage) 

  • If the pregnancy is located in the uterus (or if you are at risk of ectopic pregnancy)

Also, meeting with a medical professional for in-person care can give you the chance to ask any questions you may have to ensure the option you are choosing is the best for your health, safety, and future. 


At Nova Pregnancy Help Centers, our professional medical team is happy to help you navigate your pregnancy decision with compassionate, confidential help. Schedule your free appointment today—you are not alone.

Clayton Juarez