Some states require that a woman who wishes to have an abortion receive counseling and wait a specified period of time, usually 24 hours, after receiving counseling before having the abortion. Women should follow their physician’s recommendations regarding any preparatory steps that should be taken before the abortion procedure. These may include dietary restrictions or changes in their medication regimen.

Prior to a vacuum aspiration procedure, a woman may need to have her cervix dilated, particularly if the abortion is happening in the eighth week of pregnancy or later. For women having first-trimester abortions, sponge-like devices called osmotic dilators may be inserted into the cervical canal overnight or several hours prior to the procedure to ensure slow dilation. This helps prevent perforation of or injury to the cervix, especially in women who have not previously given birth.

Women having second-trimester abortions usually require a greater amount of cervical dilation. As a result, osmotic dilators may be inserted up to several days prior to the procedure.  

A surgically induced abortion will unfold in different ways depending on the procedure being used. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used whereas in others, a local anesthetic or no anesthetic will be needed.

A nonsurgical abortion performed with medication therapy will be administered in a physician’s office after a complete physical examination and thorough medical history have been performed.

In most cases, physical recovery from abortion occurs within a few days. A small amount of vaginal bleeding and mild uterine cramping is not unusual during this time. Use of a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen may relieve these symptoms.

Women should avoid strenuous activity for a few days following an abortion. Tampons may be used after three days, and sexual intercourse may be resumed after two to three weeks. Normal menstrual periods should resume four to six weeks after the operation. The physician may have additional recommendations based on the specific woman and procedure.