Abortion Procedures
Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) with Vacuum Aspiration

This is a surgical procedure used in the first 12 weeks (LMP) of pregnancy. The doctor first opens (dilates) the cervix by gradually stretching with a series of dilators. Then the doctor empties the uterus with suction. After suctioning, the doctor may scrape the walls of the uterus to make sure the unborn child, placenta, and contents of the uterus have been completely removed.

Possible Complications of Dilatation and Curettage (D&C)

• Cramping of the uterus or pelvic pain.
  
• Perforated uterus (a hole in the uterus) - very rarely.
  
• Injury to the bowel or the bladder - very rarely.
  
• A cut or torn cervix (cervical laceration) - very rarely.
  
• Incomplete abortion - very rarely - pregnancy tissue left inside the uterus, repeated vacuum aspiration may be necessary.
  
• Infection - very rarely - medication for the infection, or in rare cases, repeated vacuum aspiration might be needed.
  
• Fertility can be diminished in very rare instances as a consequence of infection.
  
• Heavy bleeding - very rarely - a hemorrhage develops; medication, repeated vacuum aspiration, surgery or blood transfusion might be needed.
  
• Very rarely - emergency treatment for any of the above problems, including the possible need to treat with an operation, medicines, or a blood transfusion.
  
• Very rarely - death.