A patient who is 12 to 17.5 weeks gestation as determined by ultrasound is in the second trimester. The abortion procedure for a second trimester abortion is done in two steps and frequently in two days. First, sterile laminaria are inserted to dilate the cervix. For the second step, the uterus is emptied using suction and at times the Dialation and Evacuation method.

After the first step it is important for you to stay off your feet as much as possible the rest of the day. The more activity you engage in, the more likely you are to expel the laminaria. You can take non-aspirin pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol if needed, but remember not to eat or drink, after the designated time. You should not take aspirin products since this will thin your blood and might make you bleed more.

It is most important that you return for the second appointment of the abortion. If you fail to return, you risk an infection called Septicemia, an infection in the uterus, and other complications.
For the second step you will have the abortion procedure, using the dilation and evacuation, or D&E method. This procedure is similar to the vacuum aspiration method as described on the first trimester abortion page.