What Happens During an Abortion? Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Not knowing what to expect is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for women seeking abortion services — especially for the first time. "Will it hurt?" "What will they do?" "How long will it take?" "Will I be alone?" — these are completely natural questions.
This guide answers all of them. We walk through exactly what happens from the moment you first contact a clinic to your follow-up appointment, so you can approach the process feeling informed, prepared, and in control.
At a professional, registered MTP centre in Virar, the experience is private, respectful, and managed by qualified medical professionals — step by step.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Your First Contact (Call or WhatsApp)
- Step 2: Arriving at the Clinic
- Step 3: The Consultation
- Step 4: Diagnostic Tests (Ultrasound & Blood Work)
- Step 5: Consent and Decision
- Step 6a: Medical Abortion Process
- Step 6b: Surgical Abortion Process (MVA)
- Step 7: Recovery at the Clinic
- Step 8: Going Home
- Step 9: The First Week at Home
- Step 10: Your Follow-Up Appointment
- What to Bring on the Day
- What to Wear
- Can I Bring Someone?
- Myth vs Fact
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
- Call to Action
Step 1: Your First Contact (Call or WhatsApp)
Everything begins with a simple, private contact.
How to reach us:
- Call: +91 80109 12772
- WhatsApp: +91 80109 12772
- Email: newlifehospitalvirar@gmail.com
What happens in this first contact:
- You speak with clinic staff or the doctor directly (WhatsApp messages are seen and responded to discreetly)
- You share a brief description of your situation: approximately how far along you are, whether you have had a scan, and what you are looking for
- You are given an appointment time — usually same-day or next-day
- You receive basic instructions on what to bring and how to prepare
You will not be asked unnecessary questions. No judgment. No lecturing.
You can send a WhatsApp message if a phone call feels too exposed. Many women simply send: "I need to book a confidential appointment." That is enough.
Step 2: Arriving at the Clinic
The clinic is located in Virar West, easily accessible from the Virar railway station and surrounding areas of Vasai, Nalasopara, and Palghar.
What to expect on arrival:
- A discreet, private reception
- You will not be asked to announce your reason for visiting loudly
- You check in quietly with clinic staff
- You wait in a private or semi-private area until your name is called
Many women are concerned about seeing someone they know. This is a normal fear. Our clinic manages appointment timing to protect your privacy.
Step 3: The Consultation
This is the most important part of the visit — and the one that is most different from what many women fear.
The consultation is a private, one-on-one conversation with the gynaecologist.
The doctor will:
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Listen first. You are asked to describe your situation in your own words.
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Ask relevant medical questions:
- First day of your last menstrual period (to estimate gestational age)
- Whether you have had any previous pregnancies or abortions
- Current medications
- Any known medical conditions or allergies
- Contraceptive history -
Explain your options. Based on estimated gestational age and your health, the doctor explains which methods are available to you, what each involves, and what the recovery looks like.
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Answer your questions. You are encouraged to ask anything — there are no silly questions here.
What the doctor will NOT do:
- Ask you why you are pregnant
- Ask for information about your relationship or partner
- Pressure you to continue or end the pregnancy
- Share your information with anyone outside the consultation
Step 4: Diagnostic Tests
Before any decision is made, two things are assessed:
Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound (sonography) is performed to:
- Confirm intrauterine pregnancy — extremely important to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which cannot be treated with standard abortion methods and is an emergency
- Establish accurate gestational age — the LMP estimate is confirmed by measuring the embryo/foetus
- Identify any abnormalities (e.g., multiple pregnancies, fibroids) that may affect the approach
The scan takes approximately 10–15 minutes. It is an abdominal scan for later gestations, or transvaginal (internal) scan for very early pregnancies (under 7 weeks).
A transvaginal scan involves a small probe inserted gently into the vagina. It is mildly uncomfortable for a short time but is not painful.
Blood Tests
A small blood sample is taken to check:
- Haemoglobin (iron level) — to assess for anaemia
- Blood group (A, B, AB, O) — for safety protocols
- Rh factor (positive or negative) — women who are Rh-negative may need an injection (anti-D immunoglobulin) after certain procedures
Results are usually available quickly.
Step 5: Consent and Decision
Once the doctor has the scan results and blood work, a final conversation takes place:
- The doctor confirms the recommended method (medical or surgical) based on your gestational age and health
- The procedure is explained again, including expected side effects and what to watch for
- All your questions are answered
Informed Written Consent:
You will be asked to sign a consent form. This is required by law under the MTP Act. It confirms that:
- You understand what the procedure involves
- You have been informed of alternatives
- You are making this decision freely and without coercion
You have the right to change your mind at any point before the procedure begins.
Step 6a: Medical Abortion Process (If Applicable)
For pregnancies up to 7–9 weeks.
At the clinic:
You receive Mifepristone 200mg — a small tablet taken by mouth. This is taken at the clinic under the doctor's supervision. Most women feel no immediate effect.
You are given:
- Misoprostol tablets to take home (to be taken 24–48 hours later)
- Detailed written instructions on how and when to take Misoprostol
- Prescribed pain relief (ibuprofen or mefenamic acid)
- Antibiotics (to prevent infection)
- Emergency contact number (save it before you leave)
24–48 hours later, at home:
You take the Misoprostol as directed — either under the tongue or vaginally. Within 1–4 hours, cramping and bleeding begin. (See Blog 6 for the full detailed experience of what this involves.)
The process completes over the next 4–6 hours. You pass the pregnancy tissue at home, with prescribed pain relief and rest.
Step 6b: Surgical Abortion Process (MVA — If Applicable)
For pregnancies from 6–12 weeks; also used for second trimester (D&E).
Preparation
- You may be asked to fast for 4–6 hours before (especially if sedation is used)
- You change into a clinic gown
- A mild sedative may be offered if anxiety is high
The Procedure
Position: You lie on the procedure table in a position similar to a gynaecological examination.
Anaesthesia: A local anaesthetic (lidocaine) is injected into the cervix. This numbs the area. You will feel:
- A small injection sting
- Possible brief cramping as the cervix is numbed
- Then significantly reduced sensation in the area
Cervical dilation: The cervix is gently opened using small graduated instruments. For early pregnancies, very minimal dilation is required.
Suction: A thin, flexible tube (cannula) is inserted through the cervix. A gentle suction device is used to remove the pregnancy. The entire suction step takes 3–5 minutes.
What you feel during suction: Pressure and cramping — similar to intense menstrual cramps. This is the most uncomfortable moment. It passes quickly.
Completion: The doctor checks that the procedure is complete. The instruments are removed. You rest on the table for 5–10 minutes while monitored.
Total procedure time: Approximately 10–20 minutes from start to finish.
Step 7: Recovery at the Clinic
After the procedure (surgical) or after taking Mifepristone (medical), you rest in a recovery area at the clinic.
After surgical abortion:
- You rest for 1–2 hours under the clinic's observation
- Mild to moderate cramping is normal and expected
- Bleeding begins — usually lighter than a normal period initially
- You are given a sanitary pad
- Hot drink and light snacks may be offered
- Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse) are checked
- Pain relief is given if needed
Before you leave:
- Written aftercare instructions are provided
- You are told exactly what to expect in the coming days
- You are given the emergency contact number
- Your follow-up appointment is scheduled
Step 8: Going Home
After a surgical abortion:
- You should not drive — mild sedation affects reaction time. Arrange a cab or trusted companion
- The journey home may involve some cramping and light bleeding — have pads available
- Most women feel tired and want to rest
- Some women feel relief and emotional calm; others may feel weepy — both are completely normal
After Mifepristone (medical abortion, first day):
- You can return home normally and resume most activities
- The active phase of medical abortion happens 24–48 hours later
Step 9: The First Week at Home
Physical Care
- Rest as needed — light activity is fine within 24 hours for most women
- Take all prescribed medications (antibiotics, pain relief) as directed
- Use sanitary pads only — no tampons until bleeding has stopped
- Avoid swimming, baths, and penetrative intercourse for 2–4 weeks
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 week
- Eat normally — light, warm meals can help with cramping
Emotional Care
It is normal to feel:
- Relief — most commonly reported
- Fatigue and a desire to rest
- Mild sadness or a sense of loss — both are valid
- Emotional sensitivity for a few days
Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes. You do not need to perform wellness. Rest, eat well, and reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk.
What Is Normal
- Bleeding for 1–2 weeks (surgical) or 1–3 weeks (medical)
- Mild cramping for 1–3 days
- Light spotting continuing for up to 3 weeks
- Next period arriving in 4–6 weeks
Step 10: Your Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment is scheduled 1–2 weeks after your procedure. This is not optional — it is an essential part of your care.
At the follow-up:
- Ultrasound or blood test (hCG) confirms the abortion is complete
- The doctor checks for signs of infection
- Your bleeding and recovery are assessed
- Contraceptive options are discussed if relevant
- Emotional check-in — how are you feeling?
If an abortion is incomplete (2–5% of medical abortions), a simple follow-up suction procedure is performed. This is routine and safe.
What to Bring on the Day
- Valid photo ID (mandatory for consent form)
- Any previous ultrasound reports or scans (if available)
- List of current medications
- Sanitary pads (a small pack)
- Water and a light snack
- A trusted companion (optional, but welcome)
What to Wear
Comfortable, loose clothing. You will change into a clinic gown for the procedure.
Can I Bring Someone?
Yes. A companion (friend, partner, family member) is welcome to accompany you and wait during the procedure. You choose who knows about your visit — your companion's presence in the waiting area is discreet.
Many women come alone and are completely safe and supported throughout.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "The clinic will tell me what to do and I have no say" | Every step involves your informed consent — you can ask questions and change your mind before the procedure |
| "Surgical abortion involves being cut open" | No incisions are made — a thin tube is passed through the natural cervical opening |
| "It will be painful for hours during the procedure" | The active procedure takes 5–15 minutes; local anaesthesia significantly reduces pain |
| "I won't be able to move after an abortion" | Most women walk out of the clinic within 1–2 hours of a surgical procedure |
| "I'll have to tell everyone what I'm doing that day" | You can book with complete confidentiality and manage your day privately |
| "Medical abortion can be started without a clinic visit" | You must visit the clinic for the ultrasound and first medication — there is no safe shortcut |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long will I be at the clinic?
For a surgical procedure: approximately 3–4 hours (consultation, tests, procedure, recovery). For medical abortion (first day): 1–2 hours.
Q2: Will I be awake during the procedure?
Yes, under local anaesthesia in most cases. You will feel pressure but not sharp pain. General sedation is available on request.
Q3: Will there be a lot of blood at the clinic?
During surgical abortion, bleeding begins after the procedure and is typically moderate. You will be provided with pads.
Q4: What if I feel anxious or start crying?
This is entirely expected and normal. The clinic team is supportive and will give you time and space.
Q5: Can I eat before the appointment?
For a consultation day with no planned procedure: yes. If sedation or surgery is planned: follow the fasting instructions given (typically 4–6 hours before).
Q6: How quickly does pain start after Misoprostol?
Usually within 30 minutes to 2 hours. The cramping peaks around 2–4 hours after administration.
Q7: What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
Call or WhatsApp us. We understand that circumstances change. No judgment, no questions asked.
Q8: Is the follow-up appointment at the same clinic?
Yes — follow-up is with the same clinic and typically the same doctor. Continuity of care matters to us.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Every step is private, respectful, and fully explained before it happens
- ✅ The procedure itself (MVA) takes only 10–20 minutes
- ✅ You will not be judged — at any step
- ✅ Informed consent is obtained before anything begins — you are always in control
- ✅ Bring your ID, wear comfortable clothes, and plan to rest afterward
- ✅ The follow-up appointment is mandatory — do not skip it
- ✅ Most women leave the clinic feeling physically stable within 1–3 hours
Ready to Take the First Step?
Abortion Centre Virar offers private, same-day appointments for women across Virar, Vasai, Nalasopara, and beyond.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 80109 12772
📍 Virar West, Maharashtra
We handle your visit with the care and privacy it deserves — from first contact to follow-up.
You Are Not Alone — We Are Here for You
Confidential same-day consultations at our government-approved MTP Centre.
Serving Virar, Vasai, Nalasopara & the Mumbai Western Railway corridor.
📞 Call Now: +91 80109 12772
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