GLOSSARY OF TERMS
First trimester surgical abortion: An abortion procedure performed when a woman is less than 14 weeks from her last menstrual period.Second trimester abortion: An abortion performed when a woman is between 14 and 21.6 weeks from her last menstrual period.
Vacuum aspiration abortion: This is the procedure performed when a woman is in the first trimester of her pregnancy.
Dilation and evacuation abortion: This is the procedure performed when a woman is in the second trimester of her pregnancy.
Gestation: The duration of the pregnancy (in number of weeks).
Dilator: Slender rods graduated in diameter and used in succession to gradually stretch open the cervical opening (cervical OS).
Osmotic dilator: This is a dilator that absorbs moisture and causes the cervical canal to dilate gradually.
Paracervical block: This is a local anesthetic. A series of injections are given into the cervix to minimize the feeling in this area. Most women feel little discomfort with this injection as the cervix has very few nerve endings, although some report a pinching, stinging or dull heavy feeling.
Cervix: The "mouth" or opening of the uterus. The lower portion of the uterus.
Cervical canal: The canal within the uterine cervix that protrudes into the vagina.
Cervical OS: The opening of the cervix.
Tenaculum: An instrument used by the doctor to grasp and hold your cervix steady.
Vacurette: A hollow tube that is inserted into the uterus to suction and remove the pregnancy.
Douche: To rinse out the vagina; a procedure in which a solution of medications or a cleansing agent in warm water is introduced into the vagina under low pressure. A woman usually performs this procedure herself.
Pelvic exam: A diagnostic procedure in which the internal and external genitalia are physically examined. A doctor or nurse usually performs this procedure.
Speculum: An instrument used for looking at the inside of the vagina and cervix.
Uterus: The womb; the organ where the fetus develops during pregnancy.
Pap smear: A test in which cells are obtained from the cervix and examined under a microscope. This test can detect different types of cancer and/or abnormal cells.
Meadowbrook Women's Clinic, P.A.
825 South 8th Street, Suite 1018
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-376-7708 / 1-800-721-7708
info@meadowbrookclinic.com
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