13 to 18 weeks

Abortion treatment

A procedure performed under deep sedation, carefully carried out by a specialized team.

We're here for you every step of the way. With care and attention.

About the treatment

When a pregnancy is terminated between 13 and 18 weeks, the procedure is more extensive than at an earlier stage. You can expect to spend about 4 to 5 hours at our clinic in Utrecht.

The procedure is performed under deep sedation, so you won’t feel a thing. Using special instruments, the doctor carefully empties and then cleans the uterus. The procedure itself takes 20 to 30 minutes.

After the procedure, you will stay in a recovery room for a while to rest. You will then return to the ward, where you will be given something to eat and drink. It is normal to experience abdominal cramps and bleeding, which may be more severe than after a previous procedure. You will receive clear instructions about your recovery and when to contact us.

Treatments during the second trimester are always performed by specialized teams. Although the care is safe, there is a slightly higher medical risk of complications than with treatment during the first trimester.

Benefits

Safe method up to 18 weeks of pregnancy
Treatment under deep sedation
Implemented by a specialized and experienced team
Anesthesiologist on site

Disadvantages

More physically and emotionally taxing than previous treatment
The risk of complications is slightly higher than with treatment earlier in the pregnancy
Recovery involving blood loss and abdominal cramps may take longer

What can you expect?

Before treatment

Preparation at home

Take a shower or bath at home and make sure you have not eaten or drunk anything for at least 6 hours beforehand. This procedure is always performed under deep sedation. You may drink water or tea (without milk) up to 2 hours beforehand. Arrange for transportation in advance: you must not drive a vehicle for 24 hours after the deep sedation.

‍

Please bring: ID with your Social Security number, insurance card, proof of enrollment, a nightgown, slippers, and sanitary pads. Are you taking any medication? Please let us know in advance.

At the clinic

Assessment & Intake

When you arrive, we’ll first ask you about your medical history using a questionnaire. This will be followed by an ultrasound to determine the exact stage of your pregnancy. Once this is clear, you’ll have a consultation with the doctor.

At the clinic

Treatment

The anesthesiologist will put you to sleep. This means you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. The doctor will use instruments to remove the contents of your uterus. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

At the clinic

Immediately after treatment

After the procedure, you’ll rest in the clinic and be given something to eat and drink. A nurse will stay nearby. Your companion can wait for you in the waiting room. When you go home, you’ll be given instructions to follow. You’ll also need to take antibiotics that same day.

Follow-up Care & Check-ups

Aftercare

Listen to your body and rest if necessary. Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment at the clinic or with your primary care physician after 3 weeks. Keep in mind that you can become pregnant again immediately after an abortion. We’re happy to discuss birth control options with you.

‍

How long does it take?

Day 1–12

Pending consideration

Day 1 of treatment

Prep time: 1 hour

Treatment: 20–30 minutes

In the department: 1–3 hours

After 3 weeks

Post-abortion follow-up

Costs

If you live in the Netherlands and have health insurance, the costs of treatment will be fully covered by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Please bring your insurance card or policy statement and a valid form of identification. If you do not have these documents, you can request an extract from the civil registry at your local city hall and bring it with you.

If you are not officially a resident of the Netherlands and do not have insurance, you will be responsible for the costs, which must be paid in cash or by debit card before treatment begins.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

View all questions

Take your time before making a decision

When you're pregnant, you have several options:

Carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child on my own
Placing a child for adoption or foster care
Terminating a pregnancy (abortion)

Take your time before making a decision. Try to think about how you feel and what matters to you. What does this situation mean for you, your life, and your future? Only you can weigh these factors. We believe it’s important that you reach a well-considered decision at your own pace.

Want to talk to someone?

It can be helpful to talk to someone who will listen without judging you. This could be a friend or family member, but you can also make an appointment with your family doctor or schedule a consultation at our clinic. The consultation is confidential, non-binding, and free of charge. For information about the decision-making process, you can also contact FIOM.

Safe, respectful care

Other people's experiences

Share your experience

“They were very friendly and caring. They made the experience a lot more bearable than I had expected. I didn’t find it an unpleasant place to be, and the atmosphere is very pleasant. They really help you get through it.”

“I think everyone was really kind and understanding. I had a wonderful experience here with all the doctors and nurses. They’re very good at accommodating people who don’t speak Dutch.”

Treatment

In addition to the abortion pill, you can also opt for suction curettage. Learn more about this treatment

View this treatment

We're here for you when you need us most

Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule an appointment? Please contact us.

Call to schedule an appointment

Abortion treatment

About the treatment

Benefits

Disadvantages