Conscious Sedation with Regional Anesthesia

We at WomanCare wish to provide our patients with a comfortable experience. Patients often relate that they are afraid of pain associated with an abortion. We are aware of your fears, and we want to assure you that the discomfort you feel will be minimal and quite tolerable.

All patients receive what is called “regional anesthesia.” Our physician has been at WomanCare for over 25 years, and has worked with other experts to develop a very effective procedure to numb the cervix and lower uterus. Some patients will experience mild discomfort while the numbing takes place, but most tolerate it with minimal discomfort. Once the cervix is numbed (anesthetized), the cervix can be opened (dilated), and the pregnancy can be suctioned from the uterus with minimal cramping.

While we do not offer general anesthesia (we don’t put patients completely to sleep), we do offer an injection of a medication that is similar to Valium. This is given directly into a vein just prior to the procedure. The technical term for this is “conscious sedation.” Patients are usually awake, but they are sleepy, the frequently doze, they are relaxed, and much less frightened or anxious. The medical also causes amnesia. And many patients do not remember the procedure.

Patients who receive conscious sedation cannot drive after the procedure, so if you decide you want this, you must have a driver, or you’ll have to take a cab home. There is also an extra fee. Please call WomanCare for further details.