What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?

Understanding your options is crucial if you have an unexpected pregnancy and are in your second trimester.

In Massachusetts, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks gestation. If you are younger than 16 years, parental consent or judicial bypass is required to have an abortion. 

Although Your Options Medical does not provide or refer for abortion, we can provide preliminary medical information that is helpful to you in your decision-making process. We are committed to supplying you with the medical information you need. Your second-trimester pregnancy options include continuing your pregnancy with a plan to parent or place for adoption or a surgical abortion.

Abortion

In the second trimester, a  surgical abortion is the only option to choose to terminate your pregnancy. At this gestational stage, you would likely have a D & E (dilation and evacuation) procedure.

During a D & E, the provider typically uses suctioning to remove the fetus. Sometimes, surgical instruments such as forceps may be used as well. You will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. 

Abortion-related risks are rare, but they increase when you are in your second trimester and include:

• Infection
• Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding (that could require a blood transfusion)
• Cervical injury
• Incomplete abortion (retained pregnancy tissue which could lead to further complications)
• Uterine perforation (or rupture)
• Need for surgery or stitches to repair the cervix or uterus

If you are considering abortion, reviewing your health history with a provider, researching the procedure beforehand, and ensuring you have informed consent of the potential risks are some of the essential steps prior to undergoing a surgical procedure.

Carrying Your Pregnancy

Parenting and adoption are the two options that involve carrying your pregnancy to term. Many resources are available for both options, so carefully reviewing all the information is key to making an informed decision that reflects your hopes and not your fears.

Parenting

As a parent, you’ll raise your child and provide the environment they need to flourish. This option can be challenging as it creates a financial and emotional responsibility. But you are more capable than you might think and help is available.

When considering this option, think about the following questions:

• What are my main concerns about parenting?
• Would the baby’s father be involved?
• Do I have a stable support system? If not, what resources are available to help fill this gap?
• What tools and resources would I need to be a good parent?

Your Options Medical provides information on parenting and addresses any questions you have. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost options counseling appointment.

Adoption

Adoption can be an emotionally difficult decision and a significant transition. Many women find peace of mind knowing their child is safe and cared for if they are unable to parent at this time. 

If you choose adoption, know that you have total control. You can choose the adoptive parents and select a plan that works for you. 

Open adoption allows you to establish a relationship with the adoptive family, while semi-open adoption facilitates all communication through a third party. 

Closed adoption provides total confidentiality. Your personal details remain anonymous and you do not have contact with the adoptive family. 

As the birth mother, you would not pay for any adoption services and may be entitled to financial, emotional, and material support.

Your Options Medical educates you on this option as part of our options counseling services. We never pressure you to make a specific pregnancy decision and we do not profit from your choice.

Learn More Today

Your Options Medical is here for you. We provide no-cost, private pregnancy services, including limited (OB) ultrasounds. This scan can provide preliminary, vital information about your pregnancy that a physician then reviews and confirms.

Our trained staff can help provide you with information about your pregnancy and discuss your options as you navigate this decision. This can help provide the support and information you need during this time.