Society of Family Planning clinical recommendations: Cervical preparation for dilation and evacuation at 20 –24 weeks’ gestation

Although only 1.3% of abortions in the United States are between 20 and 24  weeks’ gestation, these procedures are associated with elevated risks of morbidity and mortality. Adequate cervical preparation before dilation and evacuation (D&E) at 20 –24 weeks’ gestation reduces procedural risk. For this gestational range, at least one day of cervical preparation with osmotic dilators is recommended before D&E. The use of overnight osmotic dilators alone is sufficient for most D&Es at 20 –24 weeks’ gestation.

Source: Contraception - January 29, 2020 Category: OBGYN Authors: Justin T. Diedrich, Eleanor A. Drey, Sara J. Newmann Tags: Review Article Source Type: research