After 12 weeks, a pregnancy is ended using an instrumental procedure (D&E), always under anaesthesia — you feel nothing. At Stadskliniek Utrecht this procedure is legal up to 22 weeks, for any woman, with no need to give a reason.
Last updated: July 18, 2026
It is carried out in hospital-grade conditions, by a doctor supported by a nursing team.
An instrumental procedure (D&E — dilation and evacuation) is always performed under anaesthesia: intravenous sedation or a general anaesthetic, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. You sleep throughout and wake up in the recovery room in a nurse's care. The procedure itself takes 15–25 minutes.
Usually performed under intravenous sedation. It takes 15–20 minutes, and you are at the clinic for 3–4 hours.
Always performed under general anaesthetic. It takes 20–25 minutes and your stay extends to 4–5 hours — eligibility is based on a precise, recent ultrasound.
You stay under observation in the recovery room and are given a preventive antibiotic. Pain and bleeding may last from a few days to a few weeks, easing gradually. You must not drive yourself for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. Full guide: after the procedure.
The procedure is possible up to 22 weeks of pregnancy (BPD up to 54 mm, FL up to 36 mm on ultrasound). If you are close to that limit, every day counts — get in touch straight away, we will arrange an appointment as a priority.
The conversation is discreet and free of judgement.
