Cervical preparation for dilation and evacuation at 20–24 weeks’ gestation
Justin T. Diedrich, MD, MSCI; Eleanor A. Drey, MD, EdM; and Sara J. Newmann, MD, MPH

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.