Understanding Early Pregnancy Options: A Discussion

Question
Hello, I am so glad I found this site : )
I just got married 4 months ago, and found out I am 6 weeks pregnant. My husband and I need more time to know each other. We are both in our early 30s, but we are simply not ready. I feel so ashamed and dissapointed. I am terrified of going through with an abortion, but I have to. I am going to early options in NYC for manual aspiration. Please be honest, does this hurt?
Why won't they give me some sedation so I won't remember the procedure? Please tell me there is no embryo at say, 7 weeks. I KNOW this is the right choice-I'm not ready, but I am terrified. Please help me!

Thank you so very much,
Kelli

Answer
Hi Kelli :)

There's nothing to be ashamed or disappointed about. Over one million women terminate a pregnancy every single year, and 1/3 of women in this country will terminate at some point. I don't know if that helps ease your mind at all. But really, you shouldn't feel bad about having a very common and safe medical procedure. And if you want to see a picture of a 6 week old pregnancy, let me know. At six weeks, it's only 1/8 inch long, no distinct facial features, the digestive and respiratory systems have yet to fully form, it doesn't have arms or legs, and it's muscles are non existent. It is called an embryo, and that's one of the earliest stages of pregnancy. At around 8-10 weeks is when it is called a fetus. I believe the number is 63-67% of women terminate in this same time period.

How much it hurts depends on each woman, and how far along. You're not far along at all, so it'll be a fast procedure, probably 3-5 minutes. I've heard that it is bad pain, but it only lasts for a few minutes. You could call and ask about whether they offer any anesthesia and what kind. Some clinics don't. There's a really great community on livejournal.com dedicated to everything abortion, with no bias or judgement, just there to help. I can't recommend it enough.

http://community.livejournal.com/abortioninfo/

You can look in the memories section, and find TONS of stories from women who've undergone the same exact procedure, and you'll know every step you'll be going through. I hope it helps, and good luck with your procedure!