HELP!!! Urgent!

Jessica Wilson29 said:How can you say that when she’s getting an ultrasound? An ultrasound report is ready in two minutes. I assume the woman confirmed the pregnancy through either a blood test or a home kit. I don't get it. Plus, pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last period.

It is calculated that way, but we also have to consider that conception doesn't happen immediately after the last period; ovulation typically occurs about 14 days into the cycle—roughly two weeks after that last period. We use the date of the last menstrual period simply because it's easy to track; most women know exactly when their period started, whereas very few actually know when they ovulated. (So, on average, we just estimate it as two weeks after the start.) While an ultrasound itself is quick, you often have to wait a long time just to be seen, and besides, things can be clearly visualized after six or seven weeks anyway. In any case, there are other ways to determine how far along a pregnancy is. But one still has to wait their turn for the actual abortion procedure. Time seems to fly when dealing with such heavy matters. She shouldn't necessarily have to wait that long. PERHAPS in a few years, we will see the availability of the generic mifepristone pill here in America too. That medication can actually be taken up to 7 or 8 weeks into a pregnancy.

Betty Davis said:The consequences aren't a certainty, but there is a possibility. Working in healthcare, I see this firsthand. Potential issues could involve irregular menstrual cycles later on, or complications during future pregnancies—such as preterm labor (since a miscarriage involves the forced dilation of the cervix, which can lead to premature dilation in subsequent pregnancies). There might also be difficulties conceiving down the road, which is more common if a first pregnancy is interrupted. We aren't trying to lecture or offer unsolicited advice, but it’s important to be informed about the risks for the future.

The cervix dilates during childbirth anyway, so it doesn't necessarily mean the next pregnancy will be high-risk. You make a fair point, though. In my view, the most significant complications usually stem from scarring of the cervix or the uterus itself caused by the procedure. That said, it's worth noting that such complications are quite rare. What is more likely is a post-procedure infection, but since antibiotics are almost always given routinely afterward, the risk there is minimal too. If a patient develops a high fever or abdominal pain that feels significantly worse than standard menstrual cramps, those are signs of an infection or retained tissue, and everything needs to be fully cleared out.

In any case, I’d strongly suggest going the hospital route. It’s really just a matter of safety... complications can happen anytime, but in a hospital setting, you have the advantage of immediate response if things go sideways. I actually have my doubts about them opting for aspiration, considering the patient is young and the pregnancy is still in its earliest stages. The biggest red flag would be the risk of uterine perforation since they’re essentially working blind, but those instances are rare... and honestly, a surgeon is likely to be much more cautious given how young she is. The procedure itself isn't anything out of the ordinary, and the recovery process depends on so many variables that it doesn't necessarily have to be agonizingly painful. Statistically speaking, the physical trauma isn't massive, and often the anesthesia required is minimal. And for heaven's sake, can we please stop scaring the girl with all these heavy-handed moral lectures? The reality is that she’s moving forward with this, and what she needs right now is encouragement, not a sermon.

Nancy Miller5 said:I just can't, because I have no interest in being a walking advertisement for 😉
I mean, honestly, why is this even a surprise? I guess you haven't heard that some gynecologists perform abortions in private settings? Of course they take cash under the table to pocket an extra thousand bucks, much like how they'll run an ultrasound without ever giving you a receipt... (look, I’m not endorsing this, and obviously not everyone operates this way, but I know plenty of people who do). This is just what I see happening in Washington, D.C.; I couldn't tell you about smaller towns, maybe things are handled differently elsewhere 🤷

That's exactly why private practice exists, right? 🙂

silverpuma10 said:I'm 18 and four weeks pregnant—I want an abortion. Is it possible via pills or a standard procedure? Can someone describe what both "look" like or how they are done? Thanks so much!

Pills work (RU-486; Mifegyne, misoprostol)—but you won't find them available through our local pharmacies here in the States. 🙄 Your best bet would be looking toward Western Europe if you were there, but since we're in America, here’s the deal: go get an ultrasound first if you haven't already, then head to an authorized clinic. You could try a major hospital center—they're usually fine. They won't do a D&C during early pregnancy (under 8-9 weeks); it'll be a vacuum aspiration instead. Ask about anesthesia. You can push for general anesthesia if you really want to. Local isn't terrible, though you'll feel it—still, way less intense than childbirth. The whole thing is quick—maybe ten minutes tops. As long as this is your own decision, you won't face any psychological fallout. Having support from people close to you helps immensely—judgment from family just makes the mental recovery harder. Physically, you'll be fine if it's done promptly by a professional. Honestly, complications from childbirth (for both mom and baby) are far more common than those from a medically sound, professional abortion. Don't let the scaremongers or moralists get to you if you know what you want. Good luck!🙂

silverpuma10 said:I'm 18 and four weeks pregnant, and I want an abortion. I'm wondering if it's possible via pills or the standard procedure? Also, does anyone know they can describe what both types "look like"—as in, how they are actually done? Thanks so much!

Go see a gynecologist immediately. It's too late for just the pills.

You should go see a gynecologist and just hear what they have to say, but if you ask me, I’d really advise against ending the pregnancy... my own sister ended up having her baby when she was only sixteen back in the nineties, and yeah, things were a little rough at first because of how people judge you, but honestly, that doesn't compare to anything when you consider the child—that whole new life unfolding. Life itself is simply priceless.
My niece is sixteen today, which is funny because she’s actually just a few years younger than I am, though we get along famously... my sister moved forward with her life beautifully, got married, and everything is just perfect now.

Jacob Myers85 and the rest of you, maybe try finding some faith instead! 🤮

The girl is only 18—she’s definitely not ready to be a mom right now, so I guess the only real move is an abortion

silverpuma10, seriously, if you haven't already, just hit up a gynecologist this Tuesday! If talking to your parents about this feels too heavy, just grab your boyfriend or a close friend and go handle it ASAP

👋

For crying out loud, just stick to what your OB-GYN tells you and stop posting on this forum. You’re going to confuse yourself and end up making a massive mistake.👎

ruggedpanther64 said:Go see a doctor and see what they suggest—but honestly? My advice is don't let it go... my own sister had her baby when she was only 16 back in the 90s. It was tough at first—mostly just worrying about what people would think—but trust me, nothing compares to having a child (a whole new life). Life is priceless.
My niece is 16 today. She’s only a few years younger than me, actually... we get along great. And my sister? She moved on with her life perfectly fine—got married, everything is awesome.

And hey, nobody is stopping you from having kids whenever you want!🙄

Thanks for all the input. I'm heading to the hospital tomorrow to get this sorted. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly.

I heard some women might need to be under anesthesia. If anyone actually knows anything about this, please post here...

What a little troublemaker.

placidorca16 said:It’s possible via pills like RU-486 or misoprostol, but not here in the States. You can't even order that medication through our pharmacies. 🙄 You’d be closest to Austria. Here, the best move is to get an ultrasound first if you haven't already, then head to an authorized clinic. You could try St. Jude’s; they’re decent. They won't use a curettage during early pregnancy (up to 8-9 weeks), so it will be a vacuum aspiration instead. Ask about anesthesia options. You can demand general anesthesia if you insist. Local isn't terrible, but you'll feel it. Still, it's far less intense than giving birth. The procedure is quick—ten minutes max. There won't be any psychological fallout if this was your own decision. Having support from those close to you is huge. Being judged by family only makes the mental recovery harder. You won't face physical consequences if it's done on time by a professional. Complications from childbirth are much more frequent than from a medically sound, properly performed abortion. Ignore the fearmongers and the moralists if you know what you want. Good luck.🙂

Vacuum? If you actually know something about that, speak up.

You all have been a huge help!!! As for those nasty comments, I’m ignoring them. I’m practically just a kid myself and I am nowhere near ready to raise a child; we would both just end up suffering. I can't provide anything without relying on my parents or my boyfriend, and I refuse to live like that. Once I have my own financial stability, having a child becomes an option—so, after college. I made a massive mistake, but I'll consider it a lesson learned for the future.

silverpuma10 is asking for general anesthesia! Look, yeah—you might end up paying a few hundred dollars more—but honestly? It’s way better to just sleep through the whole thing rather than having to deal with the sensation or watching it happen. Good luck!🙂

Local anesthesia?

silverpuma10 said:what about local anesthesia?

If you have the option, try to go for general anesthesia instead. Regardless, I wish you the very best of luck! Honestly, I think you've found a wonderful little support system here on this forum. 😁
As for those other people... just let them be. People always say, "May God forbid anyone ever has to walk in someone else's shoes!"
😉
GOOD LUCK!
And please, let us know how it goes!

General anesthesia isn't even an option here. They only roll out the heavy stuff if things go sideways. Just ask for local; it’s not a big deal—the pain is basically nothing more than a really bad cramp.

And good luck with that: you're dreaming.