Surgical Abortion at 7 Weeks


Note: The Exhale Pro-Voice After-Abortion Stories Hub includes people’s stories of their experiences and emotions, exactly as they have written them in. We do not edit these stories at all, and the content that follows this message is exactly as we received it. We know that people’s experiences are complex, and these stories reflect the many emotions they may be feeling after their abortions. From relief to grief, and everything in between, and all at the same time, we’re here for you.


Anonymous Submission

Yesterday I had a surgical abortion with IV sedation at 7 weeks pregnant. I want to share my experience. I’m a mid 30’s mother of two. I found out I was pregnant and struggled with what decision to make. My two boys (fraternal twins) were both diagnosed with autism, one severe who doesn’t speak, around age 4 & 5. I went in to talk with my gynecologist and was given some harsh numbers when it came to the probability that the next baby would have a neurological disorder and autism, 50% due to just siblings having it and then the chances went up with my age.

My doctor also informed me that due to my age the chances of some other problem occurring would be higher. I left heart broken as I knew I could not take on the responsibility of another severely autistic child or severely intellectual disabled (the new word for mental retardation) child. I already had a commitment to my two boys and I knew if I took on more that it wouldn’t be fair to them or possibly even ethical since the doctor told me it’s genetic and most likely would affect any children I ever had. So I began my search to find a doctor to help me terminate my pregnancy since my doctor is an army doctor and they simply do not offer such a thing at any of the military treatment facilities that I’m forced to use. I have never had a termination and my previous pregnancy was well planned.

Firstly I was shocked to find out that the surgical abortion procedure couldn’t be performed by any local gynecologist in my area and that the only option was the dreaded planned parenthood. In my mind, until now, I’d always imagined planned parenthood to be some kind of liberal house of horrors where menacing doctors laughed as they hailed Satan and took babies from the womb. I was scared to say the least. So I called and made my appointment, it would be a few days before they could get me in. I agonized over what to expect thinking it would be painful and that I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

Finally the day came and my unwaiving, unbelievably supportive husband took me out to my appointment. I saw some protesters who shouted at me saying they could help, I thought to myself if they only knew that they couldn’t help and this wasn’t a selfish decision but rather one based on science. I went in and immediately felt at ease. It was just like any other medical facility! It was clean! The nurses and staff were nice and normal people with no ill intent. I waited patiently to go through each step, speaking with a counselor that understood my choice and was supportive then onto signing paperwork and doing some blood tests. I went back to the waiting room till I was called. I met with a nice female doctor and nurse.

The doctor went over the procedure and my information and asked if I had any questions, I didn’t and was as ready as I guess I could be. The nurse started an iv and gave me IV sedation, I was awake but felt a bit loopy. The doctor began and the nurse instructed me to squeeze her hand and told me about what was happening i.e. Now we will give you some lidocaine to numb your cervix it’s going to feel like a prick. It did feel like a prick and then within what I would say was less than a minute it was all over. There was almost no pain, I would say a level 2 or 3 at the most. After they instructed me to get dressed and took me to another room to monitor my bleeding & vital signs. The nurses were sweet and talked with me the whole time. I had some cramping but nothing even remotely close to my period. I threw up a bit from the sedation but that’s normal for me, the nurses offered me some zofran and went over all the information about signs to watch for when I got home.

I got home late yesterday evening and went straight to sleep with an electric heating pad on low and woke up the next day feeling pretty alright. I’m not yet ready to run a marathon but I don’t have much cramping or bleeding at all. 400 mg of Motrin is about all I’ve had to take. I was worried I’d be very sad and hormonal but so far so good. I feel confident in my decision and I have a totally new view of planned parenthood and surgical abortion.

I hope my story helps others not feel so scared about the procedure and I hope that one day others will realize that abortions aren’t always done for the sake of just being irresponsible. Women absolutely need to be able to make the best choice for their body and their unborn child. Thank you for this community of acceptance and understanding.


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44 responses to “Surgical Abortion at 7 Weeks”

  1. JL

    I’m 37 years old and just found out I’m 5 weeks pregnant. My fiancé and I are in the middle of planning our international wedding and both started new careers within the last 6 months. All of these stories have really helped put me at ease with my decision. We are financially in a good place to have a baby but still feel very strongly about our freedom and upcoming year of events. I will be having a surgical abortion at 7 weeks. I do feel a lot of guilt but also know this could potentially ruin our relationship due to the timing. We both agree that if having a baby later in life is meant to be then we will get pregnant then. Even though this is a very hard decision I’m thankful my fiancé and I are on the same page and in CA we own the rights to make these choices.

    1. Sri V

      Thank you , your last few sentences gave me hope , confidence. You made my day

  2. Michelle

    I am in the same position exactly almost but I’m 40 and have one daughter who is autistic. I’m struggling with the decision. I’m trying to figure out the best way to go about this. I don’t want to do this but I know I can’t commit to another special needs child either. Not when my daughter needs all my attention. Plus my health is not the best either. My first pregnancy was very hard on me and I almost died the day I had my daughter.

  3. Info 101

    I just got done with a surgical abortion at 1 o’clock today. Exactly 4 hours ago. I was so nervous before going in and since I have panic disorder I was practically hyperventilating. I had never been put under conscious sedation or any anesthesia at all for that matter so I didn’t know what to expect. WELL LET ME TELL YOU!! I was scared for no reason. I walked into the office and they explained the procedure one last time and gave me a sheet and continued to explain each and every medicine they were going to put into my IV. Once I signed off and the doctor was fully ready I got undressed from my waist down and laid back. The nurse put an IV in me and told me “okay now you might feel dizzy but you will be relaxed in no time at all.” I closed my eyes so that way I wouldn’t be so dizzy and then I was out! Don’t even remember falling asleep, all I know is I was out! I don’t remember a thing at all. No pain, nothing. Don’t remember putting my clothes on. I just remember finally being woken up by the nurse asking me how I feeling and my pain level, which was zero. I felt a tired woozy feeling and still do but I got through it and don’t even remember anything! So yes your anxiety will be gone and pain as well as soon as you get your IV!

    1. Vl

      i had a surgical abortion 4 days ago. I was about 5-6 weeks in time. I decided to go with the surgical one because the “pills” method wasn’t ideal and i really needed proper profesional medical attention to feel at ease. It took about 3 hours ( waiting, choosing method, receiving all the info, getting the endovaginal ultrasound and the removal of pregnancy tissue). It’s nothing to be scared of, just make sure to ask all of your questions and be prepared to be like 2 weeks resting afterwards. Take the antibiotics like they tell you to. Everything will go on smoothly.

      Important: YOU NEED TO REST AFTERWARDS… I can’t stress this enough.

      1. Stephanie

        I had surgical abortion about 2 weeks ago,I was almost 9 weeks of gestation… Surgical abortion itself took only 5 minutes top.. Nothing to be afraid of at all like she said… I was on local anestetic for pain and they did numb the cervix 3 times… I didnt feel pain at all.. And I took the antibiotics,And pain killers at home.. I know they tell you,you can go back to work and normal activities the next day…. No!!!!! Don’t!!!! I felt super alright the next day!!! I did my full week of work!!! Until i went to the emergency in extreme pain and pressure in my pelvic and i was bleeding wayyyyy too much!! They had to give me shot for the bleeding to stop plus a shot for pain… Went back home that morning and I passed the rest pf the placenta the size of my hand soo bigger then a lemon,my pain was gone right after… But please rest!!!! I took 1 week off work and rested at home and it felt very good for my body…. Just listen to your body…… Good luck everyone!!! pssss I didnt took the pill for the abortion because in the past i had problems with bleeding after having my babies… And im a single
        mom… Alone soo wasnt for me or my
        option… Bit surgical is the best way to go to be honest……

    2. Kay

      Thank you!

  4. Keiran

    I had this at 7 weeks gestation 7 weeks ago and my breasts are leaking did anyone else experience this? It was my 7th pregnancy

  5. Jen

    I am 7 weeks pregnant for someone who I loved and trusted but unfortunately our relationship ended because of physical abuse. I’m having an abortion and also dread the , especially those protesters.

    I will be strong like you ❤️

    1. NR

      Hi, I completely understand your situation, as I’m in a very unhealthy relationship. Mental abuse and physical and am 7weeks I’m struggling with the decision to go through the procedure as this would be my very first baby. I want to keep it then I don’t is it selfish? Can I do this myself I don’t need him in my life… Please help I don’t know what to do…what if this is my only chance to have one I’m 37 years old. Just thinking about abort makes me so sad and I already have generalized anxiety disorder with depression this just tears me up. What to do?

      1. GiGi78

        I had my daughter at 32 by a man who was terribly abusive and I contemplated everyday what to do. I cut all ties with him. He is not on her birth certificate so he has no rights to her. I don’t ask for child support because I don’t want her to be exposed to the abuse and with support comes visitation rights. I knew being a single mom would be hard and it has been. But we make it work. She’s 9 now and we get by and everyday I think how lucky I am to have her. Now, I’m 41 and got pregnant again by a Mentally abusive man I was seeing for over a year that I found out was married when I told him I was pregnant. Given the risks I faced I decided to have an abortion. Any choice you make has to be what you feel deep down is one you can handle and live with. At 16 I had a son and gave him up for adoption, that was harder then anything I’ve ever faced in my life and still breaks me everyday and as an adult I could never do that again but it is an option. But one you have to be mentally prepared for. Choosing to protect a child from an abusive home or a life you can’t provide them is not a bad thing, it is a selfless act. But trust me, I have ptsd from life long abuse and depression and anxiety…. you have to make the decision you can live with. But if you know deep down you want a baby and you are stable in life at 37… then go for it. You walk away from him you don’t tell him your pregnant you start over and you will find happiness in whatever you decide. You will be in my thoughts

      2. Anonymous

        I am 39 & found out I was pregnant by my bf whom is 36 with no kids. He was ok when I 1st told him.then he changed and we argued for almost 2 wks because he kept saying it wasn’t his because he never has kids b4…So I gave him options and he ignored all.So I made the decision not to keep it. I had an ultrasound down thinking I Would Of been 7 weeks but the baby measured 6wks…I didn’t have any symptoms or felt like I was pregnant at all… I went to have my surgical procedure done and requested the sedation..The meds worked instantly. I was out I didn’t feel anything on light cramps after. I was only at the center for 4 hrs and most of the time was just the different people you have to see. All I remember was I was the 1st patient time was 10:11 I woke up in another room at 10:30.. They said the procedure was done in 6-8 mins. I feel relieved no pressure and no disappointment.

        1. Jennifer

          This helps me a lot I’m 6 weeks I’m scared an I go tomorrow for an in clinic abortion I’m so scared I keep praying I hate pain I have 2 girls but I didn’t feel anything with them I just hate the sharp tools they use I hope everything goes well

      3. Anaija

        Did you ever go through with the abortion? Im in the same boat.

  6. sj

    Hello, I had my first surgical abortion at 7 weeks today. I did not want a baby after already having three children. It was not nearly as bad as I had thought it would be. I had no sedation because those drugs make me so nauseous and I was already so nauseous at seven weeks! There was some cramping toward the end of the procedure and then it was over. I was sad that I got myself in this situation but at least in CO we have a right to choose what is right for us!

    1. Kayla

      Did they just numb your cervix?

  7. Daisy

    I had a abortion at 22 years old . It was not planned and with a stranger I took the pill it was fast and I never wanted to re live that experience. I’m 27 now I been with my so called bf almost 2 years and I just found out I’m 7 weeks pregnant. He dumped me and says he does not want to be with me but he will never deny his child. We planned this he is 33 and he knew I wanted a family but he played me and left me like I’m no body. I cried and asked myself why he would betray me when he always said I was his one and only. At first I decided to keep the baby but now I don’t know if it’s better to just abort. God has punished me .

    1. Gigi

      I just had my daughter in June. . Decided to go on birth control because I am very fertile having kids back to back. So I decided on the skyla 3 years … long story short .. IUD failed me I’m currently 6 1/2 weeks pregnant I have terrible pregnancy.. high risk at that.. so im very scared .. nervous about getting an abortion … but its what’s best for my body at this point …

      1. Lee SY

        Sorry to know your Skyla failed. My Mirena implant failed. I’m 49?

  8. Kristen

    I just found out I’m pregnant, 36, 3 boys and recently divorced. My boyfriend has one son from his first marriage with a severe disability. Neither one of us wanted anymore kids and I was on the pill! I have booked my appt for next week, will be 5 weeks and 6 days. I never in a million years thought I would ever consider an abortion, but where I am in my life I do not want to add any more kids. My oldest is almost 16 and my youngest is almost 8. I know I feel bad about what I need to do, but I can not physically, financially, or emotionally have anymore kids. Thank you for your story! This has helped me a lot.

  9. Amina

    I found out I’m pregnant on Monday. We were irresponsible and both drinking that night and we always use condoms but didn’t. I’m 5 weeks right now and plan on doing a surgical abortion I hope I’ll be forgiven. My boyfriend is mad at my decision to abort and I’m pretty sure I’m going to lose him too now but I have a career to start and I want to provide and be married before starting a family. I’ll always love our baby.

    1. Christiana

      I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks and had an abortion at 7 weeks and 5 days on the 25th of February 2019, having 3 little kids age 4,2 and 10 months I just couldn’t do it physically, emotionally and emotionally. At 27 years old and being a stay at home mum for the past 5 years, I finally started applying for jobs. This is by far the worse thing have ever done, having to terminate my baby. I only pray he/she & God can forgive me, maybe one day I will forgive my self. My abortion was done in about 20 mins, in the UK. I was given 4 pills to take with water, then I was to insite 2 into my vagina. 1 hour 30 mins later I started having very bad cramps and bleeding heavily, which lasted about 3 days. The worse pain wasn’t more physically but more emotionally. Me and my husband will definitely be more careful next find, I wouldn’t survive another abortion, I just couldn’t go thur that again. I am now on the coil. Thank you for your story, it really helped me.

      1. Briley

        How bad are the cramps? I’m getting a medication abortion & am really scared about the pain.

      2. Annalia

        Thank you for sharing this. I really needed to read this because I am in the same situation and feel so alone. I will also be doing the pills and am only hoping for the best. I feel broken but this has eased me a little. Thank you.

        1. Massiel

          Hi annalia I’m in the same situation I found out I was pregnant at 6 weeks and 4 days,
          Today it’s my 7 weeks and I’m searching to terminate my pregnancy no a easy decision but ;( just want to check with you how was your experience with the pills? Since right now I don’t know what to do 🙁

    2. Ellie barts

      Has anyone had both medical and surgical and can say which is least painful or discomforting?

  10. Vanessa

    I am a 14 year old girl who has become pregnant. I am 5 weeks and 6 days pregnant and am on the third to last week of school until I enter my vacation. I found out I have an ectopic pregnancy and I might have to get my tubes removed but the doctors are holding back so much information because of my age. What I did was careless. I wanted him to leave me alone and to stop bothering me to do it with him but I got annoyed so I told myself if I give him what he wants he will stop. Well I got pregnant. It’s being awkward with my family but my mom and my sister have my back, my dad is silent, I will give him time. I am scared, but I put up a smile and work through it. Ill try and get surgery so the egg (and tubes) can be removed after I finish school, but I am very scared. I know I will get through it because I always manage with anything. Its just a small procedure, right?

    1. Lia

      it is a small procedure. i was very nervous during mine, i went alone, told no one, and was only 16. They will do a sonogram, sedate you and you will feel some pressure. felt like 10 hours long at the time because i was nervous and so depressed about it, but in reality looking back, it was only 1-2 minutes as i was only 6 weeks pregnant. it was less cramping then my period, and my iud insertion a month later was more painful than the procedure. it’s a tough decision to make at a young age, but you can do it. Do not let your nerves get the best of you, the only discomfort i had during the procedure was my own anxiety. you got this

      1. Kyndal

        Did you vomit after the procedure?

  11. Flower

    Hey you guys . So I’m 6 weeks 4 days pregnant I’ve had ectopic pregnancy last year( left tube removed ) around the same time this year I found out I was pregnant again . I’m 21 about to be 22 and I feel like a few women can feel me when I say some guys really try to trap you with a baby just to set your whole life back or so he’ll always have a way to be in your life …. that’s my situation. I know I’m irresponsible for finally letting my guard down and letting him take the condom off he wasted NO TIME FIRST TIME HAVING SEX WITH NO CONDOM HE IMPREGNATED ME ON PURPOSE . I had a feeling I would get pregnant it was around my ovulation time I took a plan b but I was too late . He’s very immature , over horny , disrespectful motherfucker ?so I don’t want nothing to do with him … at first he was happy about the baby But he complains about me keeping distance from him and I told him mentally , emotionally ETC you can’t provide for me … only sex ? I’m cool I don’t want you . Are you gon take care the kid when it gets here ? The amount of disrespect. He leaving me on read and don’t want nothing to do with me and the baby because I don’t want to be with him . Sad part is my biological dad did the same to my mom . At first I had it set in my mind I’m going to do this I’m going to take care my baby alone but on every level it’s starting to really hurt me . I already go through enough mentally . I know for a fact I’ll be a great mother I just rather bring a child in this world with a man who loves and respect me …. and if we don’t work who can still love his kid and have a desire . Scheduled my appointment for tomorrow last week and up until now I’m like ok now ima go thru this and I’m going to talk to God and ask him for forgiveness and pray for right timing . This post helped tho thank you .

  12. Ashley

    This has made me at ease. I have a 13 and a three year old. My career has finally taken off plus I have a very good paying job. I will be 7 weeks when I go in. I’m 5 atm. This has been a hard decision..I’ve never has this done before. I’m doing the Surgical operation I’ve read a couple comments and the pills seem not to work with that 2% failure. So I decided I will be doing an surgical procedure. This is indeed a decision for me but mentally and physically I am not able to carry another child like I said my career and my family is finally not struggling and I want to keep it that way we hardly have any help with the two that I have in such a big age difference it makes it hard to find a babysitter or to do anything but work and family. Thank you very much for sharing your story

  13. Dacia Keise

    If I have a abortion and the pregnancy was 7 week old can I still get pregnant again

    1. Dacia Keise:
      This is copied from the Planned Parenthood website.
      “Immediately after your abortion, your body will begin to prepare for your next menstrual cycle. It is important to know that you can become pregnant at any time before your next period if you have unprotected intercourse. Please take this opportunity to discuss birth control with your partner. Your partner shares in the responsibility to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.”

      It’s best to use protection immediately after, as it is possible to get pregnant right after the procedure. Hope this helps!

  14. Mel

    I’m going in for an abortion tomorrow at planned parenthood and I have been petrified. I scheduled the appointment weeks ago because I wanted to make sure this was the best decision for me, I needed the time to be sure but wanted the appointment ready if that was the route I chose to go. I also think I was scared and wanted to postpone it as much as I could. Reading this really does put my mind at a bit more ease for the whole process. Thank you.

  15. Caroline

    This absolutely encourages me, I have a 1yr n 2mths old daughter. Am 24yrs n me n my boyfriend are not ready for another baby right now. I feel bad I have to abort but its the right choice for now. Sorry to my unborn baby…just know mama really adores you and me n your dad love you besides our decision.

  16. Sarah

    Im having an abortion friday im 5 weeks pregnant today i have 4 other children i have a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, its hard enough for me to care for my 4 children as it is with my disability and iv decided to have an abortion for the better of myself and my other children iv struggled to provide for them and stay from being homeless. All these people that stand outside shouting at woman are wrong there isnt much help for a mother of four ,i struggled to get breaks for my mental health already and as worried as i am ,i know that having my procedure is for the better ,at the time of conception i was on depression meds and i know that isnt good for a developing fetus .my other 4 children are healthy and i feel that i cant take another c section at this point my body is falling apart .im going to be putting an arm implant in asap ,after my 4th child i asked for my tubes to be tyed they didnt tye them because of a law that u have to sighn 30 days befor ,i fell that a woman with four children sould have been exempt from that law ,i didnt have prenatal care for my 4th pregnancy because of transportation issues living in a small town i had to travel over 40 miles to get the prenatal care and i struggled to have shelter. I know im making the right decision.

  17. Cristina

    Yesterday morning, Saturday, I had a sugical abortion…i have mixed feelings but I could not offer my baby what every child deserves, a family apart myself and I am dealing with health issues…I love my baby…i just did not think and went…everything went smooth and hopefully i will recover soon and that lil soul will have compassion and forgiveness for its mom… I love you my baby… forgive me and fly high with all my love…when i came home i went to sleep and dreamed about holding a baby…he was happy…im sure it was a way for you to reassure me you are okay and that you love me…i love you too…keep your love close to me…my baby

  18. Anonymous

    I want to thank you for sharing this experience. It is definitely a scary thing to attempt to do and consider. I am 7 weeks exactly considering the surgical option completely scared of the pain level and hormonal consequences. I am so thankful to have found your story and it definitely gives me the confidence to go in and know at least what to expect. Thank you so much for sharing.

    1. Anonymous

      Just had one four days ago. I was 7 weeks and a couple of days. The medication knocked me out completely and I didnt feel a thing. I didn’t start bleeding until two days ago. I woke up with cramp (pain range of 4-5 and bleeding like a lightish period. I have lost a couple of friends over my decision to abort. I had the Paragard IUD going on almost a year. I still somehow conceived. I am 26 and do no want children now and maybe not ever. I am religious and this has been very hard on me in that aspect. No hormonal changes except the morning sickness went away immediately. I have felt a huge weight of relief since and back to myself. I hope this helps someone out there.

  19. santosh mondal

    My wife had a 6 week pregnancy, I was given to mefipreston 200 mg tab orally after 36 hour two misoprostl orally and after 1 hour two misoprostol orally, but no bleeding occurred , I was wait for 24 hours but no bleeding, then I was wait extra 24 hours but till no bleeding, I was shocked what happened the I was give extra two mosoprostol but bleeding not to be start, medical abortion Total failure (100℅).Then I go to the doctors clinic , he suggest me for surgical procedure. Doctor gave 6 misoprostol 200 mg before surgical procedure but bleeding not come doctor also shocked what happened, Dr start the procedure and After that everything is under control. What is the actual problem? I don’t know but situation was very difficult for me..

  20. The morning sickness is the reason I will be terminating my pregnancy I’ve had enough of this horrific experience, I haven’t go thru the process yet but I will Thursday morning I am a bit nervous and scared but anything is better than how I’m feeling now I feel awful terminating my bby but it’s what I have to do this is really killing me?

    1. Lerato

      I’m 24 years of age, doing my last year and 3 weeks ago I found out that I’m pregnant. I had no choice but to terminate the pregnancy. I don’t wanna lie the surgical process was so painful but after 10 minutes I was fine. I’ve never been so emotional and scared like this in my life I was even shaking. But when I got home everything was just fine, no pain, no bleeding.

  21. Caryn

    Thank you for sharing. I am in the same boat. I have 3 children who are all on the spectrum & recently found out I’m pregnant. I went to my local clinic to talk to them about a termination & am booked in for this Friday when I will be 7 weeks & 3 days. I am a mess. I can’t believe I am going to do this but I don’t see how I will be able to cope with a newborn as well as 3 children on the spectrum. I am in bits. I wish I didn’t have to make this decision.
    Your story resonated with me & I just wanted to say thank you for sharing.

  22. Jasmine Bolden

    Hello your story just put me at ease, I go for my surgical abortion this Tuesday coming up at whole women’s health in Baltimore, md. I just found out I am 7 weeks pregnant I’ve been out of work for a whole entire year due to my first pregnancy, I had preeclampsia really bad and they had no choice but to take my babygirl out because it could have cause death for her or me, so they had to do an emergency C- section and I was terrified ,my babygirl was 2lbs when she was born, and my chances of getting it again is very high my doctor said . I look now and see that a lot of black women are dying after giving birth, and I know for a fact that I’ve been very scared about that lately since I’ve become pregnant. I’m about to move to a new place and start a new job that I finally got after a year.

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