well, now that you've started the procedure, as you said, there is no going back. Any reasons you had to change your mind should now be dismissed; they don't matter anymore. Your choice has been made, so now own it!

you are not a bad person.

As for what it will feel like... Well, it's going to feel like labor because that's what you'll go through. Check out some birth sites for more information on that; although since the fetus is a lot smaller at this stage, it shouldn't take as long or hurt quite as much - and yes, labor does hurt. They may give you medicine for the pain, they may not. You should call your clinic and thoughroully discuss the procedure to ease your mind

i can't say much more beyond that; the resources you need are out there! Be well, and best wishes

I'm sorry but I haven't had an abortion so I can't really help on that aspect but I can tell you what labour felt like for me. Your baby is obviously much smaller than a full term baby so it should come out relatively easily but the contractions will probably feel much the same as as a normal birth. With me, the contractions felt the same as the pain you get in your leg when you have cramp, but it was all over my stomach area and in my back too. They were very painful but I had some pethidine and used gas and air which took the edge off.

Like I said, i'm no expert on your procedure so this is only my experience of labour. I should hope that you will be offered pain meds too.

I've just read your other post and i'm sorry that the army are being so unsympathetic. Couldn't you tell a close friend or someone so you can have someone with you? Either way, I wish you all the best.

you are not a bad person for making this decision. Don't let anyone tell you that!

I haven't had this kind of an abortion so I can't say much-but I can say that sometimes they use anethesia and that might be an option for you. They could knock you out completely or give you the 'laughing gas' to help you through it.

Best of luck to you!

Treacle,

i saw this thread a little late. I have had that type of abortion at 20 weeks - slightly different back then - it was all done at one time. Anyway, I have now given birth twice since then - once without any drugs (not my choice - came too fast) anyway, this type of abortion was like early labor - definitely not the hard constant pains associated with late stages of labor. I was not provided anything for pain but hopefully it is no longer the dark ages in that regard. Ask if they don't offer.

You are a wonderful person - just remember that!!! Hope everything goes well and just look forward. Have confidence in your decision and your mindset at the time. There is a reason you chose to do this so try not to second guess yourself.

premature births or even later spontaneous abortions (aka miscarriages) can be harder because there is less weight and gravitational pressure being applied to the cervix. With the proper pain killers, however, she should be just fine.

i thought I had heard that somewhere but couldn't find the facts so didn't mention it - thank you very much!