Abortion under 12 weeks

[Chloe55]

Wasn't sure where to put this but wondered if someone would be kind enough to explain to me the procedure for an abortion under 12 weeks.

My bro and his very new girlfriend (who is also my close friend) have become pg unexpectedly - they have only been together a few months and have decided that bringing a baby into a non-stable relationship is not the best option so have decided to terminate. They get a scan on Monday (to see how far gone she is as her periods are very irregular) then have been told they could have a wait of up to 2 weeks for the abortion appointment.

I want to be able to offer as much support as I can and wondered if anyone who has had to go through this could give me any advice or at least help me know what to expect. She is very scared and bro is very upset as deep down I think he wants to keep the baby - It is such a mess

very sorry to hear this.

The doctor's should talk them through the options available so they are fully informed.

I had an abortion when I was 20 at 11 weeks. Was a half day stay in hospital, general anaesthetic went home that evenong and felt a bit woozy overnight but was otherwise ok. She needs to be very sure of her decision. I was and haven't regretted it, although have thought about it loads more since having my first baby.

Just keeping to the fact, when I had a termination it was scan, two week wait then go in the morning, wait a few hours, go under a GA (the gas, scared of needles), wake up, wait a few hours then go home. I did have complications (partial abortion which was completed 4 weeks later) so there are a few things you have to look out for - prolonged bleeding etc. as I wasn't offered a check up. Expect them to grieve, and help them grieve afterwards - it's an odd thing because it's very hard to grieve for which can cause all sorts of problems (in my case), I think that's the main thing. Sorry I can't help more, just didn't want your post to go unanswered x

I don't know, having never had a termination, but I believe it's about the same as the procedure used to evacuate a missed or incomplete miscarriage.

Now this I've had, and it's pretty straightforward.

You go into theatre, have a GA, and the surgeon opens up the cervix, then inserted a suction hose in to evacuate the uterus.

It takes about half an hour from start to finish and she should be able to go home that day.

Like I said, I don't know if it's exactly the same, because I've not had an abortion, but from waht I've read it is.

Thanks for your replies, when I spoke to my friend yesterday she mentioned taking a pill which would bring on miscarriage (this wa before she has spoken to the doc fully though) so i wonder if she will hit yet another shock if you have to undergo a GA

db's ex had an abortion like that. She was given 2 different pills ( a few hours apart I think) which makes you have a miscarriage - not sure that is an easier option tbh

a miscarriage can also be treated with pills to make the uterus expel the pregnancy as well.

BUT it takes a couple of days and the body may not expel all of it, then necessitating having a suction procedure under GA.

Someone on MN (search abortion in the searchy bit) had it the pill way and said it definatly isn't the easier option. It's quite prolonged and i'd say abit more distressing, besides I went very early for mine and wasn't even offered it as an option on the NHS.

The pills can only be used up to a certain number of weeks - nine maybe? How difficult for you all - I think you are doing really well at offering them support though.