Hi ladies,
I wanted to share my abortion story after going through this whilst finding comfort in people sharing their experiences to put me at ease, as well as prepare me. There are many horror stories out there so I only hope this will give you an honest experience yet positive.
I can't really cut a long story short here as I had to do the medical abortion twice, due to the first one failing. There needs to be more awareness on how this can happen as it is such a stressful and upsetting time for many women, something I never thought I would go through in the first place. With that said, this is what happened for me;
The morning after pill failed me and I found out I was pregnant a few days before my missed period. With a heavy heart, it wasn't under the right circumstances to continue the pregnancy and so I contacted BPAS to begin the process. I opted for a medical abortion, which I received the pills by post, taking the first pill when I was exactly 4 weeks pregnant. 24 hours later I took the next 4 pills vaginally and about 2 hours in, began bleeding followed by cramping. I had taken 800mg ibruprofen when taking the 4 pills and I must say this helped as the cramps were like strong period cramps (but totally manageable). The bleeding lasted around 8 days, and this is when I started to feel nauseous (which I hadn't beforehand). My tender breasts also were not going down and the nausea was getting worse each morning. I rang BPAS for advice as I didn't feel right and they arranged a scan for me. I knew something wasn't right and i have never been so anxious and scared wondering if it was an ectopic pregnancy or something was wrong. I had taken normal pregnancy tests (which they advise not to) but they were darker than ever before, which got me thinking I must be pregnant still alongside the growing symptoms. They got me in for a scan and confirmed the pregnancy was still ongoing - I was 5weeks 6days, so it wasn't a new pregnancy (I hadn't had sex either for that to be possible). The nurse advised me that sometimes, it can be too early for the abortion to work i.e. you might not have even implanted by 4 weeks. After discussing the next steps with the nurse I opted to do the medical again, as I'm super anxious and if I had opted for the surgical I would have wanted to have been knocked out, but this wasn't an option at the time and I wanted it all over with. So I went home with the pills again, taking the first one straight away. 24 hours later again I took the 4 pills vaginally (I was exactly 6 weeks pregnant at this point). I started bleeding around 3 hours in and it wasn't loads at this point but then it began more so and the cramps came on too. I had taken the 800mg ibruprofen again beforehand but then the cramps intensified so I took some codeine that BPAS prescribed me. This was all manageable - I was on the sofa watching a series on netflix with a hot water bottle and sweets and totally got through it. Cramps did get intense but trust me, take take pain relief and try take your mind off it as much as you can and you will be ok (the codeine helped me). TMI I passed a clear looking clot in the toilet probably the size of a strawberry (I did not feel this!) and later passed other dark smaller clots and period like tissue. The cramps eased more after this and I felt I knew I had passed the pregnancy.
My sickness went in the next couple of days as did my swollen breasts. I also tested for piece of mind and the lines got fainter. I felt relieved once this was the case.
I honestly wish for none of us to have to go through this (decision making, mentally and of course physically) but I totally respect and understand anyones needs to have to go through it and make the decision. I searched endlessly on what I was in for doing this and amongst the horror stories I found some really comforting experiences and women sharing their stories to simply support others. That's why I felt I owe this page my experience for all those I read that helped me. One person (professional I should say) I did find reassuring was 'thechattymidwife' on TikTok. She provides honest overviews of what to expect and brings awareness on abortions in the UK - I learnt so much from her page too.
I want to send a massive hug to anyone scared or worried - you totally have got this, you will get through it and be ok.