BPAS abortion experience

[pinkduckie]

Hi everyone,

I am currently 8 weeks and 1 day pregnant with an unplanned baby and have a telephone consultation with BPAS tomorrow to discuss my abortion options.

I was wondering what other people's experiences with BPAS were like. How long did you have to wait from your telephone consultation to getting the treatment? How long did you spend in the clinic on the day? How did you find the abortion process?

Thank you

Hi OP, sorry you're in this situation. Here's my experience (sorry if it's long!):

I had an in-person consultation at a clinic where they talked me through the options, performed a scan and took some physical information. I waited a week for that.
At the end of that appointment I confirmed my decision with the midwife, and booked the follow-up appointment to collect the abortion pills from a slightly more local clinic. That further appointment occurred about 1.5-2 weeks later. Tried to get in earlier but couldn't.

All in all it took almost 3 weeks, which I struggled with, considering I'd been seeking an abortion from the moment I found out at 4 weeks. It felt dragged out and I felt terribly guilty to have had an abortion at 3 weeks further along (7 weeks 1 day). I still wish it had been possible to progress things more quickly.

On the other hand, the BPAS staff were all VERY kind and caring, and efficient. I was never aware of any judgement. And I found out afterwards that a same day consultation and pill option is available by prior arrangement (just FYI, wish I'd known this).

I went into it wanting a surgical but the wait was even longer, so reluctantly accepted the medical route.

I took 1 pill at the second appointment (no obvious effects, just makes you feel very sick for an hour or so), and the pessary is taken at home the day after. I was braced for horrendous pain and gore but it was genuinely easy, physically. Took about 4 hours. I got in bed and dosed up on codeine beforehand (definitely recommend this) and didn't feel any more pain than a standard period. Bleeding was very cope-able too.

The hardest part was definitely psychological. I was quite resolute in my decision but it was still gut-wrenching at the time. Even so, I felt all along (bar a moment or two) that it was for the best, and though I think I'll always have the pang of guilt if I stop and dwell on it, it's been 6 months now and, touch wood, hasn't had a lasting psychological impact. I've never regretted the decision.

Hope all goes as well as possible for you. If you have any questions please ask. Good luck xx

Hi there,
Firstly just like @WearItLikeArmour said, I’m so sorry you’re going through this and hope that you’re experience is easy! My story is quite long too and also ongoing 😩

So 3 weeks ago I had a face to face consultation at my nearest health clinic with bpas. They did general health checks then a scan to see the pregnancy (I was 7 weeks and 1 day). We then spoke about my options and I decided that I wanted to think about it as I have rhesus negative blood which means you receive an anti-D injection after abortions to stop your body from killing off any future pregnancies. However, the lady told me that bpas, this year, have stopped doing anti D injections which scared me, so I needed time to think.

I made up my mind that evening to go forth with a medical abortion under 10 weeks and rang them the next day to confirm treatment. I luckily got an appointment for the following week. I received a care package via email after the appointment was arranged with much helpful information which I thought was excellent.

I went back in a week after, and again had a very quick medical exam. I then went into another room and was given the first pill. The lady who prescribed the pill was so kind as I got a little emotional after swallowing the tablet. She gave me all the information on how to take the second tablet and a package with a pregnancy test and contraception advice. They usually give you codeine, however they had none.
But I went home feeling fine- just a little upset.

Exactly 27 hours later, I placed the second course of tablets(4) into my lady bits (as holding them in your gums is more likely to make you vomit) and 2 hours after started bleeding. I personally had no pain at the time but a horrendous hemorrage and rang bpas who told me to call 999 immediately and had to go to the hospital, but it’s not common. Since the hospital my bleeding slowed down a little but to this day it’s still like a heavy period and I’m still passing clots. I’ve had contraction like feelings for almost a week 1/2 too. The lovely lady I saw told me to take a pregnancy test 2 weeks after the pill, which I did today. The test turned out positive and I could still have pregnancy remains- so I rang bpas again. They weren’t able to get me an appointment as their systems weren’t working so I have to ring tomorrow so fingers crossed. Other than not being given pain relief, I can not fault my bpas experience as the fact the test came up positive is just my luck. I hope it goes as smoothly as it can for you x

I'm sorry you're going though this.

Mine was booked in for 2 weeks after my phone consultation. It could've been the week after but I couldn't get childcare until the week after.

On the day, the process took a good few hours as I went in for the chat, waited, had the scan, waited, was talked through the scan and given the options again, waited then took the first tablets and was sent home with the rest of the tablets to take at home.

It was ok.

I should add that I was given painkillers, antibiotics and anti sickness tablets to take alongside the rest of the tablets.

Jess, I'm sorry you're still going through this crap time. Hopefully your test just picked up some leftover hormones, hope you're feeling better soon.

to everyone.