My abortion experiences: Honest
I’ve had three abortions, and I know some people may judge that. I take full responsibility for my choices, but I simply wasn’t ready to become a parent, and I wasn’t in the right situations or relationships. I do want to be a mum one day when the time is right.
My first abortion was at around 8 weeks. I was only given two 30mg codeine tablets and I only took one, which was a huge mistake. The pain was very intense for me. I was lying on the floor with strong contractions, feeling like I might pass out. It probably lasted around an hour, but it felt much longer. Looking back, I wish I’d taken my pain relief properly beforehand.
My second abortion was at 5 weeks. This time I did a lot more research about pain management. I took two Co-Codamol tablets and two 200mg ibuprofen, got comfortable in bed with a hot water bottle, snacks, and a film. I honestly felt very little pain, just mild cramping that I’d rate around 2/10.
Three years later, despite being careful, I accidentally became pregnant again. It just wasn’t the right time. I was 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I took the first tablet (mifepristone) and waited 24 hours. The next morning, I woke up to heavy bleeding and passed two large blood clots, which I believed may have been the pregnancy tissue.
After work, I took the misoprostol orally and got comfortable in bed with a hot water bottle and a film. Over the next few hours, I passed three more large blood clots at different times, and I think the process is over now. I took some more pain relief and settled in for the evening.
This time I was on my own, but I made sure I had people available to check in on me. I took two 30mg Co-Codamol tablets and two 200mg ibuprofen around 20 minutes before taking misoprostol. Again, I experienced very little pain, only mild cramping.
I’m sharing this because I know how terrified many people are of the pain because I was very scared especially after the first traumatic one and it gives me some sort of comfort that I can help someone else and tell my story. Everyone’s experience is different, but for me, having the right pain relief, staying comfortable, using a hot water bottle, keeping hydrated and using a film to distract you made a huge difference.
This experience has been emotional and traumatic in its own way, and it is never an easy decision. However, if you’re reading this and feeling scared, know that you can get through it. If you do experience pain, it is temporary. Try to stay calm, breathe through it, keep a hot water bottle on your stomach if it helps, stay hydrated, and reach out to someone you trust for support.
One thing that brought me a lot of comfort during this experience was my faith. I found myself turning to the Bible and praying when things felt overwhelming. Personally, I believe that I will see my babies again one day. That belief has helped me cope with the sadness and grief that can come with this decision.
Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself during the process.