If you’re considering a medical abortion you may be feeling overwhelmed. This is completely normal. Although it can be an emotionally challenging time, the good news is that there are things you can do to create a more comfortable environment for medical abortion at home.
It used to be that medical abortion required an in-person visit to your local abortion clinic; the first of the two pills was to be taken at the clinic with the second one at home. But now, thanks to changes to the law at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of women with pregnancies up to 10 weeks don’t need to attend a clinic in-person at all if they do not wish to for pregnancies up to 10 weeks with no complications).
A remote consultation is still required in order to provide a health assessment and ensure safety standards and legal requirements are met. Many women prefer to have their abortion using a ‘pills by post’ service because it means they can spend the whole time in the comfort of their own home. Many women are concerned about feeling uncomfortable and upset when talking to their clinic about terminating a pregnancy. There is no doubt that it can be a difficult and challenging topic. However, the good news is that the majority of nurses and consultants are sympathetic, caring and understanding of the challenges you may be facing. Deciding to go ahead with an abortion can be an upsetting time not just for women but for their partners too.
Understanding what to expect in advance of your medical abortion
Although pregnancy termination is surprisingly common, the process can feel a bit mysterious. Let’s take a few minutes to break it down so you can understand better about what to expect with a medical abortion.
You can either get a medical abortion in a clinic (consultation in-person), or via a medical abortion pills by post service (consultation via video or phone).
A medical abortion can be carried out up to 10 weeks gestation, whether you use an in-clinic or at-home service.
Some women may not be eligible for pills by post and will be required to attend a clinic in-person for an ultrasound scan prior to any medication being prescribed. This is for your safety and may be required if: there is any doubt about your conception date or duration of the pregnancy; if you have irregular periods; have been on oral contraception in the last 3 months; have previously had 3 caesareans; or have taken the morning after pill.
Although you can get abortions on the NHS, many women choose to go private, despite the cost. The cost of abortion pill in the UK varies but some clinics are offering it for around £450.
The consultation
Whether you are having an abortion in-person or at home, you will speak with a medical professional who will assess your health and medical history to make sure you can safely have the procedure. You will usually see a nurse, but some private clinics do offer a consultant-led service for peace of mind.
After this, two doctors need to sign off on the abortion before any medications can be prescribed to ensure compliance with the law. Once this has occurred, your medications will be dispensed and sent directly to you using a secure courier.
During the consultation you will be given clear instructions on how to use the medication and when to seek medical advice.
Knock knock
Your medication will arrive and you should aim to take it as soon as possible. But please do take the time to read all the instructions and paperwork first. You may prefer to book some time off work as it is likely that you will experience some pain and will need to be able to reach the bathroom easily.
Take the first pill(s)
You’ll take the first pill(s) as directed by your medical professional. This is designed to temporarily block progesterone, the hormone that supports a pregnancy.
24 hours later take the second pill(s)
Around 24 hours after the first pills, you’ll need to take the second pills as directed. Soon after this, you’ll begin to experience cramps and bleeding as your body passes the pregnancy tissue.
You may experience a larger amount of bleeding and pregnancy tissue the further along your pregnancy is. You’ll need to wear sanitary towels during this time (not tampons). This process can be painful, but varies greatly based on the individual, your pain tolerance, and how far along the pregnancy is. Your clinic will have provided you with pain relief and advice for how to make the process more comfortable.
It is important to stay vigilant about heavy bleeding or excessive pain and to attend your nearest A&E department if either of these occur for immediate medical attention.
Making your at-home abortion more comfortable
Here are some considerations for making your medical abortion at home more comfortable:
- Book a few days off work: Without work to worry about, you can focus solely on being comfortable.
- Heat packs: Have a hot water bottle or heat pack to hand to help relieve the pain from the cramps. They have been compared to very painful period cramps, but as mentioned this varied between individuals.
- Sanitary towels: As you’ll experience bleeding, it’s important to have a supply of sanitary towels ready. You should not use tampons as this puts you at risk of infection.
- Painkillers: Your clinic will have spoken to you about pain relief but we suggest making sure you have all you could possibly need to hand so you don’t need to go out to pick up more.
- Food: You probably won’t feel like standing at the hob making dinner. We suggest getting some easy food in the fridge or freezer beforehand to make life easier for you.
- Create a nest: Set up a cosy space with easy access to the bathroom and creature comforts.
- Don’t forget emotional support: It can be all too easy to retreat and want to go through pregnancy termination alone but it is an emotional time and can be beneficial to lean on others. Confide in a friend or family member and ask if they can be there to support you. You may not feel like company all the time but if they can check in on you for a few days, it can make the world of difference.
Supporting you and your decisions
Going through a medical abortion can feel overwhelming, but with preparation and the right support, you can create a comfortable and safe environment in your own home. The key to a more comfortable experience lies in preparation. Don’t underestimate the importance of emotional support during this time, whether from trusted friends, family members, or professional counseling services.
We hope this guide has provided you with helpful insights as you prepare for your medical abortion. Whatever your circumstances, know that you deserve compassionate care and support throughout this process.
