“My periods were all over the place.”
In this story, an MSI client shares their experience having a surgical abortion at our Bristol clinic, after finding out they were pregnant at 19 weeks gestation due to irregular periods.
I didn’t find out I was pregnant until I was 19 weeks, because my periods were all over the place.
At the start, I was terrified to have my abortion because I needed a surgical abortion and had to have anaesthesia.
“I’m from Cornwall – they could only provide care up to 14 weeks here.”
The team were so lovely – they understood and listened to why I was so confused and didn’t know what to do. I’m from Cornwall and I had to travel to Bristol to be able to have an abortion because they could only provide care up to 14 weeks. I was terrified when I got told that I couldn’t have an abortion in Cornwall.
Then, I found MSI and that was the best thing for me. I phoned them, and the lady was so understanding and also understood that travelling back and forth was not going to be right for me, so they made sure my appointments* were as close together as possible.
“They made me feel comfortable and listened to me.”
When I came into the clinic, I was the first one in that day. They made me feel comfortable and listened to me, answering all my questions.
I had to have the rods as part of my preparation**. The midwife who did my surgical abortion preparation was so understanding and answered every question I had. I also had a few worries, but speaking with them made me realise that my worries were just because I was searching up on the internet.
“Each person’s body is different.”
Each person’s body is different – just because someone had a bad experience does not mean you will. I learnt that during my surgery.
On the day, I came in with bad morning sickness and was scared how the team would react to it, but they understood and waited until I was ready. They gave me anti-sickness medication when I had my treatment.
I also have a massive fear of needles, and the nurses were holding my hand and reassuring me. They also made sure my partner was okay and kept him updated throughout.
*After 19 weeks of pregnancy, the surgical abortion treatment is performed in two separate stages over 2 days.
**For a surgical abortion, the cervix will need to be prepared to make the procedure as safe as possible. If you are below 19 weeks of pregnancy, this is done using tablets. Depending on your gestation and medical history, you will be asked to take some tablets either a few days before and/or on the morning of your procedure. If you are over 19 weeks of pregnancy, this is done by placing small rods in the cervix on the day before the procedure.
Read more abortion stories
Sharing stories is at the heart of ending the stigma that too many people still feel when it comes to abortion.
