Pregnant but don't want to be? Here are your options

Going through an unwanted pregnancy can be a harrowing experience for anyone. It can create this uncontrollable whirlwind of emotions in people - a mix of confusion, worry, and fear for what will come next. But once the storm passes, there may also be a feeling of relief. After all, you are not alone in this, and you have a lot of options on how to proceed. Knowing what these options involve is the first step towards setting yourself on the right path for your circumstances and your future. So, keeping that in mind, let us walk through the options available to you and help you make the right choice.

Does timing affect your abortion options?

How far along you are in your pregnancy can significantly impact your available options. You see, the process of getting an abortion changes with each stage, and knowing which stage you’re currently in matters a lot. If you're unsure about your timing, don't worry. This is something a healthcare provider can determine quickly through a simple examination or scan. That being said, let us now go through each method of abortion by its progression level and determine which one fits your case the best.

How do you get a medical abortion in a clinic?

Medical abortion is the first and usually the most prominent of these methods for pregnant women in weeks 4 to 10. It involves taking two different medications over the course of 24–48 hours under professional supervision. So, what are these two medications?

The first medication, mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone that’s required for maintaining your pregnancy. The second medicine is called misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy tissue. In a way, the second half of this process is similar to experiencing heavy periods with cramping.

The reason why this option is so popular is because it is non-invasive. There is no surgical procedure involved, it gives you more control over the process and it just feels a lot more natural to undergo than its counterparts. When getting this done in a clinic, you’ll also have immediate access to medical support if anything feels off. This can provide the kind of peace of mind that’s required during such an anxiety-inducing period.

As for how the recovery goes, it can take a few days to get back to a hundred per cent, during which you may experience a bit of bleeding and cramping. But it will likely not be anything that standard pain relief cannot manage, so you’ll get through the process without any hiccups.

Can you get abortion pills by post?

Ever since the pandemic happened, our way of accessing healthcare has changed quite dramatically, with people now preferring to keep things as private as possible. As a result of this, getting an abortion pill by post has become super popular, allowing you to have a medical abortion in the comfort of your own home.

Before you receive the meds to get started, your choice of medical establishment may provide a consultation via video call to ensure that this option is safe and appropriate for you. Note: You will still need to be within the gestation limit to be eligible for this option. But after you’re done with the consultation, the process here is essentially the same as a clinic-based abortion. The only difference is in how the instructions and healthcare supervision will all be done remotely.

As mentioned before, this is a great route for those who are uncomfortable with getting an abortion in a clinic. You’ll be in familiar surroundings, you can have your partner or a loved one nearby for support, and there’s no need to take time off for clinic visits. It’s the kind of flexibility that is invaluable when trying to manage this stressful situation with your regular responsibilities.

When do you need to go for a surgical abortion?

If you’ve crossed the 10-week gestation limit or have a situation that demands earlier intervention, then surgery will be your best bet. But don’t let the word “surgery” worry you. It will only involve a minor procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue and won’t take a lot of your time.

That said, there are still two types of surgical abortion that you need to be aware of. Vacuum aspiration, for one, uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue and is usually done for women with 14 weeks of pregnancy or less. The second type is called Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), which is used for later pregnancies and involves dilating the cervix fully before removal.

These surgical abortions are performed under local anaesthetic, but you will get a choice between sedation and general anaesthetic. Once the procedure is done, you’ll most likely be allowed to go home the same day; however, it is important to ensure that you have some sort of support or a trusted someone that accompanies you through the entirety of the process.

Unfortunately, surgical abortion also comes with the same after-effects as medical abortion, if not more. Side effects such as bleeding and cramping post the procedure may be prevalent, however, the intensity may vary across people and type of cases.

Why are many women choosing private care over the NHS?

When faced with the option for abortion, you may also wonder if you should get your care via the NHS or from private practitioners. While the NHS does provide all the basic abortion services that one can expect, many women these days are opting for private, due to several big reasons.

The first of these reasons is speed. Private clinics usually offer appointments within days of you calling them, as compared to the NHS, where it usually takes many weeks for just one appointment. This is very critical given the nature of abortion methods and how you need to stay within specific timeframes to have control over your options.

Speaking of which, control over your privacy is another major reason behind the decision. Private clinics are extremely discreet with the proceedings, with dedicated entrances and facilities designed specifically to maintain your privacy. You won’t have to share waiting rooms with other patients, either, which can make things much more comfortable for many.

But there is no reason more important than the level of individual attention given to you in a private setting. You'll often have more time with healthcare providers to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and receive personalised aftercare instructions. This type of support can make a significant difference in your overall experience, making it clear that you are not alone in this situation.

Taking the right call for yourself

Regardless of which option you decide to go with, please remember that seeking professional help in this situation is an absolute must. Every woman’s pregnancy is unique to themselves, and what works for one person may not work for you. You need to work with a good provider and consider your circumstances carefully when taking the final call.

Think about your support system, your work, your comfort level, and of course, your timeline. While we’re at it, let us not undermine the importance of not delaying things unnecessarily either, especially if you’re certain about your decision. The earlier you seek an abortion, the fewer complications there will be.

Remember: You and only you have the power to make informed decisions about your body and your future. So, trust yourself, think things through, seek support when you need it, and choose what feels best for yourself. Once you do so, everything else will be just fine.