How was your abortion experience? What can I expect?

Women who have had abortions, I’d be very appreciative of your sharing your experience.

I am scheduled for a vacuum aspiration abortion on Saturday, February 27, 8:45am, at Planned Parenthood. I will be under “light, conscious sedation.” At that time, I will be 7 weeks, 5 days pregnant. (An ultrasound on February 9 confirmed my pregnancy at 5 weeks, 1 day.) Immediately after the procedure, I will have an IUD placed. (I’m still trying to decide between Mirena and ParaGard, so IUD suggestions would be helpful too!)

My boyfriend will be driving, and he will be with me throughout the entire process. Planned Parenthood informed me that it will take about 4 hours total, including information/question session, ultrasound/labwork, abortion procedure, IUD placement, and recovery. I will be prescribed to Valium following these events.

So, what can I expect during and after all of this? How long will it be until I am back to “normal”? What kind of pain can I expect during and after? Is it likely my boyfriend and I will be able to go out to lunch on the ride home, or will I be completely out of commission? How can I expect to feel Saturday afternoon? Will I be ready to go out and enjoy Saturday evening? What will Sunday be like? Will I be ready to return to work on Monday? Also, Is there anything I should do in advance (eating / not eating)?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories! <3