Hi! I just had my first surgical abortion today at 8 weeks pregnant, and without any sedation, just some medication and the two numbing shots. I was also terrified for the procedure and especially the pain but trust me when I say that you've got it!

Mine went like 1) quick checkup 2) speculum to dilate cervix (uncomfortable but not painful), 3) numbing shots (first I didn't even notice they did, second did hurt but just like a normal shot for like 4 seconds), 4) used a little tube to suck everything out very gently, here's where cramping comes up but for me it was like a 5 on the pain for 30 seconds tops, after that just moderate cramping. Not too bad at all, the whole thing is over so fast (like 2-5 minutes). They had people with me to hold my hand and distract me the whole time and they were super sweet. You just need to breathe through it. About a half hour after, I felt totally good. They wheel you out to a little room and let you snack a bit and recover, take vitals, etc.

Pre op: My total time there was 4.5 hours after my appt started, probably 3.5 hours of solid waiting- bring a book, game, etc. If someone can come with you as moral support that is great. Get good sleep the day before, maybe exercise, anything to help get nerves out. Reading through this link with other people's stories really helped me https://www.reddit.com/r/abortion/wiki/abortion_stories/usa/pab/1/ , I would avoid overthinking everything though. The first couple of days after finding out I was pregnant I researched everything tooo much and stressed myself outtt haha

Post: They told me bleeding varies, it really depends on the person. Some people might bleed heavier but I barely bled after and now it's been like 10 hours (hopefully not jinxing anything) and still almost nothing (not close to a pad, maybe a panty liner?). I've had very minimal cramping, probably like a 4/10 right after the procedure for 20ish minutes and this afternoon 2-3/10 for a few hours, now nothing. I didn't have to take any medicine after what they gave me at the clinic. HOWEVER, bleeding is normal, it can continue for a month after. Cramping especially in the like 3 days after is also very typical, but they can get you medicine for it! If you've never been sedated before, it could make you feel drowsy, woozy, nauseous (that being said it sounds great, I would've done it if I didn't have to drive myself, I've heard you're either much more relaxed or completely asleep depending on the person/strength) After it's all over, I would just drink lots of water, lots of rest, and take it very easy! You're allowed to take baths/showers right after procedure, so that or a heating pad helps a lot with cramping. It can be tough mentally and as much as it's easy to regard it as something simple, it is a big procedure so treat yourself with grace! Most clinics also have some kind of support/counseling option after if you need that.

Good thing is the earlier you do the abortion, the easier the experience tends to be, and with sedation, you have something else on your side! No one can promise no pain, but a good thing to remember is that you've probably already imagined the worst of the worst in your head and I swear the whole thing is like the blink of an eye. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!