You may be feeling overwhelmed after learning about an unexpected pregnancy. While choices you’ve made in the past about school or potential career paths seemed like big decisions, nothing compares to the one you’re faced with now. When faced with the same decision, some women seem to know which pregnancy option they will choose right away, while others may feel more uncertain. The good news is, there is time to think and equip yourself with information about all of your options, so you can make a decision you feel confident about. Knowing where to turn when you’re pregnant and unsure of which option to choose can make a big difference.
If you’re still thinking about your unexpected pregnancy options, it’s normal to feel confused or uncertain about your choices. Avenue Women’s Center is conveniently located with six centers in the Chicagoland area, making ourselves available to you so you can feel confident about your pregnancy decision. You may have a lot of questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting, and our expert staff provide accurate information on each option in a confidential, nonjudgmental environment. Contact us today and receive free unexpected pregnancy information and support!
Understanding Your Three Pregnancy Options
As you give yourself space to visualize the three options that accompany an unexpected pregnancy decision, consider how you may feel about each choice, and ask yourself if you have all of the information you need to proceed with a decision. Despite living in a digital age where we’re surrounded by a constant flow of knowledge and information, some of it may not always be accurate, and sorting through what’s true and what’s false on your own can be a tiring task.
This is why it may be a good idea to contact a healthcare provider, an adoption specialist, or a pregnancy consultant so you can begin receiving the answers you may need through a professional resource who is specifically trained to supply you with them.
While you may already be aware of your three choices, here are a few things to consider about each:
Abortion as a Pregnancy Option:
Abortion can often seem like a way to provide an immediate solution to your situation. However, some women report lasting effects. Each woman’s abortion experience tends to be different, some women experience relief, while others may deal with emotions such as sadness, anger, or grief. It can be helpful to think through any emotional effects you may anticipate for yourself. Your reaction to an abortion may be tied to the individual circumstances leading you to consider it. It can also be influenced by your own personal beliefs about abortion. If you’re still undecided but feel pressure to make an abortion decision, you may want to begin communicating these emotions with a counselor or a pregnancy consultant. This can help determine the role of outside factors influencing your decision.
Before you commit to this option, you may want to ask yourself:
- Do I have enough information to feel confident in this choice? Or do I still have questions about abortion laws, cost, different procedures, and post-abortion care?
- Have I scheduled an ultrasound exam to see if my pregnancy is viable? Will I even need to consider abortion if there’s a risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy?
Adoption as a Pregnancy Option:
There is typically no need to decide on this option right away. Forming an adoption plan is a choice that is usually available at any time during the pregnancy. Sometimes, women even remain undecided about adoption until a few weeks before delivery. They may opt to formulate a plan once they feel certain. You don’t necessarily have to wait until then, and inquiring about adoption will not lock you into this choice. It’s good to consider all of your potential decisions. Learning more about adoption can help you see if this might be the best fit for you.
If you’re thinking about adoption, you may want to ask yourself:
- What are the differences between open, semi-open, closed, and kinship adoption plans? Which of these sounds as if it may be the most applicable to me?
- How do I go about choosing adoptive parents and formulating a hospital plan for the day of delivery? Do I understand my rights before and after adoption?
Parenting as a Pregnancy Option:
Continuing the pregnancy means you may want to begin learning about what avenues of support are available, and how to begin preparing for the outcome of this decision. Parenting can be a challenging reward, and a lot of new responsibilities may come with this choice. You may have questions regarding how to plan for the changes in your family, what resources are available to help you, and which of your friends and family members you should consider reaching out to for support.
If you feel parenting is the right decision for you, then you may want to ask yourself:
- What kind of a supportive network do I have behind me? Are my relatives and local community members able to help me in addition to other organizations and programs?
- Do I have questions about parenting? Who can I reach out to for advice about any concerns I may have about raising a child?
A lot of questions may be on your mind as a result of an unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide you with answers. Our caring pregnancy consultants will meet with you privately to discuss your concerns. We’ll also ensure you have access to support and confidential resources. Schedule a free appointment with us today to start talking about your unexpected pregnancy choices!
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.