Each of us have a sense of routine in our day-to-day lives: what we do, who we see, when we sleep, and even what we eat. There’s of course a spice of variety here and there, but we generally know what to expect when we get up in the morning. We know our plans for the day and our goals for the future. But what happens when everything you know as normal gets flipped upside down with a life-changing event? What if you wake up one morning feeling not quite yourself and suspect you might be pregnant? What’s the “new normal” when you’re unexpectedly pregnant? How can you possibly face your daily life?
It can be difficult to navigate your normal everyday life if you suspect you might be pregnant. The stress of not knowing is something you don’t have to navigate on your own. Avenue Women’s Center has supported women facing unexpected pregnancies for over 30 years with free and confidential pregnancy services, such as medical-grade pregnancy test with results you can trust. Contact us and set up your appointment today at one of our five locations in Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Elmhurst, Naperville, West Chicago, or Wood Dale, Illinois.
When you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, you might immediately feel like your normal self has completely changed. You didn’t plan for this pregnancy, and you might’ve been actively taking measures so that you wouldn’t become pregnant. But here you are staring down an unknown, and possibly terrifying, path ahead. What’s your “new normal” now? And what are your first steps along this path of an unexpected pregnancy?
First … understand that whatever emotional feelings you’re experiencing are completely normal. So forgive yourself for whatever you think you should be feeling right now and understand that it’s normal to experience things like disappointment, self-judgment, fear, shock, sadness, and anxiety. Parts of you might even feel excitement, anticipation, and curiosity. Each woman facing an unexpected pregnancy has their own unique feelings and concerns, and it’s okay if you’re experiencing conflicting emotions all at once.
Next, face the facts. You might not want to learn the truth and find out if you really are pregnant. However, if you procrastinate and delay taking a pregnancy test, you might be causing yourself unnecessary and unintended harm. What if you aren’t pregnant? What if your pregnancy isn’t viable, or likely to continue? And what if you really are unexpectedly pregnant? The “what ifs” can add to the stress you might be feeling, and sometimes even learning the truth can help you better understand the options available to you.
Then, when you’re ready, start to take the first steps in making your pregnancy decision. While time is often an important factor, it’s important not to rush or pressure yourself into a decision—or let anyone else pressure you. Your initial feelings about this unexpected pregnancy might change from moment to moment. Your head might be certain of one pregnancy option, while your heart leans towards another. Uncertainty is understandable and normal as well, and it can be helpful to carefully think through different pregnancy options and examine how life ahead could take shape with each one. Talking with a trusted person or loved one could be comforting and possibly shed light on avenues you aren’t aware of yet.
If you think you could be unexpectedly pregnant, a “new normal” might feel impossible to face on your own. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help support you in the first steps of your unexpected pregnancy with private pregnancy consultations and accurate pregnancy test results. When you make an appointment at Avenue, our caring client advocates will provide you with an understanding, compassionate, and private environment to discuss your pregnancy concerns and options. Help is available right away!
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.