Life’s seasons range from sunny to stormy—sometimes all at once. An unexpected pregnancy situation can be one of these times. The news can come as a tough shock at first, even if you plan to parent. You didn’t plan on this to happen right now, but you know a season of change is coming with this unexpected pregnancy. How can you handle some of the mixed emotions? What might be helpful to know as you take your first steps?
You don’t have to face a season of unexpected change on your own. Avenue Women’s Center is here to support you with our free pregnancy services. Our confidential pregnancy consultations offer women the opportunity to learn accurate and reliable information, no matter what option they are considering. We provide nonjudgmental and caring support to any women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy in the Chicagoland area. Call, text, chat, or email us today!
A Season of Unexpected Change in Pregnancy
There are often warning signs before a storm hits. Thunder rolls, lightning flashes, clouds swarm, and the air hangs heavier with moisture. Sometimes you know it’s coming and prepare with rain boots, a hooded jacket, or an umbrella to weather the storm. Other times you’re caught off guard and stuck smack dab in the middle of a downpour. You seek shelter and wait it out, doing everything you can to stay safe, warm, and dry.
It can feel like a season of change is about to hit full force with an unexpected pregnancy. For many women, it’s an emotional time as they may experience both happiness and despair about the future. In one instant you’re excited to become a parent, but in the very next one you’re scared about what’s going to come next. Just because you know you want to continue this pregnancy doesn’t mean you feel at all ready for it. It can be disheartening as you watch a season of change threaten to pour down on your life plans.
Weathering the Storms of Pregnancy Challenges
When you aren’t prepared for a pregnancy, it can feel like you’re about to weather a stormy season. Things are tight financially. Your partner may be on the fence about being involved. You aren’t sure if you’ll have support from loved ones or friends. How are you going to handle it all? What are some first steps can you take in the early stages of your pregnancy?
- Step 1: Don’t panic. This can often be easier said than done in an unexpected pregnancy. However, panicking in a tough season rarely ever leads to a good solution. Take some time to decide what you feel is best for you, regardless of anyone else’s input. Figure out the main sources behind any feelings of panic and start looking into ways of how you might handle them.
- Step 2: Get informed. Information can be key as you move forward in a pregnancy. There could be a variety of ways to approach potential challenges, and new opportunities to continue with your future goals. What are some community resources that might be available to you financially? Is there housing assistance nearby? What about help with practical parenting needs? Could you find a support system in your area? Is health insurance a big concern?
- Step 3: Reach out for help. It can be difficult to ask for help, even when we need it the most. It’s overwhelming to hunt down answers to your unique concerns and questions. You may not know where to begin in your search, or who you could reach out to for help. Where can you find the information you need? Who could be a helpful and reliable source in your first steps?
Take your first steps at an Avenue Women’s Center nearest you. We offer every woman a safe, inviting, and private space to address their concerns and questions with a knowledgeable and compassionate pregnancy consultant. We care about helping you learn more about your pregnancy options with the accurate information on local resources and helpful referrals. Contact us to set up your free appointment today!
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.