If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, and you’re afraid to parent because you think you’d be a bad influence, you may be experiencing a lot of emotions. Chances are, you’d consider yourself to be an honest and self-aware person. You’d probably be willing to recognize the presence of some unhealthy patterns in your life. That’s commendable! Acknowledging a problem is the first step toward solving it. Just know that your story doesn’t have to end here. And neither does your journey of discovering your own best pregnancy outcome.
You have what it takes to cultivate healthy new patterns and pursue positive changes for the sake of your own happiness. If doing so equips you to make the best possible decisions for yourself (which it will), then more power to you! Consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center as you navigate this road. We’re an early pregnancy clinic that’s committed to meeting the needs of women, first and foremost. Avenue provides free first-step pregnancy services to help individuals discover reliable information and support as they manage the challenging days of an unexpected pregnancy.
Check out our website and learn more about us! We’d love to help empower you with the tools you need to thrive, even in the middle of these overwhelming circumstances.
You Have So Much to Give (Even If You’re Not Feeling It)
You probably have specific reasons for fearing that you’d be a “bad influence” on a child. Perhaps you struggle with volatile relationships, substance abuse, or untreated mental illness. Maybe your living arrangements are unstable or your finances are in rough shape. These are just a few examples. You may feel the way that you feel for lots of other reasons. But if this blog resonates with you, you’re probably not very satisfied with your own lifestyle at the moment. Your self-confidence may be pretty low. It’s possible that you’re even drawn to the idea of parenting, but you’d want to offer that child the best of yourself, and this just doesn’t seem like a realistic outcome right now. If you’ve been thinking along these lines, don’t lose heart. You have value beyond what you can comprehend, and so much more to give to the world than you realize.
First Things First: Caring for Yourself
It’s important to address the unexpected pregnancy that you’re facing, and begin to create a plan when the time is right. But caring for your own physical, mental, and emotional health is priority number one. Before you take any other steps, do what you need to do to feel safe, whether this means removing yourself from a negative environment or reaching out for help. Your safety and well-being come first.
Connecting with Avenue Women’s Center
Our early pregnancy services at Avenue can offer some clarity needed to navigate this pregnancy while prioritizing your health. We provide medical-grade pregnancy tests to let you know your status or confirm your home results. Our limited medical ultrasounds can tell you, 1) how far along you are (which can affect your pregnancy options), 2) your chances of miscarriage, and 3) the location of your pregnancy (an ectopic pregnancy would require immediate medical attention at your closest emergency room). All these services are free of charge and totally confidential at Avenue.
Every person facing circumstances like yours has three options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Avenue is here to offer clear, accurate information on the risks and processes involved with each of these. We also understand that many women have complex feelings about some or all of their options, and we’re available to process these emotions by your side. Think of us as a sounding board. Our expert pregnancy consultants and nurses respect your autonomy completely. Our role is to listen, encourage, and educate with unconditional empathy… never judgment.
No matter which pregnancy option you determine is best for you, don’t make your decision based on fear. Make a choice that’s grounded in reliable facts, knowledge of the resources available to you, and confidence in your own strengths. You’re capable of finding your own best path, even when facing difficult circumstances or a lifestyle that needs changing. If parenting is an option that you genuinely feel drawn to, you’re capable of leaning into that with courage and conviction. Avenue Women’s Center is with you and for you every step of the way.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment! We have multiple limited medical clinics in the Chicagoland area. We offer virtual consultations too!
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.