When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, many women feel unequipped to parent because they don’t have caregiving experience. Women who are already moms may feel unprepared to take on even more parenting responsibilities. Maybe you relate more to this second scenario. Only, you’re not a parent. You’re a sister who’s been helping your family by caring for younger siblings. You may come from a large or blended family, or just have one little brother or sister. Either way, you’ve probably got a pretty full plate, and you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by this unexpected pregnancy.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help! We’re a limited medical clinic with six locations in Chicagoland, Illinois. We’ve been helping women navigate the challenges of unexpected pregnancy for over forty years. So, we have experience walking beside women in situations similar to yours. It’s our mission to help you understand your own pregnancy and all the options and resources available, equipping you for the road ahead.
Call, text, chat, or email to learn more about our free early pregnancy services!
It’s Challenging, But Possible, to Step into Your Own Best Future
Do you feel like parenting isn’t an option, because you’re already helping out with younger siblings? Perhaps this doesn’t seem like the right time to become a parent. You may be young, or simply focused on your little siblings right now. Maybe the idea of parenting worries you because you understand the challenges of caregiving better than most. And you’re not sure how you’d balance parenting with other responsibilities (like work, school, or family obligations). But every woman has options (three, in fact): abortion, adoption, and parenting. It is possible to lean into your own best pregnancy decision, even when life already feels full to the brim. Maybe you need more support to choose the path that feels right. That’s normal!
You’ve Got This! Spend Time with People Who Remind You of That
Building a practical and emotional support system is going to be an important part of your pregnancy journey, no matter which option(s) you’re leaning toward. Consider reaching out to a compassionate medical professional, trustworthy mentor, or pregnancy consultant. Someone caring and trustworthy may be able to offer vital perspective, encouragement, and resources. Chances are, you’re a resilient and responsible woman with a strong commitment to your family. And if parenting is an option you’re interested in, you’ve probably already developed skills that will serve you well. You’re not meant to navigate this pregnancy on your own. An advocate can walk this road beside you, reminding you of your many strengths and abilities along the way.
Helpful First-Step Services- At No Cost!
Reaching out to an early pregnancy center would be an excellent first step. Avenue Women’s Center offers no-cost services like medical-grade pregnancy tests, so you can move forward with clarity. When you visit one of our six limited medical clinics in Chicagoland, Illinois, you’ll also have an opportunity to process your result with a caring consultant and learn about all your pregnancy options. Services are completely confidential, and provided by professionals who genuinely care about your health and well-being.
Keep in mind that, unless you’re your siblings’ legal caregiver, someone else is ultimately responsible for their health and wellness. But family responsibilities can be hard to balance sometimes, especially when heads of household are stretched thin by work and other demands. If you need help navigating this and advocating for your own needs (or the needs of others), Avenue Women’s Center is here for you! We can mediate a conversation and help your family create a plan that supports everyone’s well-being. There may be community resources available to help each member of your family thrive.
Schedule an appointment today to learn about all the avenues available!
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.