What’s the most stressful experience you’ve ever faced? This may not be a pleasant subject to dwell on, but consider it for a moment. Whatever comes to mind (a death in the family, a divorce, a job loss…) probably felt earth-shattering at the time. An unexpected pregnancy is another situation that may rank high on a person’s list of “scariest life experiences.” If you’re managing this particular set of circumstances today, you’re likely trying to discern which pregnancy decision would reduce your anxiety the most. Maybe you’re considering abortion because it seems like the least stressful outcome available to you. It’s wise to contemplate your pregnancy options with care. Applying a thoughtful decision-making process to all your potential paths will give you a holistic perspective.
Avenue Women’s Center is a great place to go for accurate information on all your available pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting). We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that provides free limited medical services to women as they navigate the early days of an unexpected pregnancy. Our services include lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more!
Check out our website to learn more about us!
Every Experience is Unique
As you wrestle with the news of your unexpected pregnancy, your thought process may go something like this: “My pregnancy is causing my anxiety. So, if my pregnancy went away, maybe my anxiety would go away too, or at least ease up.” This may sound logical. But the experience of making a pregnancy decision won’t necessarily follow a formula like this, and the pregnancy itself may not be the only factor triggering the anxiety. The truth is, that some people report having less anxiety after ending a pregnancy, and some people report having more. Some feel as though they’ve exchanged one form of anxiety for a different kind. Every experience with any pregnancy outcome is unique.
Coping with Anxiety
Most of the time, a woman’s overall circumstances and feelings are complex before and after her choice is made. Your emotions will likely be multi-dimensional, no matter which outcome you choose, and that’s okay. Thankfully, you still have time to process your emotions in a healthy way here and now. Don’t let your fear of anxiety become the driving force behind your decision-making process. Let your feelings prompt you to learn and explore. Yes, anxiety can be an extremely uncomfortable emotion to wrestle with. But you’re strong enough to cope with it (rather than try to avoid it) and ultimately discover your best way forward. Check out some of our other blogs on the subject of managing anxiety!
Struggling With Anxiety During an Unexpected Pregnancy
Coping with Fear During an Unexpected Pregnancy
Discovering Peace of Mind for this Decision
An unexpected pregnancy tends to be a highly stressful experience from the start, so understandably, you’re hoping your anxiety will ease with time. Know that there are healthy ways to seek clarity and peace of mind for this pregnancy decision if you don’t feel ready to make a choice just yet. Consider some of these ideas.
Explore your options.
Learn about the processes, risks, and potential benefits involved with abortion, as well as adoption and parenting. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you undergo this process. These may guide you toward your best decision. Learning about all your options will give you a better-informed, bigger-picture point of view, even if you’re still unsure how to move forward after you’ve taken this step. If you feel comfortable, consider speaking with people who’ve chosen all three options in the past. Just keep in mind that your experiences wouldn’t be exactly the same as theirs.
Learn about your pregnancy.
Consider getting an ultrasound to learn if your pregnancy is viable and your chances of miscarrying. Many pregnancies end naturally. You may not have to face a choice for abortion, adoption, or parenting.
Seek support.
Having the right people in your corner could make a world of difference. Is there anyone you feel comfortable going to for practical and/or emotional support? Choose someone you trust, like a professional counselor, a teacher, a family member, or a pregnancy consultant.
You’re a unique person with unique feelings and values. Any pregnancy decision you make will be significant and will likely impact your health- physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually. It’s important to take the time that you need to really consider which outcome is right for you. If you’re considering abortion (or any of your other pregnancy options), and you haven’t engaged in this process, Avenue Women’s Center can help! We’re here to help you make an informed choice that’s grounded in your strengths, not your fears.
Reach out to schedule an appointment today! We offer in-person and virtual consultations!
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.