Do you have exciting plans for this summer? Maybe a much-anticipated vacation or a semester abroad? Perhaps your plans aren’t so much “fun” as they are “important.” You may be on the verge of a new accomplishment that you’re proud of, like finishing your degree or launching your dream career. Perhaps your vision for the summer isn’t as lofty as all that. Maybe you’re just looking forward to kicking back by the poolside, because it’s been a long year and you could really use a break. No shame in that!
But… what if an unexpected pregnancy has come out of nowhere, turning your world upside-down and disrupting your plans? How are you supposed to handle a situation like that? Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you take this shocking discovery one step at a time, ultimately finding the pregnancy outcome that’s uniquely right for you.
Avenue Women’s Center is a first-step pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in Chicagoland, Illinois. We’ve been a trusted provider of unexpected pregnancy support for over 40 years! So, we understand how painful and frustrating it can be when a pregnancy interrupts plans that a person feels highly invested in. We’re here to be a trustworthy educator, a neutral sounding board, and a source of unconditional emotional support as you evaluate what’s next.
Discover our free and confidential limited medical services! We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more.
Every Option Includes Challenges and Benefits
Chances are, you have a tough decision ahead of you. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, you’ll probably need to manage some physical limitations (like morning sickness, fatigue, and, eventually, a bump). Not to mention the stress of creating a parenting or adoption plan when this wasn’t on your radar. However, for some women, abortion can have difficult short and long-term impacts as well. Ending a pregnancy also involves medical risks and requires careful planning. Every pregnancy option comes with its own set of challenges and benefits. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Which option would have the least negative impact on me?” That’s why it’s important to assess your next steps from a healthy headspace, equipped with comprehensive information and confident in what you know and want.
A Thoughtful, Well-Balanced Pregnancy Decision
It’s okay to be disappointed, frustrated, and/or angry. These are natural responses to the circumstances that you’re facing right now. Still, it’s important not to let these emotions become all-consuming. Don’t give them the power to drive your decision-making process. Our caring staff at Avenue is here to support your self-care journey through this difficult time, while helping you make a carefully measured decision that you can feel at peace with both now and later. Here are a few tips to help you find a healthy balance in your decision-making:
- Give yourself time to absorb your pregnancy news. It’s healthy to acknowledge the negative feelings you’re having about the pregnancy and how it might impact your plans. You’ll likely need some time to move past the initial shock and let yourself feel these emotions. (The trick is to avoid dwelling on them for too long.) Once you’ve let yourself absorb your new circumstances, your emotions will probably feel less raw and overwhelming. You’ll be in a calmer mental space and better equipped to take wise and thoughtful next steps.
- Shift to a bigger-picture perspective. Once your mind has moved past the initial “crisis mode,” you’ll be better prepared to look at your situation with a big-picture point of view. This means considering factors beyond your immediate emotions and reflexes. Your values, beliefs, and long-term desires will play an important role in your pregnancy decision too (probably the most important role). Consider your pregnancy options and ask yourself how you might feel about each of these potential outcomes in 1 year. How about 5 years? Or 10? It’s impossible to predict your future feelings with any degree of certainty. However, this exercise will help you move beyond the present. Remember that you’re not just making a decision for “this-summer-you.” You’re making it for “future-you,” as well as “present-you.” It’s best if your choice is grounded in things that can stand the test of time, like your deeply-held beliefs.
- Learn all the relevant facts. Gathering all the relevant facts will help you to make the most well-informed decision possible, and could allow you to look back on your choice with greater confidence later on. Start by learning the processes and risks involved with all your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you need support to accomplish one or more of these, find out what kind of resources are available in your area. It can also be extremely useful to gather some basic information about your pregnancy. An ultrasound call tell you how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and your chances of miscarriage. This will clarify what pregnancy options you’re eligible for and whether additional medical attention is needed before you move forward. All of this information can be obtained through a free and confidential appointment at Avenue!
It cuts deep when unexpected circumstances get in the way of unique opportunities. If you believe that your pregnancy would disrupt your summer plans, this probably feels invasive and harsh. Know that it might not always feel this way. No matter which option you decide is the right option for you, Avenue Women’s Center is in your corner. We offer a safe space to process your circumstances alongside some of the most compassionate and knowledgeable consultants and medical professionals you’ll meet.
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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.