It’s happened to so many of us… you meet someone on a dating app or at a social event. You hit it off. The chemistry is there, so you start seeing each other regularly. Everything seems to be going fine. Maybe you’re even starting to imagine a future with this person. But then, out of nowhere, he stops responding to your texts. You reach out to him multiple times over multiple platforms in the following days. Maybe you even try knocking on his door. But it’s no use. He’s cut off communication completely, without any warning or explanation.
Maybe you’ve been ghosted by someone you were dating in recent days or weeks. It’s a real, serious situation that many people experience at one point or another, and it feels like a punch in the gut every time. Being ghosted is hurtful under any and all circumstances. But if your former partner has left you with an unexpected pregnancy, needless to say, it’s bound to feel especially devastating.
Our caring team at Avenue Women’s Center is available to meet you in this difficult space. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that offers free services to support and equip individuals facing circumstances like yours. Avenue offers appointments at five limited medical clinics in Chicagoland, Illinois, and we provide virtual consultations too! We’re a safe space to receive confidential support with transparency, compassion, and respect.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule! We’re here to answer your questions.
A Heartbreaking Experience
Being ghosted by a partner is almost always heartbreaking, especially if you were developing genuine feelings for that person. It can wound your self-esteem, rob you of closure, and cause you to question many things about the past relationship. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy on top of this, you’re sure to have unique concerns. Maybe you don’t know how to move forward without the practical and emotional support of a partner. Perhaps you’re feeling especially betrayed because of the pregnancy. The positive result may also be bringing up all kinds of questions about whether or not to tell him (and how). Feelings of anger would be completely valid under these circumstances. However, it’s important not to let your anger and grief take the wheel of your pregnancy decision- as hard as that may sound.
Taking Manageable Steps Forward
It can be very challenging to grieve the loss of a relationship and manage an unexpected pregnancy at the same time. But it is possible to navigate this hard road in a healthy way, and reach a positive outcome in the end. Consider taking these manageable steps to engage in a strong decision-making process while caring for your own needs.
- Take the time that you need to process your circumstances. You’ve been through a lot in recent days. You’ve had, not one, but two major shocks. You’re likely wrestling with stress, sadness, anger, confusion, and many other complex emotions right now. You need time to absorb this news and process your feelings- as would anybody! Taking your healing and decision-making processes slowly will allow you to cope with the challenges you’re facing more effectively. Many women have more time than they realize to explore their options and process their emotions before some of those options become unavailable (an ultrasound can help clarify that for you).
- Find emotional and practical support. Having a support system is key to coping well with a ghosting situation and/or an unexpected pregnancy. Consider confiding in someone you trust, like a family member, counselor, mentor, or faith leader. Our caring team at Avenue Women’s Center is here for you too. We’re available to listen to your story and act as a neutral sounding board while you process your next best steps. We also offer practical help in the form of free early pregnancy services (medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more).
- Take steps to understand your pregnancy options and available resources. Once you feel ready to approach your pregnancy decision-making process, it’s important to know all your available options so you can make an informed choice. You have three main options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. During a pregnancy consultation at Avenue, we’ll go over the processes and risks involved with each. Our expert team is fully committed to providing accurate information with compassion and neutrality. We’ll also inform you of the many practical resources that may be available within your community.
Being ghosted and getting pregnant unexpectedly are two situations that can leave a person feeling hurt, embarrassed, and isolated. But shame has no place in your story. Your partner is responsible for his own choices, and you’re fully capable of discovering your own best path with or without him. Avenue Women’s Center is here to be your advocate and ally as you figure this out. We’ve been serving individuals facing circumstances similar to yours since 1981, and we’d love to partner with you too.
Learn more about our free, confidential services and schedule an 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.