Are you a mom of school-aged kids who’s recently gotten a positive pregnancy test result? This may not be an outcome you were wanting or expecting. If that’s true, your back-to-school season has probably just gone from stressful to traumatizing. Without a doubt, you and your family have already had to cope with numerous changes so far this month. New routines. New teachers. New activities. Maybe new schools. It’s a lot for your kids to absorb, which means it’s a lot for you to absorb on top of all the other responsibilities that you’re juggling. If you feel like this unexpected pregnancy has brought you to the brink of your sanity, know that you’re not alone. A positive outcome to this difficult season is possible.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you navigate this overwhelming situation one step at a time. We’re an early pregnancy clinic that provides free and confidential services, including lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds. Each of our expert staff members is committed to providing reliable information and creating an environment where women feel safe and respected. Our role is to be a neutral sounding board while equipping you with the tools you need to take confident steps forward.
Reach out to schedule an appointment! We’re located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois. We offer virtual consultations too!
Key Questions to Reflect On
Maybe this doesn’t feel like the right season of life to have another baby. Your hands are undoubtedly very full. Perhaps you feel like your kids need your time and attention now more than ever. Or, maybe they’re finally starting to become independent, and you’re inwardly cringing at the thought of, “starting over again.” Whatever your situation may be, it’s essential to think through your pregnancy decision with care because it will have such a direct impact on you and your family. Consider answering these important questions in your own mind or out loud. Doing so will help you engage in some much-needed self-reflection that could lead to valuable insight.
- Take some time to reflect on all the things that you’ve discovered to be most important in life up to this point. With this in mind, what are your most deeply held values, beliefs, and desires? How do these relate to your three pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting)? What, if anything, is your gut saying about your next steps? Remember that your life experiences have given you wisdom. Lean into it!
- How might your family respond to each of your pregnancy options? What could you do to reduce any potentially harmful effects? Sometimes, kids show a level of physical and mental/emotional resilience that surprises their parents. How have your own kids demonstrated this? In what ways have they been resilient to stressful or unexpected circumstances in the past?
- Look back on the times when you were pregnant with your kids. What positive and negative experiences did you have, both before and after they were born? How might a new pregnancy experience be similar or different? How might your past experiences inform your next steps?
- When it comes to managing stress and navigating major decisions, maintaining a healthy support network is key. Who can you rely on for support at this time? Do you know anyone who’s trustworthy and mature, capable of providing honest feedback while respecting your independence? Consider confiding in a spouse, close friend, counselor, mentor, or faith leader. A pregnancy consultant could help you process your circumstances and options as well.
Are you feeling like you’re at the end of your rope? Check out some of our other blogs, and contact Avenue Women’s Center for caring and professional support.
“I Don’t Have the Energy to Deal with This Pregnancy”
“Considering Abortion Because I’m Already a Parent”
Avenue Women’s Center is a convenient option for individuals who are managing circumstances similar to yours. Our appointments can often be scheduled promptly, and all services are provided free of charge. We also accept walk-ins! If you haven’t gathered baseline information about your pregnancy yet, or you’re just needing some encouragement, reach out to us. We can equip you with relevant facts like how far along you are (to determine which pregnancy options you’d be eligible for) and the location of the pregnancy (to assess the need for additional medical support).
Discover more about Avenue and contact us today! Our compassionate pregnancy consultants and medical professionals are here for you.
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.