Are you home from school for summer break, and keeping a secret from your parents? Maybe you haven’t told them the news that you’re managing an unexpected pregnancy. If that’s the case, you’re probably worried about them figuring this out on their own. Whether or not your parents notice will likely depend on different factors, including the gestational age of your pregnancy, what symptoms you’re having, how observant they are, and how long you plan to stay with them. But perhaps you’re concerned that spending the summer with your parents will be awkward no matter what. Even if they stay unaware, you may have complicated feelings about keeping this secret and making a pregnancy decision without their support.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you navigate the days ahead one step at a time. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic with multiple locations based in Chicagoland. Our caring staff is dedicated to helping women from all walks of life access the support they need to make confident, autonomous pregnancy decisions.
Discover our free and confidential services and reach out today! We’ve been providing free early pregnancy support for over 40 years, and we’re as passionate as ever about empowering women facing circumstances like yours.
Building a Healthy Support Network
Most of us have experienced that tense feeling of withholding significant news from loved ones, whether we’re trying to protect them or protect ourselves. This can be especially challenging and uncomfortable when we’re living under the same roof as them. Still, telling close family members about an unexpected pregnancy isn’t the right step for everyone. You’ll need to assess whether or not it’s best to share this information with your parents by considering your relationships with them, how safe you feel, how much you trust them, and how they’ve responded to difficult situations in the past. Only you can determine who your own best support person(s) will be.
Whether or not you choose to tell your parents about the pregnancy, it’s important to confide in someone who you trust. If you don’t feel comfortable going to a parent or family member, consider sharing your news with a wise and caring friend, mentor, faith leader, professional counselor, or pregnancy consultant. It’s important to choose someone who genuinely cares about you and will listen without judgment while offering sincere feedback. A strong support person will help you feel understood and supported, but will also challenge you to view your circumstances from a fresh perspective.
Connecting with Avenue Women’s Center
Avenue Women’s Center is a great place to launch your support network, whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, parenting, or all of the above. We provide no-cost pregnancy tests and consultations, so women can get to know the processes and risks involved with each of their pregnancy options. We also offer free limited medical ultrasounds. An ultrasound scan can tell you critical information, like 1) Your gestational age (how far along you are, so you know which options you’re eligible for), 2) The location of your pregnancy (to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which would require immediate medical attention), and 3) Your chances of miscarriage. The information we offer here is reliable, neutral, and easy to understand. We’re 100% committed to providing practical support with the highest standards of empathy and integrity.
Do you get the sense that hiding your pregnancy all summer may not be the right solution for you? Our expert staff at Avenue is here to provide unconditional support as you process your emotions and gage how to navigate these circumstances with your loved ones. Our limited medical clinics offer private and comfortable spaces to explore your next steps. When you connect with us, rest assured you’ll be met with warmth and compassion. Your information will be treated with complete confidentiality – regardless of your age.
Check out our “About Us” page and schedule an in-person or virtual consultation! We’re here to answer any questions you may have about our services.
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.