Learning to cope with an unexpected pregnancy is almost always a complex journey. It’s a process that involves making a significant choice despite difficult circumstances. Are you struggling to figure out your best way forward? Your choice for abortion, adoption, or parenting may be influenced by a variety of factors, like your hopes for the future, your relationships, and your opinion of yourself. Maybe you’re leaning toward ending the pregnancy because you don’t think you’re responsible enough to continue this path. It’s natural for self-perception to play a role in guiding your choices (regarding an unexpected pregnancy and generally speaking). But if adoption or parenting is an option you’re hesitant to rule out, know that it’s possible to view yourself with a different, more positive perspective and take your next steps accordingly.
Perhaps you already feel like you struggle to find a sense of drive or initiative. Maybe you’re a “drifter,” someone who enjoys the freedom of surrendering obligations and doing her own thing. No matter your personality profile, and how it’s impacting your pregnancy journey, Avenue Women’s Center is here for you. We provide free early pregnancy services to help persons in Chicagoland, Illinois and beyond. We’re here to help you feel empowered throughout the pregnancy decision-making process.
Check out our services! We offer lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, options consultations, and more- all at no cost!
Identity and Decision-Making
Each person has her own unique set of personality traits- positive qualities, quirks, and imperfections that make life easier to navigate in some ways, and harder to navigate in others. These characteristics don’t have to keep you from fully experiencing life if you don’t want them to. It’s true that continuing this pregnancy would likely mean adding some responsibilities. Parenting would be a significant, long-term obligation- needless to say! But you’re capable of adapting. And you don’t need to find your way through this unexpected pregnancy or the days beyond on your own. Maybe you already have a few caring, supportive people in your corner. Whether or not that’s the case, our expert staff at Avenue Women’s Center would love to be a part of your support system.
Remember, adapting to life’s challenges doesn’t compromise your identity. It might even help you grow into the person you’re meant to be. As you’re considering significant decisions in life, it may be helpful to remember your deeply-held values and beliefs. Consider using these principles, and your instincts, to determine which pregnancy option is best. Then, look at yourself and your situation in a “big picture” sense and identify qualities you do have that can help you lean into your best choice.
Exploring Your Options
As you continue to explore where this experience is leading you, it may be enlightening to take a closer look at your options. Knowing the ins and outs of abortion, adoption, and parenting may clarify your way and help you ultimately make a decision you’re less likely to regret. Adoption is one pregnancy option that sometimes gets overlooked. Creating an adoption plan definitely comes with unique challenges (as does any pregnancy decision), but it can be a positive opportunity and the right choice for some women and couples. If you’re leaning towards continuing this pregnancy, but feel confident parenting isn’t for you, it may be time to consider this approach. Options consultations are one of the free early pregnancy services we provide at Avenue Women’s Center. A consultation is a safe space to learn about and process your available avenues alongside a compassionate, knowledgeable professional.
If you’ve already started to explore your pregnancy options, you’re on the right track to making a well-considered decision. Maybe you’re more responsible than you realize! At Avenue, we’ll equip you to understand all the possibilities before you and take well-calculated next steps. It’s our role to listen, inform, and encourage while you determine what it would look like to embrace your best outcome.
Schedule an appointment today! We offer supportive services at six limited medical clinics in the western Chicago metro area, and virtually!
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.