Few situations in life could feel as stressful and isolating as an unexpected pregnancy, or so it would seem. This broader subject tends to be highly sensitive, both as a private experience and a public topic of conversation. It’s no surprise that many women who find themselves managing these difficult circumstances feel very much alone.
Does this resonate with you? Maybe you feel like the only person in the world who’s struggling to cope with an unexpected pregnancy. Of course, that couldn’t possibly be true in a literal sense. But you’d probably be surprised to discover how many people in your own circle are facing, or have faced a similar situation. Whether or not that’s the case, you don’t have to navigate this journey on your own.
Avenue Women’s Center has your back. We’re a first-step pregnancy center that offers free services to help women make informed, confident decisions. Our caring pregnancy consultants and nurses are here to be an ongoing part of your support network, no matter your pregnancy outcome. We’re committed to helping you strengthen your support system by building connections with other trusted allies as well.
Learn more about our no-cost early pregnancy services!
You’re Not the Only One
Unexpected pregnancies are highly prevalent in the United States. Check out these statistics from the Guttmacher Institute! This information comes from a 2011 study and includes the most current information available at the time the referenced article was written.
- Almost 5% of women of reproductive age in the U.S. experience an unexpected pregnancy in a given year.
- In 2011, 45% of pregnancies that took place in the U.S. were unintended (2.8 million unexpected pregnancies out of 6.1 million total pregnancies).
- In 2011, U.S. women with lower income (less than 100% of the poverty level) were over 5 times more likely than U.S. women with higher income (at least 200% of the poverty level) to experience an unintended pregnancy.
You are not the only person in the world or your broader community who’s facing an unexpected pregnancy today (that may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s helpful to hear anyway). You’re probably not the only person in your family or social circle who’s experiencing these circumstances currently or who’s gone through them in the past. It can simply be hard to understand how relatable your situation may be to the experiences of others because this is such a personal matter. It’s okay not to know the specifics of other peoples’ stories. Everyone around you has an inherent right to privacy- as do you, of course. Maybe it’s best to simply acknowledge that you’re not the only one, to recognize that help is available, and to focus on taking the next steps that are healthy for you.
Seeking Support: One of Your Next Best Steps
As you consider the pregnancy journey ahead of you, it’s helpful to seek out support. It may be extremely beneficial to confide in at least one trustworthy person who genuinely cares about your well-being. This may be a family member, mentor, professional counselor, faith leader, or pregnancy consultant. He or she doesn’t have to have personal experience with an unexpected pregnancy to provide valuable help. But if you know someone who’s been through circumstances similar to yours, and you feel comfortable approaching them, it may be helpful to process your experience and hear their input. Just remember that every situation is unique, so your journey will look different from theirs. No matter what, seeking support will likely make an extremely positive difference. You’ll be allowing yourself to receive encouragement, see another perspective, and seek practical assistance if needed. The interpersonal connection will also serve as an uplifting reminder that you’re not alone in this.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we believe that support plays a vital role in helping individuals experience the pregnancy decision-making process from a healthier headspace. It allows women to overcome feelings of vulnerability, and ultimately make more confident pregnancy choices. Our expert staff can help you feel less isolated by providing no-cost services and unconditional emotional support. Nobody should have to navigate an unexpected pregnancy without reliable information and a shoulder to lean on. We exist to offer these to you.
Reach out to schedule an appointment at one of our six locations in Chicagoland, Illinois! Perhaps fear of judgment is holding you back from confiding in someone. Know that Avenue is a safe, judgment-free, pressure-free space. You’re welcome here.
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Reference:
Guttmacher Institute. (2019, January). Unintended Pregnancy in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states#
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.