Finding out about an unexpected pregnancy after having only had sex once can inspire what seems like a million thoughts to start racing through your head. What do I do now? How is this happening? Do I need to have an abortion? One of your most prevalent worries may be finding an answer to these questions. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you gather information and move forward with an unexpected pregnancy decision.
Did you only have sex once and now think you may be pregnant? Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you with your next steps. Confirm your pregnancy with a free medical-grade test, accurate just ten days after possible conception. Our options consultations will provide you with information regarding abortion, adoption, and parenting while addressing any concerns or questions you may have.
Get the information and support you need to move forward in your pregnancy decision today. Make an appointment at one of our six DuPage County locations.
What Are the Chances of Becoming Pregnant After Having Sex Once?
The likelihood of intercourse leading to pregnancy is usually dependent upon your fertile window. Some women can tell when they’re ovulating due to changes occurring in their bodies. The signs of ovulation can be hard to notice. But this process usually occurs 12 to 16 days before your next menstrual cycle.
The odds of a young fertile couple conceiving around the time of ovulation are about one in five each month. Since your body is usually at its most receptive to sperm during ovulation, around 9 out of 10 couples experience a pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex.
Coming to terms with the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy can seem like a step that’s easier said than done. Throughout this emotional journey, it may be helpful to take things slowly as you gradually move towards a decision you feel is right for you. Try to remember that you have time to decide. There are plenty of people to support you as you work through your options.
Should I Confirm the Pregnancy First?
It’s understandable that you may have been nervous when you took an at-home pregnancy test, and this can sometimes affect your results. This means one of the first things you may want to do before you begin to work through your feelings about the pregnancy is to confirm the positive test was not an error.
This can be done through a doctor or a pregnancy clinic. If the results come back the same, then you may want to begin asking questions about your options. The situation may feel like a frightening prospect, but you are not alone. Plenty of support is behind you. Professional resources can work with you to ensure you understand your choices, assisting with formulating the next steps in your pregnancy plan.
A medical professional may want to confirm your pregnancy’s viability through an ultrasound exam. This can help you decide how to move forward with one of your options. If there is a risk of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, medical treatment that does not involve abortion may be required.
How Do I Feel About the Pregnancy?
After confirming an unexpected pregnancy, determining how you feel about it is not always simple. Some women go through periods of excitement, which may then be followed by shock, anger, and confusion. It’s normal to experience this. Pregnancy can be a life-changing event, and you may need to give yourself time to explore your thoughts and emotions.
You may want to consult a counselor or a pregnancy consultant to talk about what you’re going through. Receiving guidance about your options can help you build support through a safe environment. If you’re thinking about abortion, then you may want to discuss things with a professional resource.
Helpful Considerations When Thinking About Abortion
- How much does an abortion typically cost?
- What is the difference between a medical and surgical abortion?
- Are certain abortion procedures no longer available to me based on my pregnancy’s gestational age?
- How will I feel about the abortion afterwards?
- Are there any health risks I should learn about that would render me ineligible for an abortion?
This may seem like a lot of steps to go through, but you do not have to do this alone. There are plenty of places to provide you with support throughout your unexpected pregnancy, ensuring you have all of the relevant information you need to feel confident in your choice.
Avenue Women’s Center understands the stress of moving forward with an unexpected pregnancy decision. That’s why we’re here to help. Our limited ultrasound exams can provide you with information about your pregnancy’s gestational age. It will also alert you to early pregnancy risks, such as miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Arranging a time for you to meet with our caring staff, we can sit down with you for a private conversation about your options. We commit ourselves to understand your unique story to see how we can help.
Call, chat, email, or text us today so we can help you take the next steps in your pregnancy decision!
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References:
Women’s And Children’s Health Network. (2016, August). Pregnancy. Retrieved from: http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=438&np=455&id=2860
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
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.