Have you been noticing some unusual changes in your body? For example, maybe your period is late, you’re having frequent nausea, or your breasts feel tender. Sometimes, individuals experiencing these symptoms report feeling afraid to take a pregnancy test. In their minds, taking that step would confirm the possibility of an unexpected pregnancy. Maybe you can relate- as hard as that is to accept. Perhaps you’re holding on to hope that your period will come and the other concerns will go away. The symptoms you’re experiencing may or may not be indications that you’re currently pregnant. But, for the sake of your own health and wellness, it’s important to find out what’s really going on with your body.
Avenue Women’s Center can help in that area! We’re a limited medical clinic that offers services like medical-grade pregnancy tests and options consultations at no cost. Our caring, expert team is here to help you get clarity and support, no matter what. We’ve been serving women from Chicagoland and beyond for over 40 years! We’d love to equip you to take confident next steps too.
Learn more about Avenue! We’re a great place to get compassionate and confidential first-step pregnancy help.
Why Is it Important to Know?
So, why it is important to know whether or not you’re pregnant? If you are pregnant, and can find that out early on, you’ll have more time to consider your options, process your next steps, and gather all the support that you need. It’s always helpful for women facing these circumstances to get baseline information about the pregnancy… Is it viable? Does it present any threats to your health? What pregnancy options are you eligible for, based on how far along you are? Taking a pregnancy test is the first step to accessing all this important information. If you’re not pregnant, it’s vital to know that too, so you can determine the best way to address the symptoms you’re having. They could be signs of other conditions that require medical attention. Either way, you won’t be in a good position to take informed next steps and safeguard your health until you get a little more clarity.
Tips to Lower Your Nerves
The idea of taking a pregnancy test probably feels overwhelming to you right now. Know that there are practical steps you can take to calm your nerves and prepare yourself. Consider some of these tips!
- Surround yourself with support. Before taking the test, as you wait for your result, and after it appears, sit with someone caring and trustworthy. This may be someone like a partner, a close friend, or a supportive family member. Look for a supporter who knows when to listen, when to offer encouragement, and when to just let you process. A compassionate pregnancy consultant from Avenue can fill that role too. Our free pregnancy tests are lab-quality, and the results are available within minutes. We use the waiting time to sit with you and talk about your unique situation.
- Consider your strengths. You’re strong enough to face this pregnancy test and any result it may show. If the test is positive, you’ll have the ability to take your next best steps. Contemplate what makes you uniquely equipped to confront this fear and cope with the outcome. What are your personal strengths? Maybe you’re resilient, resourceful, savvy, or persevering.
- Remember that you have options, come what may. Any person who receives a positive pregnancy test result has 3 pregnancy options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting. You won’t need to think too deeply about these until you confirm the pregnancy. But it can be helpful to know that there are various pathways to choose from if and when you reach that point.
No matter what circumstances you’re facing right now, you can move forward with courage, taking this journey one step at a time. Our expert team at Avenue is here to help you do that courageously. We take the guesswork out of your experience by providing no-cost, highly accurate pregnancy tests that offer quick results. Our role is to provide comprehensive and accurate information, along with unconditional support, so you can feel empowered to pursue your own best outcome.
Call, text, chat, or email to speak with a compassionate staff member! We’re here to answer your questions.
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.