Are you experiencing an unexpected pregnancy at a stage of your life that you wouldn’t have anticipated? Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, you may feel “too old” to be going through something like this. Perhaps you faced an unexpected pregnancy in your past and vowed that you’d never let it happen again. Or, maybe these are new circumstances… circumstances that you never imagined you’d find yourself in. If getting pregnant unexpectedly feels like something you, “should have outgrown,” chances are, you’re frustrated with yourself more than anyone or anything else. That’s a difficult place to find yourself in. Know that you don’t have to stay in this head space, nor do you have to face the days ahead on your own.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you navigate the challenges and surprising bright spots of this unexpected pregnancy. We’re a first-step clinic that’s been providing no-cost pregnancy support for over 40 years! At Avenue, our mission is to empower individuals with the information they need to take their next steps with confidence and clarity.
Learn more about our confidential early pregnancy services and contact us today!
Extending Compassion to Yourself
We’ve all wrestled with self-disparaging thoughts. In hindsight, it’s easy to say, “I should have known this,” or, “I should have done that.” Extending grace to yourself in this particular situation may not come naturally, especially if you tend to have a harsh, “inner critic.” But it’s important to accept your circumstances for what they are and show yourself kindness as this pregnancy journey continues.
The truth is, unexpected pregnancies are experienced every day by women of all reproductive ages. Conception happens in the blink of an eye, and a pregnancy is a complex occurrence both biologically and emotionally. So, it wouldn’t be fair to view this one unexpected situation as a reflection of your overall maturity. It’s just something that happens- and happens to many individuals. According to Guttmacher, almost half of pregnancies that occurred in the U.S. in 2011 were unexpected. You’re definitely not alone in this situation.
Reframing the Narrative
If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy at a mature age, chances are, there’s a positive side to this. You’ve likely gained experiences and resources that could help you navigate your pregnancy with greater confidence. For example, maybe you’ve developed a stronger sense of identity, grown in your personal strengths, or achieved financial independence. If you’ve been through an unexpected pregnancy before, you have another advantage: firsthand experience. Your prior knowledge can be harnessed to help you take your next best steps here and now.
Getting Practical Services at Avenue
The free pregnancy services we offer at Avenue are designed to help you press on with wisdom and efficiency. We begin with a medical-grade pregnancy test, so you can confirm the pregnancy first and foremost. We also provide no-cost options consultations. A consultation would present an opportunity to talk about your circumstances with a skilled pregnancy consultant, learn about the processes involved with your pregnancy options, and explore the resources that are available to you. At a certain point in the pregnancy, we can offer a limited medical ultrasound as well. This would allow you to access key information about the pregnancy: where it’s located, how far along you are, and your chances of miscarriage. Knowing this will allow you to make informed choices and safeguard your health as your decision-making process continues.
Sometimes, in a situation like an unexpected pregnancy, a person’s frustration with herself can outweigh even her frustration with her circumstances. She may start to question herself, especially if she never would have predicted that she’d end up in this position. It’s only natural for an unexpected pregnancy to trigger confusion, aggravation, and fear. But letting these feelings overpower your confidence may hurt your ability to make your own best pregnancy decision. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re committed to building women up by highlighting their strengths, providing reliable information, and offering unconditional support.
Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center! We believe in you. And we believe that you have what it takes to make your own best choice with courage.
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Reference:
Guttmacher. (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.