Did you know that approximately 2,900,000 passengers fly in and out of American airports every day (U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration)? For those of us who’ve ever stood in a lengthy TSA line, this may not sound too shocking. Airports are incredibly busy places. Generally speaking, they’re like that because it’s become common to travel long distances on a fairly regular basis in our modern world. Maybe you’re someone who travels a lot. You may find yourself frequently on-the-go for work or regularly visiting family members who live far away. Perhaps you love to lead an adventurous life. Whether the purpose of your travel is most often for business or pleasure, if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may find that your nomadic lifestyle is adding some complications to an already complex situation. (And your pregnancy is likewise adding complications to your lifestyle.)
This blog goes out to women who travel often, have recently discovered an unexpected pregnancy, and are considering their option of parenting- even a little bit. Whether you’re very drawn to or slightly intrigued by the possibility of parenting, this may not seem like a realistic option for you because of your travels. You may be struggling to process how to move forward from here. Hang in there! There are practical steps you can take to find clarity in the middle of these complex circumstances.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you as you navigate your next steps in your pregnancy journey. We’re an early pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in Chicagoland, and we’ve been walking alongside women facing situations like yours since 1981. Our free, confidential first-step pregnancy services are designed to offer insight into your unique pregnancy, and equip you with the information and resources you need to move forward feeling confident.
Reach out to speak with an expert staff member and learn more about our services! If you live outside of Chicagoland or are currently on-the-go, we offer virtual and phone consultations!
A Significant Matter to Process
You don’t need anyone to tell you that having a baby would affect your professional life and your personal lifestyle. This is not an easy reality to wrestle with, which is one of the reasons why this unexpected pregnancy deserves your careful consideration. A thorough thought process will probably take some time. But most women have a matter of weeks from the time they discover a pregnancy to explore all their available options. By accessing early pregnancy services, you can learn what your unique timeline looks like (more on that in a moment).
A Logical Time for Self-Reflection
It’s always beneficial to begin reflecting on your most deeply held values, beliefs, desires, and instincts early on in your decision-making process. Ask yourself how these relate to your pregnancy situation and your traveling practices. It may be helpful to revisit your feelings about your frequent traveling as well. Maybe you thrive on being a sojourner. Maybe you travel out of a sense of necessity or duty. Moving around may be energizing for you, exhausting, or somewhere in between. Now may be a logical time to ask yourself whether or not you sense an inward readiness to start a new chapter. If you decide that you have an interest in parenting, you can explore creative solutions to make this possible within your life context. Resist the urge to think about the future in black-and-white terms. Becoming a parent definitely doesn’t have to bring an end to your traveling, and perhaps it would only impact your lifestyle in the ways you’re most concerned about for a season.
“How Can Avenue Women’s Center Help?”
Our caring staff at Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you take your first steps toward a resolution, and, eventually, your own best pregnancy outcome. Here’s how we can support you in accomplishing this goal.
- We can give you accurate information about your unique pregnancy. An ultrasound can offer extremely valuable information like, 1) how far along you are (which will influence which abortion method(s) you’re eligible for if you’re thinking about going that route), 2) the viability of the pregnancy (your chances of miscarriage), and 3) the location of the pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus would require immediate medical attention beyond an abortion). Our limited medical ultrasounds at Avenue can provide all this information at no cost.
- We can offer reliable information on your available options and resources. Any person who’s facing an unexpected pregnancy has three pregnancy options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting. There are options within these options too (for example, different abortion methods and adoption plans). Our expert staff at Avenue is here to explain the processes and risks associated with all of these. We believe that knowing these broad facts will give you a more holistic perspective and equip you to make a more informed pregnancy choice. We’re also available to provide information on resources in your community that could help you embrace your best pregnancy outcome and just live your life to the fullest in general.
- We can provide you with ongoing emotional support. No matter what you’re facing, which pregnancy option you’re leaning towards, or where your path ultimately leads, Avenue is here for you. We’d love to hear your story and become a part of your support network throughout this journey.
Many different factors contribute to your unique set of circumstances. You’ll need to weigh those factors in the days ahead to make a confident and informed pregnancy decision. Chances are, this won’t be an easy path to follow. But Avenue Women’s Center is with you and for you every step of the way. No judgment. No pressure. Just genuine care from our expert pregnancy consultants and nurses.
Explore our services and schedule an appointment!
Reference:
United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. (2023, April). Air Traffic By The Numbers. Retrieved from: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers
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.