It happens to me every year about a week before the holidays, I panic. Did I get enough presents for my loved ones? Did I get too many presents for my loved ones? How will I bake all those cookies that I promised to bake? Regardless of whether I’m ready or not, the holidays will arrive this year as they always do. I may be ready, but there’s a good chance I may not be. Just like the holiday season, sometimes an unplanned pregnancy comes before we are ready. How do you move forward into a season you may not want or don’t feel prepared for?
The good news is, prepared or unprepared, you aren’t alone. Avenue Women’s Center has been assisting women facing unexpected pregnancies since 1981. We provide relevant services, helpful information and compassionate support. Contact us today for an appointment at one of our five DuPage County locations today!
An unexpected pregnancy is just that…unexpected. You might think “I’m not ready!”, yet you’re staring at a positive pregnancy test. Maybe you feel that you’re too young to be a parent. Maybe you are starting a career that you’ve worked hard for and don’t feel that you have the time to deal with a pregnancy. Maybe you’re barely making ends meet as it is. Maybe you’re unsure of the future of your relationship with your partner.
Whatever your personal situation, you feel like now is not the right time. Being prepared and ready for situations life throws our way is a virtue in our culture, but sometimes being caught off guard is unavoidable. So, how do we positively respond to those situations?
- Think through your next steps. At those times more than ever, it’s important to take time to think about your options before moving forward. As much as it’s easy to spring into “action mode” and make hasty decisions, take your time gathering information. Regardless of what pregnancy decision you are looking into—abortion, adoption, or parenting—you have time. Gather information from reputable sources and allow yourself to think through the pros and cons of each option both for now and into the future.
- Talk to a trusted person. Sometimes what we need is a helping hand or a listening ear to get us through those times. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and are feeling unready, it’s ok to ask for help. Think about people in your life who could give you the support you need. Also, consider speaking to a counselor, doctor, or other expert regarding your situation.
If you live in the Chicagoland area, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Our confidential pregnancy options consultation appointments provide you with important information regarding your options in a caring, confidential environment. Our expert client advocates are there to provide nonjudgmental support, as you process through any questions or concerns you may have. Call, chat, email, or text to make an appointment right away and begin taking the next steps in your pregnancy decision.
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.