Are you coping with an unexpected pregnancy, and trying to choose between abortion, adoption, and parenting? This is no easy decision to make. It’s normal to feel undecided, especially at the beginning of a pregnancy journey. But what if you’ve been attempting to settle on one of these alternatives for a while? What if you’ve been on the brink of a pregnancy decision two or three (or four, or five) times, and you’re struggling to find a sense of peace about one particular option? If this sounds anything like your situation, read on!
Maybe you scheduled an abortion, but changed your mind at the last minute and didn’t go in. Or, perhaps you started to make an adoption or parenting plan, but stopped because something was holding you back. You’ve likely heard it said that a pregnancy decision is significant- and it is. It’s important to feel confident in any outcome you decide to pursue. If you’ve changed your mind a time or two, chances are, you believe this to be true. The careful consideration you’ve invested in your decision-making process demonstrates this. However, if you’re starting to feel nervous, frustrated, or confused about how to move forward, that’s understandable. Making a confident pregnancy decision is all well and good. But what’s a person to do when the clock is ticking and she’s still not sold on any of her options?
You’ve taken great care to ensure that no pregnancy decision is made until the outcome and the timing feels right. That’s really commendable! Know that it’s possible to keep moving towards a positive conclusion to your pregnancy journey, even if you’re still undecided. You can discover the insight you need to determine which option is best for you. Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you in this process. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that provides free and confidential services, so women facing circumstances like yours can feel equipped with the information and support they need.
Learn about Avenue! We’ve been a trusted provider of early pregnancy support since 1981, and we’re passionate about helping women make informed pregnancy decisions with confidence.
“How Do I Find True Clarity and Confidence?”
Are you worried that time is slipping away from you? If so, know that it’s possible (and well worth your while) to take small steps toward clarity, even if you don’t feel ready to make a pregnancy decision just yet. Your decision-making process doesn’t have to grow stagnant. Consider utilizing some of these tips to move toward greater clarity and confidence.
Ask yourself what’s motivated you to keep changing your mind.
Consider each of the pregnancy decisions you’ve almost made, and ask yourself why you didn’t move forward with them. Maybe it was a gut feeling that stopped you, or fear of a particular consequence. Generally speaking, choices grounded in strengths yield better outcomes than choices grounded in anxiety. Seeking to understand why you’ve changed your mind each time can offer insight into your motives, and whether or not those motives were healthy.
Explore the pros and cons of all your pregnancy options.
Abortion, adoption, and parenting all come with unique risks, benefits, challenges, and processes. By making an effort to understand all this information with equal thoroughness, you’ll be able to look back on your decision knowing that you made a well-rounded choice with all the relevant facts in mind. You may also discover new insight into what your own best outcome may be during the process of learning about your options. If you’ve already reviewed this information, consider going over it again. You may need a refresher. Our expert staff at Avenue can educate you on your options and talk through them by your side during a pregnancy consultation.
Learn more about your pregnancy.
Taking the next step to learn about your unique pregnancy could reveal your next best move, whether that means gaining self-insight or becoming aware of something that needs medical attention. For example, if your pregnancy is ectopic (located outside of the uterus), this would require immediate medical assistance beyond an abortion. The gestational age of the pregnancy (how far along you are) can determine which abortion option(s) you’re eligible for if that’s a route you’re considering. And if the pregnancy is likely to miscarry, an abortion may not be necessary. All of this highly relevant information can be determined by a no-cost limited medical ultrasound at Avenue Women’s Center.
Talk with someone caring and trustworthy.
Building an emotional support network can be incredibly beneficial for multiple reasons. Connecting with someone caring and trustworthy (like a family member, mentor, professional counselor, or pregnancy consultant) will remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing your journey with them will also allow you to see your situation from a different perspective. And processing your own thoughts and feelings out loud may help you gain self-insight.
It’s tiring when you genuinely want to pursue the outcome that’s right for you, but you’re having trouble figuring out what that looks like. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you identify your best way forward and pursue it with strength and courage. Every potential outcome will bring challenges. Know that you have what it takes to overcome potential obstacles, and discover peace of mind about your pregnancy decision.
If you feel pressure to make a pregnancy decision soon, but you’re not fully on board with a particular option, reach out to Avenue! We’ll help you figure out what you’re facing so you can take informed next steps.
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.