Do you feel like now is the wrong time to go through with a pregnancy? If so, you’re definitely not alone. This is, of course, an extremely common concern among women facing unexpected circumstances similar to yours. The reasoning behind this sense of wrong timing is unique for each individual. Maybe you can relate because you’re struggling financially or feeling unstable in your job, housing, or relationships. Perhaps you want to focus your limited time and energy on the kids you already have. Or, you simply feel too young (or too old) to be pregnant at this stage of your life. Know that genuine support is available, regardless of your specific circumstances. It’s always possible to discover a positive outcome that’s uniquely right for you, no matter how awful the timing feels right now.
Avenue Women’s Center exists to inform and empower individuals who feel blindsided by an unexpected pregnancy. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic that offers no-cost limited medical services in a confidential setting, equipping you to identify your next best steps and take them with confidence. We’ll provide you with the information and support you need to make a confident pregnancy decision. Since 1981, we’ve been helping thousands of women from Chicagoland and beyond accomplish this.
Contact us today to speak with us about your options! We’re located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
Processing the News of Your Pregnancy
Chances are, you’re coping with a complicated set of emotions right now. Sheer frustration is probably one of your most prominent feelings. Like many people who’ve faced similar circumstances, you may be directing some of that anger towards yourself. Perhaps you feel like it was “irresponsible” to get pregnant at this time because you have other goals and priorities that require your attention. Maybe you’re beating yourself up about the pregnancy or hyper-focusing on what you wish you’d done differently. Accepting the realities of past decisions and present circumstances can be hard, but resisting them can be counterproductive and even harmful.
Often, emotions like self-blame lead women to feel that abortion is the responsible choice. Maybe you feel as though the pregnancy is “your fault” and all of the pressure is on you to make things “right.” This would probably be an unfair and oversimplified way of judging your situation (plus, the “right” outcome looks unique for each individual). Regret is not a healthy foundation to build your pregnancy choice upon. Instead of allowing it to fester and drive your decision-making, take the time that you need to process your circumstances and explore your options.
Taking Things One Step at a Time
It’s possible to break this seemingly huge situation down into small, manageable parts. Remove some of the pressure from your plate by focusing on one thing at a time. You can start by taking a medical-grade pregnancy test to confirm your positive result. (Avenue Women’s Center provides these free of charge). We also offer pregnancy consultations to review all the pregnancy options and resources available to you. As you take this process one small step at a time, try to keep an open mind concerning your future. Abortion isn’t necessarily the only option that would allow you to pursue your dreams. Each of your alternatives (abortion, adoption, and parenting) comes with a unique set of pros and cons that may personally affect you. Exploring all the relevant factors is key to choosing a path that you won’t second-guess later on. This pregnancy decision is yours to make and deserves your careful consideration.
Accessing Reliable Support
No matter what pregnancy plan you decide to move forward with, try to remember that you are not without support. Is there a friend, family member, or a spiritual leader you can reach out to? Have you considered contacting a local community organization for assistance, or a pregnancy consultant who can connect you to ongoing resources? Building a healthy support system will likely be vital to recognizing your right next steps for this pregnancy. Having someone who cares walk with you through this can give you insight and confidence you might not get alone. Before deciding, consider directing your questions to a professional—like a healthcare provider, counselor, or pregnancy consultant—so you can plan with reliable information. Whether or not you have support, our Avenue consultants and medical team are here for you. Our services are meant to ease your burden, and we’d love to be an ongoing source of emotional support as well.
Avenue Women’s Center offers nonjudgmental support to answer your individual questions and concerns about abortion as well as your other pregnancy options. We provide no-cost consultations and free limited ultrasound exams to give further insight regarding gestational age (how far along you are) and viability (whether or not the pregnancy is likely to continue). Supplying you with accurate information about your pregnancy and your options is what we’re all about. You have what it takes to identify and pursue your own best outcome from there.
Schedule your appointment today at one of our five Chicagoland centers! When you reach out, we promise you’ll be met with unconditional, pressure-free support.
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.