Dancing is so much easier when you know the next step. Making a major life decision, such as one that comes with an unexpected pregnancy, is no different. Knowing what steps you should take can help eliminate some anxiety of the uncertainty that lies ahead. How can you be sure of the next steps to take when it comes to an unexpected pregnancy?
Avenue Women’s Center has been the first step for women who are discovering they are pregnant for over 35 years. Our services are tailored to your individual situation, providing you with the tools you need to navigate an unexpected pregnancy decision. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, contact us for a free consultation with one of our expert client advocates today!
In my hometown, there’s an area where the sidewalks are covered with dance steps. Each section of the sidewalk features the title of a dance with imprints for your right and left feet, along with numbers letting you know where to step and when. Although I’m horribly uncoordinated, these diagrams make me feel like I could actually follow along.
I feel this way with other aspects of life as well. When I was younger, it always intimidated me to think about what the next year in school would hold. I couldn’t imagine learning multiplication, writing a report, or doing a research project. Yet, every year I managed to tackle the obstacle and look back in amazement. How was this possible? It was all because the bigger picture got broken down into small, incremental steps.
The same can be said with any major life decision or overwhelming situation. I always ask myself, “How am I going to get through this?” If I think too far down the road, I can find myself feeling defeated. Yet, if I look at it one step at a time, everything seems much more manageable. Rather than going straight to the outcome, I focus on what’s immediately next.
The same can be said for an unexpected pregnancy decision. When you’re concerned you may be pregnant, it’s hard not to think through all the “what ifs” and become overwhelmed at the prospect. However, just a like a dance, it can be tackled one step at a time. Here are some helpful next steps to consider:
- First step: Have you confirmed your pregnancy? It can be easy to jump to conclusions when you start experiencing possible pregnancy symptoms. Take a moment to find out for sure. This step helps put your mind at ease, or enables you to move forward in the process of making a pregnancy decision.
- Second step: If you took a test at home, confirm your results with a medical clinic or a pregnancy center. Home tests can involve multiple factors, such as what time of day you took the test, how much water or liquids you drank, the amount of time you took to read the results, etc. It’s best to confirm your home results with a medical test.
- Third step: If you have confirmed the positive results, it’s time to start gathering information. After realizing you are pregnant, you may have to fight the urge to do something right away. Before making a decision, it’s important to know more about your pregnancy options—abortion, adoption, or parenting. Talk to experts, research reputable information, and discuss the news with trusted friends or family members. Most importantly, take your time. This is a decision that will have implications for both your present and your future.
In all of this, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. We can provide you with a free medical-grade pregnancy test, accurate just 10 days after possible conception. If you have a positive result, our expert client advocates can give you information and nonjudgmental support regarding your pregnancy options. You can process your decision in a safe, comfortable place with someone you can trust. Call, chat, email, or text today to get started on the next step of your pregnancy decision journey.
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.