An unexpected pregnancy can happen even if a woman is cautious to prevent it. You follow your birth control method carefully. You keep track of your ovulation and menstruation cycles to understand when you’re most susceptible of becoming pregnant. You do your part in preventing pregnancy, knowing you aren’t ready to face that possibility right now in life. But what about your partner? What if you think he’s doing his part to prevent a pregnancy, but find out too late that he didn’t? How do you cope with your feelings and a possible pregnancy decision?
If you’re worried your partner didn’t do his part and think you might be pregnant, turn to Avenue Women’s Center for help. We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests at each of our five locations in DuPage County, Illinois. Our tests are extremely sensitive, providing results that are over 99.5% accurate just 10 days after conception. Contact us today and set up an appointment at no cost to you!
Maybe your partner told you he was infertile or had a vasectomy, and thought you couldn’t get pregnant from unprotected sex as a result. Maybe a condom broke, slipped off, or wasn’t even worn during sex and your partner didn’t tell you. Disbelief, shock, and worry quickly settle in if you thought you were protected from getting pregnant and find out that you actually weren’t. Whatever the reason, your partner didn’t do his part in preventing a pregnancy. You could be facing an unexpected pregnancy decision on top of some strong emotions towards your partner, wondering how you’re going to cope with everything all at once.
Doing Your Part: Don’t Panic!
It’s much easier to give this advice than to take it, but it’s difficult to think clearly when your mind is in a panicked frenzy. You might be feeling overwhelmed, fearful, and stressed about what to do if you really are pregnant. You weren’t planning on facing this decision. You did everything you could think of to prevent an unexpected pregnancy, but your partner didn’t do his part.
Panic can give way to feeling betrayed by your partner, or angry and disappointed with them for not being more careful and honest. You could feel like your trust has been shaken. You may not know how you can even speak to your partner right now, let alone talk with them about a pregnancy decision. You don’t have to tuck away your emotions about your partner, but giving in to the swirl of negativity can elevate panic and make things even harder to face. We aren’t our best selves in a state of panic, and our initial feelings can cause us to act rashly, or make a choice we later regret. Don’t let panic drive your decision. Find your clarity to think rationally through the possible choice ahead.
Your Next Steps in a Possible Pregnancy Decision
Try to find acceptance that you can’t undo anything that’s happened. However, you can find clarity about the decision ahead. Slow down the racing thoughts in your mind and fully think about each of your potential pregnancy options. What steps can you take now? Have you taken a home pregnancy test yet? Were the results unclear or was it too soon to tell if you’re pregnant? Have you begun to research and educate yourself about the pregnancy options you’re considering? Have you talked to your doctor about your concerns? What are some possible outcomes, and how might you handle each one? Do have the support you would need to move forward in your pregnancy decision? What are some ways you could find support?
You don’t need to have all the answers right away. But it’s important to start asking yourself these tough questions. Your answers might help you better understand your own thoughts and feelings about a possible pregnancy, without outside pressures from your partner or others. While it can be insightful to hear other perspectives, empower yourself to make a pregnancy decision you feel is best for you. It’s completely okay to take a moment just for yourself to breathe and find an inner calm.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we understand how you might be feeling if you’re partner didn’t do his part to prevent a pregnancy. Avenue has helped women in unexpected pregnancy situations for over 35 years, and we are here to support you in your next steps. Our expert client advocates will walk you through a free pregnancy test and discuss your results and pregnancy options in a private consultation afterwards. We believe all women deserve access to accurate test results in a safe, confidential, and compassionate environmental—and that’s just what we provide, at no cost to you. Make an appointment at an Avenue location and let us help you take the first steps in making an informed 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.