When something surprising happens, it can stir up an emotional reaction inside us, and the shock of an unexpected pregnancy may have brought with it feelings of confusion, anger, sadness, and fear. It can be tempting in moments like these to go at it alone, believing no one really wants to hear what you are going through. You may be worried you will face judgement due to the pregnancy, or your future has somehow come to an end with the arrival of this new circumstance. In a time where you may be struggling to trust yourself, it can be helpful to talk about your unexpected pregnancy with a reliable listener who can offer encouragement through answers and counsel.
As the waves of your unexpected pregnancy emotions begin to settle, you may have begun to think about the choices you have available to you. Avenue Women’s Center can walk you through each of your decisions, offering unbiased and nonjudgmental advice in a private consultation with one of our expert client advocates. We provide information about abortion, adoption, and parenting, listening to each woman’s unique story and taking the time to answer questions with honesty and compassion. Contact us today to set up a free appointment!
Who Can Help Me During an Unexpected Pregnancy?
The ones you turn to when you’re in need of confidence may be your friends and family. Your loved ones can provide an outlet for you to share your hidden insecurities and lessen those feelings of isolation by surrounding yourself with those who know you and care for you. Relatives and close peers can often make good allies who can lend you courage, but you may also be in need of further assistance for your pregnancy.
While those closest to you may be well-meaning, you often need access to accurate information that doesn’t necessarily come from individuals who may have a fixed idea about what you should do. Before you make a choice about your pregnancy, it’s usually a good idea to ensure no outside pressures are influencing your decision, and the answers to your questions may come in the form of a qualified professional.
Doctor:
Your healthcare provider will likely be able to supply you with medically accurate information about how far along you are, and if there are any risks to your health you should know about. Asking them for more detail about your situation, such as your pregnancy’s development, where to access treatment, and how to remain healthy during your pregnancy, can be very beneficial regardless of your decision.
Adoption Specialist:
By speaking with an adoption specialist, you are not automatically committed to this option. The specific laws surrounding adoption in your state may vary, and a specialist might be able to clarify any confusion about consent laws and how the adoption process typically works. You may feel as if you already know everything you need to about adoption, but there may be a few misconceptions to clear up. First of all, despite popular belief, there is more than one form of adoption, as women often have open, semi-open, closed, or even kinship adoption to choose from. You may still be thinking carefully about each of your pregnancy options, and an adoption specialist can explain what it may look like to choose adoptive parents, how the agency may formulate a budget to accommodate your personal expenses, and walk you through creating a hospital plan for delivery day. This may seem like a lot, so on top of careful consideration, seeking information about adoption from the right resource may help you see if this is the right decision for you.
Pregnancy Consultant:
Anxiety often creeps in on us in a moment where we’re feeling insecure about the future. It often tells us we won’t succeed, but we do not have to surrender to it. A pregnancy consultant can listen without judgment to your concerns about the pregnancy, offering you reliable information about all three of your options. Providing you with space to openly share your emotions in a healthy way, pregnancy consultants often serve as a sound board for your ideas, remaining attentive as you work through the pros and cons behind parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Your unexpected pregnancy journey is unique to you, and seeking counsel before you decide can help draw you towards a choice you feel good about. Here at Avenue Women’s Center, we understand how overwhelming it can be to contemplate how to move forward after such shocking news, and our expert staff is here to work with you for the shared goal of helping you achieve a positive outcome for yourself. Our six locations in DuPage County offer free, limited ultrasound exams provide relevant information about your pregnancy including gestational age and early pregnancy risks. During your appointment, a compassionate pregnancy consultant will sit down with you for a private discussion so they may understand your story and offer assistance. Schedule an appointment with us today for unexpected pregnancy support at no cost!
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.