More often than not, a woman is the first (and only) person who knows about her pregnancy- at least, for a little while. That makes sense. The pregnancy is taking place in her body, and she may begin to feel the effects early on. Most women are also paying attention to their menstrual cycles (they’re hard to ignore). So, a late period is often a clear early sign. Maybe you just took a pregnancy test at home, and you’re feeling shocked by a positive result. Or, you learned about the pregnancy a while ago and can’t bring yourself to tell anyone. Perhaps you’re feeling so isolated that there’s simply no one to share your pregnancy news with. All these potential circumstances are truly difficult to cope with. But there’s hope. You don’t have to navigate this pregnancy by yourself. There are caring, nonjudgmental people eager to help.
Are you feeling burdened, because nobody knows about this unexpected pregnancy except you? That’s understandable. You’re carrying a heavy weight on your own. Avenue Women’s Center exists so no woman has to process these overwhelming circumstances and figure out her next steps without the caring support she needs. We’ve been a trusted resource to women facing challenges like yours for over forty years!
Learn more about us! Avenue Women’s Center offers free, confidential early pregnancy services at six limited medical clinics in Chicagoland, Illinois.
A Lonely Place to Find Yourself
Sharing news of an unexpected pregnancy is hard. You know this better than anyone. Maybe you’re afraid you’d receive a judgmental response from a partner, family member, or even a medical professional if you spoke up. Maybe becoming pregnant has been so emotionally difficult (or even traumatic), that you can’t seem to process reality, let alone tell someone else. That’s a painful and lonely place to find yourself. But trying to cope with these circumstances in solitude isn’t the best choice for any woman’s health- physical, or mental. There are important steps to take before reaching a pregnancy decision, and some of these steps may involve sharing your pregnancy news with someone.
Important Steps to Take
Speaking with someone trustworthy about this pregnancy may be a critical aspect of your pregnancy decision-making process. There are many benefits to seeking support, especially from someone wise and compassionate. Doing so offers: 1) the advantage of another, more neutral perspective, 2) a chance to process your situation within a relationship 3) the strong possibility of receiving much-needed emotional support, and 4) more opportunities to learn about and access practical resources that could make a difference in your pregnancy decision.
If abortion is an option you’re considering, it may be important to receive an ultrasound before moving forward. A scan can clarify how far along you are, to determine which abortion options you’re eligible for. An ultrasound can also identify early pregnancy risks that are important to be aware of- like ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside the uterus), which is a serious condition that calls for immediate medical attention. Chances of miscarriage (a pregnancy ending naturally on its own) can also be determined by a scan. Perhaps a medication abortion is what you’re leaning towards. If you decide to move in this direction, getting a prescription from a qualified medical professional and receiving the recommended follow-up care are recommended for your health and safety.
Reaching Out for Support
Remember that you have total autonomy over who to include in your pregnancy journey- and what to disclose. You don’t have to share your news with any specific person or reveal every detail. Maybe your next best step is to start small, by giving a brief overview of your situation to someone you know to be kind and trustworthy. If you’re not sure who to go to, consider giving Avenue Women’s Center a call or text. Our team of knowledgeable, nonjudgmental individuals is passionate about empowering women facing circumstances like yours.
Coming forward with unexpected pregnancy news is difficult, but so is making a confident choice when seemingly no one has your back. At Avenue, we provide free first-step pregnancy services like lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited medical ultrasounds. But we also offer a listening ear, ongoing support, and reliable information about all the options and resources available to you.
Schedule an appointment today! That first step of reaching out is a hard one to take. But Avenue Women’s Center is dedicated to meeting women with warmth and encouragement every time. Many of the women who connect with us express feeling glad that they did.
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.