Did you recently get a positive result on a home pregnancy test that you didn’t expect? Perhaps receiving this positive result brought up memories from the past, of a previous time when you’d seen the same outcome. Maybe, for you, neither of these positive results triggered positive emotions. Maybe you mostly felt anxiety then, and you’re having a similar experience now. Perhaps you decided to have an abortion the last time this happened, and you’ve kept this information to yourself. How do you move forward when what’s happening now reminds you of a secret from your past?
Are you facing another unexpected pregnancy while coping with the memories of a secret abortion from the past? It can be difficult to process our options when our present is informed by our past decisions. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’d love to sit down with you and listen to your story. You can receive the information and support you need in a nonjudgmental environment at one of our six Chicagoland centers. We’ll equip you for the next steps in your pregnancy decision.
Reach out today to get support!
How to Move Forward When the Past Holds On
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be especially difficult when this already stressful situation is bringing up old memories and secrets. You may be having trouble knowing how you feel right now or making decisions to move forward. Maybe there are negative feelings related to your past abortion. Or perhaps you really don’t want anybody to find out about it, and you’re scared that going through a new pregnancy could bring this to light. These distressing circumstances can almost feel paralyzing! So, how do you move forward with a pregnancy decision, when the painful memories of your past are still holding on?
Practical Steps
It’s always possible that the weight of this secret is holding you down. Have you considered that it may be time to tell somebody? This is a difficult thing to do and will take lots of courage. If you choose to confide in someone about your past abortion, you’ll want to make sure that whoever you tell will be accepting and supportive of you during this time. You may find it helpful to talk with an unbiased professional, such as a healthcare provider, licensed counselor, or pregnancy consultant. Sometimes, talking with somebody you trust and shifting your perspective can help you release the secrets of the past and move forward with today.
Remember, this is Now
It may be helpful to compare and contrast your past and present. Are there ways in which you’ve changed? Are you facing different circumstances now than you did in the past? With this pregnancy, you don’t have to follow the same pattern that you did before. You have the freedom to make new choices, to reach out for support, and to take the time you need to make an informed pregnancy decision that is best for you.
You have the power to write a different story!
We’d love to be part of your new story. Wherever you’re at in your journey of processing an abortion from the past and making a pregnancy decision in the present, there are resources available to you. Our caring consultants look forward to partnering with you! We’re here to provide a safe place for you to express yourself and plan your next steps.
Schedule your appointment with a pregnancy consultant today!
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.