Are you coping with an unexpected pregnancy? On top of that, are you feeling nervous about how your peers will respond when school starts again? Maybe this pregnancy happened towards the end of the last school year or during the summer. If that’s the case, you probably haven’t seen most of your classmates since before you were pregnant, or at least since before you were showing any signs. You may be terrified of people noticing your pregnancy for the first time and judging you. It may seem like you’re facing some particularly challenging circumstances during what is (for many people) an overwhelming stage of life. But that doesn’t have to stop you from navigating the days ahead with courage and reaching your own best outcome.
You have what it takes to walk this road with confidence. And you don’t have to do it alone! Avenue Women’s Center can be a part of your support network throughout this pregnancy journey, no matter where your path leads. We believe in equipping women of all ages with the tools they need to make well-informed, autonomous pregnancy decisions. We’re here to help you access care and support, so you can thrive!
Check out our webpage! All the early pregnancy services we offer are free and confidential!
It’s Normal to Care What People Think. But You Can Overcome This Fear!
It’s normal to worry about pregnancy symptoms becoming noticeable because it’s human nature to care about what other people think. You may be in a season of life when others’ opinions, especially those of your friends and peers, really hold a lot of weight. That tends to be true for almost anyone who’s in school (college, high school, or middle school). These are all settings where students are exploring their identities and social pressures are high. Nobody likes being stigmatized. Even the potential for this can be scary. But it is possible to hold your head up high and overcome your anxieties about other peoples’ reactions. It is possible to navigate this pregnancy journey with poise and make a well-grounded decision (for abortion, adoption, or parenting) if you haven’t already taken this step.
Dealing with the Opinions (Or Possible Opinions?) of Others
If you’re anything like me, you may tend to overthink other people’s reactions. Maybe it’s easy to convince yourself that others are observing or judging you, when that really isn’t known because you’re seeing their behavior through that particular lens. Just because it feels like your peers are drawing negative conclusions about you doesn’t mean that they are. And if some of your classmates do end up responding to your pregnancy news with judgmental attitudes…that may be a hard experience, but also a logical time to re-assess how much their views really matter. If you don’t have an authentic relationship with someone and they haven’t offered you any support, don’t let them influence your pregnancy journey or change your perception of what’s best.
Considering the Facts
Anyone experiencing an unexpected pregnancy has three options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting. You may or may not have decided on one of these alternatives at this point. Each comes with its own set of potential risks and benefits. So, it can be helpful to learn about all three before moving forward with your choice. Taking an objective, careful look at your pregnancy options can be really beneficial, but it can also be difficult if you’re feeling bombarded by the judgments of others. Break through the noise by re-directing your focus. Consider the facts, like where things stand with your pregnancy (the gestational age, possibility of miscarriage, etc.) and what practical resources your community offers.
Adjusting to the changes brought on by an unexpected pregnancy can be extremely challenging. If you’re feeling confused or anxious about what the future holds, know that you’re resilient enough to conquer your fears and move toward an outcome you feel at peace with. It’s okay to ask for help along the way! Seeking support takes courage and resolve, so it’s a sign of strength- not weakness. Avenue Women’s Center has been navigating this road with women facing circumstances like yours since 1981. We’re here for you too!
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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.