Are you afraid your unexpected pregnancy may lead to a divorce? Perhaps your husband doesn’t know about your pregnancy yet, but you’re terrified of how he might react if this information ever came to light. It can be very difficult to objectively navigate your pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting) under stressful circumstances like these. You may be leaning toward ending the pregnancy- not because this feels like the right choice, but because this seems like the only way to safeguard yourself and your marriage. You’re probably feeling isolated, scared, and confused. But you’re not alone in that space! A first-step pregnancy center like Avenue Women’s Center can help.
Avenue has been serving individuals, couples, and families facing unexpected pregnancies since 1981. We provide quality, no-cost pregnancy services and ongoing emotional support. Our caring staff recognizes that no single pregnancy option is right for everyone. However, we believe everyone deserves to step into this decision feeling strong and supported- not backed into a corner. It’s our mission to help those we serve to realize that vision.
Learn more about Avenue Women’s Center! We’re all about empowering persons to make confident, knowledgeable pregnancy decisions by offering reliable information and support.
A Difficult Place to Find Yourself
Maybe you’re pregnant by another man, which is why you’re afraid your husband would divorce you if he found out. On the other hand, perhaps your spouse is the father, but he doesn’t want kids. And you’re afraid he’d blame you for this unexpected outcome. It probably feels like your marriage is rooted in unsteady ground either way. You lack confidence that your partner is committed. Your feelings around this may be very complex, but one thing is clear: You’re scared of losing him.
A Strengths-Based Pregnancy Decision and a Safe Environment
If you’re afraid that this pregnancy would trigger a divorce, there may be challenges and vulnerabilities within your marriage beyond your pregnancy situation. It may be time to address those alongside someone neutral and caring like a trustworthy mentor or professional counselor. With regards to this unexpected pregnancy, the best thing you can do for yourself, your pregnancy decision, and probably your relationship is to make a strengths-based choice (rather than a fear-based one) while being mindful of your own safety and wellness. That may include having an honest conversation with your partner, if you feel safe taking that step. Or, it could also involve asking a third person you and your partner trust to mediate a dialogue.
How Can Avenue Women’s Center Help?
It truly is possible (though probably extra challenging) to make a strengths-based pregnancy decision in a position like yours. There are lots of potential ways to equip and empower yourself. Avenue Women’s Center specializes in helping persons pursue empowerment in the early days and weeks of an unexpected pregnancy. We provide free first-step services like lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited medical ultrasounds to help you understand your unique pregnancy. We also offer consultations, which present an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of all your available pregnancy options and local resources. If you need additional support, like medical assistance, housing help, or professional counseling, we’re available to help you connect with compassionate people who can best meet those needs. At Avenue, it’s our sincere hope that these services will help you feel stronger, and therefore equipped to conquer your fear.
There are many effective, practical ways to manage your anxiety. Check out our blog, Coping with Fear During an Unexpected Pregnancy. Our expert team is here to be an ongoing source of emotional support throughout your pregnancy journey, wherever it leads.
Sometimes, abortion seems like the fastest and simplest way to maintain security in a relationship, in both a practical and emotional sense. But abortion comes with its own potential risks and after-effects, like all pregnancy choices. Our non-judgmental team at Avenue sees the challenging position that you’re in. We genuinely care. And we’re here to help you create conditions in your life that will prepare you to understand your options clearly and embrace your own best outcome with courage. You’ve got this!
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment today! Avenue has six limited medical clinics in the western Chicago metro area. We provide virtual consultations too!
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.