Did you recently receive a positive result on a pregnancy test that you weren’t expecting? Maybe your relationship with your partner is already complicated. Perhaps you’ve felt judged by family members for a stressful situation like an unexpected pregnancy in the past. For all kinds of reasons, you may be afraid to share your pregnancy news with key people in your life. You’re probably most concerned about how they’ll react. Will they be angry? Disappointed? Sad? Sometimes, anticipating a loved one’s response to an unexpected pregnancy is scarier than actually telling them.
Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, parenting, or all of the above, you’re likely wondering if it’s in your best interest to be open about your pregnancy, and who you can trust. These aren’t easy decisions to make. The best approach is bound to look unique for every individual. Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you as you figure out your best way forward. We’re passionate about providing accurate information about your pregnancy and available options- free of charge!
Schedule an appointment at Avenue! We’re here to help you navigate the days ahead with (or without) important people in your life. And we’re here to support you, no matter how they respond.
A Lot to Process
If you’re struggling with an unexpected pregnancy and a decision-making process, “what if” thoughts and scenarios are probably flooding your mind. You’re likely coping with waves of mixed emotions, doubts, and fears. Personal or spiritual beliefs about your pregnancy options may be tugging at your heart. For any number of reasons, you may not feel ready to share your thoughts with anyone yet. There’s already so much that you’re feeling and thinking. Adding others’ insights to the mix probably seems overwhelming. However, choosing not to share your decision-making process with anyone can take its toll. Making a pregnancy decision without first sharing your thoughts and feelings might not be in your best interest.
Tips for Navigating Your Next Steps
Think about these guidelines as you consider if and how you’d like to approach your pregnancy news with key people in your life. Chances are, taking these important steps will help you move forward with greater confidence.
Be honest with yourself first.
You can’t make an authentic choice if you aren’t being real with yourself. If you’re hiding an upcoming pregnancy decision, ask yourself that tough question: Why? The answer might be difficult to confront, but important to examine. You might have many justifications for being secretive, and some might be completely valid. At the same time, you might be hiding things even from yourself that are worth exploring.
Gather information along with your thoughts.
It’s often easier to come forward about something when we have a better understanding of the situation and our own feelings surrounding it. What are your biggest questions about your pregnancy options? What are your most significant concerns? As you research the answers, look for unbiased, accurate, and reliable information. Weigh out what you feel are the pros and cons, organizing them by importance. Avenue Women’s Center can support you in this area! We’re here to provide reliable information about your unique pregnancy and all the pregnancy options available to you. We’re also available to be a neutral sounding board, helping you process your situation and explore your emotions.
Choose your audience wisely.
Is there an empathetic person in your life who will listen without judgment? Maybe this person is precisely the same one you’re most afraid of telling. A partner, family member, or close friend might not agree with your abortion consideration, or they may have a strong reaction to the news. You may or may not decide that telling them is the next best step for you. Either way, consider where else you can turn. A spiritual leader, counselor, or pregnancy consultant might be a helpful resource to confide in. This person could help you process your thoughts on your pregnancy options with a more neutral point of view.
Dealing with the “What-Ifs”
Will the pregnancy impact the status of your relationship with your partner or family member? It could, and the consequences could be positive, negative, or both. Sharing the experience of an unexpected pregnancy could deepen the connection. It could also put strain on the relationship, and eventually lead to both people deciding that a period of separation is the best thing for them. It’s hard (but important) to face the future with an attitude of acceptance. Try not to get caught up in the “what-ifs.” Instead, take this pregnancy journey one small step and wise choice at a time.
*For tips on how to navigate pregnancy conversations with confidence, check out our blog, Helpful Communication Tools When Sharing Pregnancy News!
Unexpected pregnancies are complicated. Relationships are complicated. There is no easy solution to cope with the challenges of either one, but there are steps that can be taken to help, and people who can walk through it by your side. Let Avenue Women’s Center be a resource for you during this time. Our caring pregnancy consultants are here to provide a comfortable space and a listening ear as you process your decision.
Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center today! We provide free and confidential limited medical services, including lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds.
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.