An unexpected pregnancy can be a frightening situation for many teenagers. It’s normal to feel lost, confused or scared about what to do next. You may be aware you have multiple options in front of you. But how do you know which is the right path for you? Try to take things one step at a time. As a pregnant teenager, it’s important to ensure you stay healthy as you learn more about your potential decisions. That’s why it can be helpful to breathe and take things slowly. This way, you can allow yourself to reflect and think carefully about all of your choices.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy as a teen can seem overwhelming. Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you as you gather information. We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests with fast results. Afterward, we can meet with you for a private consultation. We’ll answer any questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting. Within a nonjudgmental environment, we’ll help you find the answers you need.
Contact us today to start speaking with one of our expert pregnancy consultants!
What Should I Do If I Suspect I’m Pregnant?
You may have noticed strange symptoms such as tiredness, tender breasts, or nausea. It can be difficult to determine if these are signs of pregnancy or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). You might want to take a pregnancy test if you haven’t yet and your period is late.
It’s possible to buy a pregnancy test and take one at home. But you may want to confirm your pregnancy through a doctor or a first-step options clinic. That way, if you have any questions, a professional can answer them. Also, if there are any health concerns, you can find out about them right away.
Early pregnancy risks may include miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus). It’s usually a good idea to rule out these complications once you know you’re pregnant. This may seem like a lot of information to process. But this way you can take care of your health as you think through your decision.
Who Can I Tell About the Unexpected Pregnancy?
Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be crucial during teenage pregnancy. There may be concerns about sharing the news with your parents. But is their help something you feel you could benefit from? The same goes for telling your friends or your boyfriend.
It may be a good idea to plan out what you want to say to them. Your relationship with the person you’re telling means the conversation with each of the people in your life may look different. However, in each circumstance, it may be best to wait for a quiet moment. It’s usually recommended you ensure you have someone’s full attention before sharing news like this with them.
If you’re nervous about telling your loved ones about the pregnancy, you may want to contact a professional resource. A counselor, a spiritual leader, or a pregnancy consultant can help you prepare for the conversation. They may also be able to mediate a discussion between you and anyone involved in your unexpected pregnancy plan.
These resources can also work with you to help you process information about your options. Figuring out what to do after learning about an unexpected pregnancy can be challenging. But you do not need to figure everything out all at once.
Teenage Pregnancy Next Steps
One of your first steps may be finding someone you can confide in about your situation. Knowing where to go for help can enable you to see things more clearly. Being provided with answers to your pregnancy-related questions can slowly lead you toward the path that best fits your needs. Teenage pregnancy can be stressful. But you deserve to know you are not alone.
Do you have questions about your pregnancy and your options? Avenue Women’s Center can guide you through all your choices within a confidential environment. Our caring pregnancy consultants will sit down with you for a private session. We’ll supply you with the reliable information you need to make an informed decision. Each of our DuPage County centers offers limited medical services at no cost. We’re dedicated to ensuring you have easy access to the resources you need.
Schedule your free appointment with us today!
_______________
Reference:
- American Pregnancy Association. How Your Body Changes During Pregnancy (Infographic). Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/your-pregnancy/body-changes-during-pregnancy/
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.