A new relationship comes with its own rhythm, and you’re still learning how your partner responds to hard news. Now you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, too.
Learning essential facts about your pregnancy first, such as how far along you are, can bring more clarity as you think about the conversation ahead and consider your options. Avenue Women’s Center offers free, confidential pregnancy tests and limited medical ultrasounds (if eligible) to provide important information about your pregnancy.
Schedule an appointment at one of our five Chicagoland locations.
Here are a few points to consider as you prepare to talk with your partner about your pregnancy.
Your Decision Belongs to You
No matter how your partner responds, the choice about this pregnancy is yours to make.
Your partner may have strong feelings about what you should do. But ultimatums, guilt, threats, or repeated pressure can make it harder to sort through your own thoughts and feelings. If you feel pressured, it may help to step away from the conversation and talk with someone who can give you space to process without pushing you toward a particular decision.
Choosing When and How to Tell Your Partner
If you feel safe doing so, a private moment where you both have time to talk, without rushing off to something else, can make the conversation easier.
It’s okay to say you haven’t figured everything out yet. Giving your partner room to react can help, since surprise, fear, or silence in the first few minutes may not reflect how they will feel after they’ve had some time to process the news.
You don’t have to resolve everything in one conversation. You can take time and return to the discussion when you’re ready.
If You Feel Unsafe
If you’re worried about how your partner might react, or if past comments have already made you nervous, consider prioritizing your safety before having the conversation. You might choose a public location, have a trusted person nearby, or talk by phone from somewhere you feel safe.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. Trained advocates can offer confidential support, help with safety planning, and connect you with additional resources.
If ever in danger, dial 911.
Getting the Facts Before You Decide
As previously noted, Avenue Women’s Center offers a free lab-quality pregnancy test and if eligible, a limited ultrasound.
An ultrasound can provide important information such as how far along you are and the location of your pregnancy, as well as information about how the pregnancy is developing at the time of the scan. Having these details can help you better understand which options may be available to you.
Our staff can also explain what parenting, adoption, and abortion actually involve, and give you the space to ask questions without judgment.
You don’t have to have all the answers today. Schedule a free, confidential appointment at Avenue Women’s Center to talk through your options and get the facts about your pregnancy.
All abortion information in this blog is accurate as of the time of writing.
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.