For some women, an unexpected pregnancy can be especially surprising. The signs and symptoms might be not be significant, and the news can come as a shock later in a pregnancy. Maybe irregular periods are common, or menstruation cycles frequently skip altogether. If you find out you’re pregnant later on, how does it affect your options, such as parenting or adoption? What if you’re considering an abortion? What are your abortion options and alternatives?
Are you wondering if you’re pregnant and think you might be father along? Confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade test at Avenue Women’s Center. We provide free services to women seeking pregnancy decision support at each of our Chicagoland locations. Learn more about your pregnancy and your options with a private and confidential pregnancy consultation. Our expert client advocates provide accurate and individualized information about your options of parenting, adoption, and abortion. Reach out to us today, or come into any of our five walk-in centers in Glen / Ellyn, Elmhurst, Naperville, West Chicago, or Wood Dale, Illinois!
How Far Along Am I?
Learning you’re pregnant can be shocking enough, but finding out later in a pregnancy can be even more jolting. You might be wondering how far along you really are before you’re able to begin processing your pregnancy options. An exact date of conception is often difficult to narrow down, especially if you didn’t suspect that you could be pregnant. You can gain a better understanding of how far along you might be by determining the gestational age of your pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association states, “Gestational age is the common term used during pregnancy to describe how far along the pregnancy is. It is measured in weeks, from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual cycle to the current date.” Learning the gestational age of your pregnancy can give an insight into your pregnancy options of parenting, adoption, or abortion.
Considering Parenting or Adoption Later in a Pregnancy
If you learned about your pregnancy farther along, you might be reflecting on the past weeks or months when you weren’t yet aware. All of the events and choices made come rushing into your mind, and you wonder how they might have affected your pregnancy. For some, they might wonder about their diet, exercise/activity intensity, or their home environment. For others, more serious risks might be involved such as drug use and addiction, or physically abusive circumstances. What ways could your lifestyle choices or circumstances impact the health or development of your pregnancy? Are you concerned about possible pregnancy risks as you consider the options of parenting or adoption? Speaking with your health care professional or doctor about your concerns is a good first step in answering questions like these. Additionally, an ultrasound can provide valuable insight into the health of a pregnancy.
Considering Abortion Later in a Pregnancy
Learning you’re pregnant later in a pregnancy can raise concerns and questions about your options if you’re considering an abortion. Abortion options vary based on gestational age, with increased possibility of risks and complications as the pregnancy ages. For example, the abortion pill (or medication abortion) can be taken early in pregnancy, but might not be a viable option if you’re further along. Surgical abortions are performed farther into the pregnancy, and may be an option to consider. However, legal restrictions on abortion vary from state to state.
If you’re concerned about your options later in a pregnancy, let Avenue Women’s Center support you with accurate and nonjudgmental information. We provide a safe, secure, compassionate, and informative environment for each women to address their unique and individualized concerns with our expert pregnancy consultants. Learn more about your pregnancy and your options of parenting, adoption, or abortion at any of our centers. We are here to meet your needs as you make an informed pregnancy decision. Call, text, chat, or email us today for your free appointment!
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. (2017, May). Calculating Conception. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/calculating-conception-due-date/.
- MedlinePlus®. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019, March). Gestational age. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002367.htm.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
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.