Do you enjoy (and maybe dread a little bit) that butterflies-in-the-pit-of-your-stomach sensation stirred by budding chemistry at the beginning of a relationship? If so, you’re not alone! It’s normal to feel excited and intimidated by the uncertainty that comes with a new romantic connection. Some of us enter dating relationships with few inhibitions, while others are cautious. Some feel committed early on, while others are less attached and more open-minded. An unexpected pregnancy can take place under any of these circumstances. Whether you’re falling in love with your new boyfriend or just figuring things out one small step at a time, a pregnancy is bound to change your perspective significantly.
Maybe you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, and you just started dating your significant other. Naturally, your situation may include some unique stressors. But you have what it takes to step forward with boldness and embrace your best outcome anyways! Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you on this journey. At our centers, our expert staff are fully committed to helping you develop an informed point of view.
Learn more about us! Avenue provides free, confidential lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, options consultations, and other first-step pregnancy services! It’s our mission to remove barriers that prevent women from receiving quality care and reliable information, so they feel equipped to navigate an unexpected pregnancy with confidence.
“Are We Even Right for Each Other?”
Are you feeling shocked and confused after discovering that you’re unexpectedly pregnant by your new boyfriend? The two of you are probably still getting to know one another, after all. Maybe you anticipate needing a lot more time and experience to determine if he’s someone you want to be with long-term, and that’s totally okay! It’s important to assess if you and your partner are compatible, what his qualities are, and whether he’s longstanding boyfriend material. This process may take some time and thoughtful consideration. Remember, your pregnancy decision doesn’t have to influence the course of your romantic relationship (and vice-versa). Support is available- other than your partner! You have values, beliefs, and gut feelings to base your decision upon, and none of these depends upon your relationship status.
Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy at the Start of a Relationship
Maybe you were hoping you’d become pregnant once you and a partner had faced more of life together, undergone a relationship-building process, and made a mutual decision to stay committed. Maybe you’ve never pictured pregnancy in your future. But you understand through personal experience that reality doesn’t tend to follow a predictable pattern. Sometimes, it’s necessary to make tough calls (like the choice to end an unexpected pregnancy or continue it) under circumstances that seem far from ideal. Know that you definitely can explore and lean into a decision that’s right for you, no matter how events are unfolding. Here are some steps that may clarify your best way forward (in no particular order).
Learn about your pregnancy.
How far along are you? Where is your pregnancy located? What are your chances of miscarriage? Answering these questions may help you determine which pregnancy options you’re eligible for and what potential pregnancy risks you’re facing. It may be easier to identify which next step(s) to take after clarifying where you currently stand.
Learn about your pregnancy options.
You have three: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Learning the processes and risks involved with each may be key to figuring out which option is the best fit for you. Making a more informed choice will only benefit you.
Learn about your available resources.
Many communities offer loads of resources (financial, medical, educational, etc.) to assist under-equipped persons going through challenging seasons like yours. Some of these resources may be unknown to you right now. Some of them may equip you to make a pregnancy decision you feel at peace with, and some may be helpful regardless of your pregnancy choice.
Access support.
Emotional and practical support can come from many different sources. Consider confiding in someone you trust, like a family member, mentor, faith leader, professional counselor, or pregnancy consultant.
Our expert staff at Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you receive the information and support highlighted under each of these four bullet points. We’ve been walking beside individuals, couples, and families facing an unexpected pregnancy since 1981! And we’re a trusted resource in Chicagoland for high-quality, judgment-free pregnancy help.
Schedule a no-cost pregnancy consultation at one of our six limited medical clinics! We’re located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
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.