This blog was written on the first day of spring! (*Cheers and applause*). Which means… spring cleaning season has officially begun! How do you engage in this yearly custom? Maybe you purge your closet, backpack, or desk of clutter around this time every spring. If you have an outdoor space to maintain, perhaps you remove sticks and dead leaves from places where flowers are beginning to bloom.
As you absorb the news of an unexpected pregnancy, anxious thoughts may begin to crowd your mind like so much clutter. Of course, it’s normal and natural to experience worry in the middle of these circumstances. But if your anxious thoughts are growing out of control, they may be affecting not only your mood, but your decision-making process as well. Know that it’s possible to cultivate clarity and simplicity in your mind during this stressful season, just as it’s possible to cultivate clarity and simplicity in your physical space.
Not everyone participates in spring cleaning. But, for many of us, it’s a liberating and even therapeutic experience. In a similar way, “decluttering” anxious thoughts during an unexpected pregnancy can produce a calmer environment for you to navigate your next steps. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re all about helping women create a healthy context for their own best decisions by equipping them with reliable information and caring support.
Learn more about Avenue! We’re a first-step pregnancy center with over 40 years of experience providing high-quality, no-cost early pregnancy support.
Reducing the Mental Clutter
Are you experiencing panicked thoughts and emotions as you process the news of your unexpected pregnancy? These can come naturally, but they tend to be distracting and non-useful, not to mention distressing. They can also trigger more anxious thoughts and get in the way of sound decision-making when left unchecked. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the mental clutter so you can be in a healthy head space to make the best pregnancy choice possible. In this blog, we’ll focus on the value of creating a simple, step-by-step plan to manage anxiety and move toward a positive outcome.
A Simple, Step-By-Step Plan
If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy, and you’re longing to find simplicity in the chaos, consider following these important steps! All of these confidential services can be accessed for free at Avenue Women’s Center.
- Clarify whether or not you’re pregnant by taking a reliable pregnancy test.
- If the result of your pregnancy test is positive, learn about all the options available to you (abortion, adoption, and parenting). Find out the processes and risks involved with each. Weigh the risks and the benefits.
- Get a limited medical ultrasound if this would be an appropriate time to do so based on your estimated gestational age (a staff member at Avenue can help you assess this). A scan at Avenue can tell you how far along you are (which can affect which options you’re eligible for), the viability of the pregnancy (chances of miscarriage), and where the pregnancy is located (an ectopic pregnancy- located outside of the uterus- would require immediate medical attention beyond an abortion).
- Take any additional time you may need to process your circumstances, build a strong support system, and find out what resources are available to you. Consider your values, beliefs, instincts, and feelings as well. Ask yourself if these are pointing you towards a specific pregnancy outcome.
*There are lots of other effective ways to cultivate simplicity and calmness despite your stressful circumstances. Mindfulness and self-care are two other approaches. Check out some of our blogs on these topics!
Incorporating Mindfulness into a Pregnancy Journey
8 Methods for Self-Care During Pregnancy
The Journey May Be Hard. It’s Okay- You’re Not Alone!
It’s difficult to nurture stillness and simplicity where there’s already confusion and stress. You’ll probably encounter challenges in your efforts to discover direction and peace of mind, because the pregnancy decision-making process is usually complex. However, by following the simple framework of a step-by-step process, you can gain valuable insight and aim to make an informed choice with confidence. Avenue Women’s Center is available to partner with you in this process. We’re here to help you find clarity, so you can embrace the pregnancy outcome that’s best for you.
Spring cleaning is all about clearing out the clutter to reduce stress and make space for the new. When it comes to making a hard but significant choice like a pregnancy decision, going through a similar mental and emotional process can be really beneficial. Know that you’re fully capable of identifying and pursuing your own best path. You have the strength, and you can gain the support that you need. Our expert team at Avenue Women’s Center is in your corner!
Reach out to schedule an appointment! You’ll be met with warmth and compassion, no matter what you’re facing.
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.