All of us have, at some point, misjudged the stability of the ground beneath our feet. Do you know that horrible feeling you get when you overestimate the number of stairs in the dark, or literally get a rug pulled out from under you? There’s a flash of shock and alarm, and a crash that’s usually followed by pain. Getting a positive result on a pregnancy test can feel a lot like that. You think you have control over your circumstances and know where you’re heading in life, when suddenly the world turns upside-down and you find yourself flat on your face. It’s an experience that’s terrifying, disorienting, and painful all at once. It’s also an ordeal that you’re capable of surviving, and maybe even walking away from stronger than ever.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re passionate about equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in an unlikely place… in the middle of an unexpected pregnancy. Avenue is an early pregnancy clinic that provides confidential first-step pregnancy services at no cost. No woman should have to make a pregnancy decision without the information and support she needs to move forward confidently. For over 40 years, we’ve empowered thousands of individuals from Chicagoland and beyond to take their best next steps.
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Bracing for the Fall
Anyone who’s had an epic fall knows that there’s a moment of realization right before you go down. You say to yourself, “Okay. This is happening,” and you brace for impact. Your arms instinctively reach out and protect the most vulnerable parts of your body. In some ways, this split second is the worst part of the whole falling experience. The fear is usually most severe at this point. However, that initial shock doesn’t last very long. The shock triggered by a positive pregnancy result is bound to be short-term as well. It’s interesting how the brain has to accept the inevitability of the fall in order to respond appropriately. With an unexpected pregnancy too, it’s necessary to accept the reality of the pregnancy in order to respond in a healthy way. Sometimes, acceptance even comes with a surprising sense of relief.
Checking in With Yourself
After the fall takes place, your mind begins to catch up with your circumstances. You ask yourself questions like, “Where does it hurt?”, “Am I bleeding?”, and, “Do I still have full range of motion in all of my limbs?”. You process what’s happened and identify the challenges and options in front of you. Do you try to stand up? Do you wait? Do you call for help? Your reflexes have probably relaxed a little at this point, and now it’s important to make a conscious plan. Completing a thorough mental check is also key before making a pregnancy decision. Getting an unexpected positive pregnancy test result is a significant and jarring experience. You owe it to yourself to absorb this information and learn what options are available to you. Often, a person’s knee-jerk reaction doesn’t turn out to be her best way forward. Letting the news sink in and using that time to gather support can help you make a decision from a healthier mental space.
Getting Back Up Again
Making a confident pregnancy decision and following through is comparable to standing up after a fall. Your approach will likely be more careful and more self-assured if you’ve taken the time to process your situation, evaluate your next steps, and get the help that you need. Caring for your physical and emotional health and leaning on supportive people will be important components of your ongoing recovery process too.
Unlike most falls, an unexpected pregnancy has the potential to be life-changing. The stakes may be high. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t empower yourself for a bright future. Our caring and knowledgeable staff at Avenue is available to walk this journey by your side every step of the way. We know that you have the strength to cope with this challenging season of life, and eventually stand up again in spite of the pain.
Reach out today to speak with a member of our incredible team. We welcome your questions!
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.