Have you recently gotten a positive pregnancy test result that you never saw coming? In the aftershock, have you been wrestling with emotions or desires that seem to contradict each other? Perhaps you’ve been surprised to find yourself feeling drawn to 2 or 3 different pregnancy options at the same time. Maybe there’s a significant part of you that’s scared or upset about being pregnant, and another part that you’d almost describe as, “excited” or even, “happy”. If you’re having conflicting emotions about this pregnancy and its potential outcomes, you’re probably feeling confused more than anything. Hang in there! What you’re experiencing is normal and natural. It’s possible to gain the insight you need to make a confident decision within a timeframe that works for you.
Whether you’re coping with complicated feelings surrounding your pregnancy, or just wanting to learn more about your available options and resources, consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center! Our free and confidential first-step pregnancy services are designed to help you evaluate your best way forward. We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more!
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment! We’ve been partnering with individuals, couples, and families from Chicagoland and beyond for over 40 years. We’d love to be a part of your support network too.
You’re Not ‘Going Crazy.’ You Have Complex Feelings, and That’s Normal!
Everyone responds in their own unique way to the news of an unexpected pregnancy. You’re a complex person who’s probably facing a complicated set of circumstances, so it makes sense that some of your beliefs, desires, and emotions would clash. Maybe one of the hardest things about having conflicting emotions is feeling confused about how to move forward (whether to choose abortion, adoption, or parenting). But this is all possible with finding the balance between getting more information and reflecting on your thoughts and feelings.
Finding Clarity Through Support
This may sound a bit contradictory, but one of the best ways to engage in self-reflection is to meditate upon your circumstances and next steps alongside somebody else. Look for someone who’s caring, authentic, and respectful of your privacy and autonomy. It’s amazing how processing out loud and feeling heard can trigger self-insight, no matter the reason for the stress. If you haven’t already, consider confiding in someone like a wise friend or family member, a trusted faith leader, or a professional counselor. Our expert pregnancy consultants and nurses at Avenue are here to support you as well.
Benefits of Confiding in Someone You Trust
Here are a few ways in which confiding in someone you trust could illuminate your next best steps.
- Hearing yourself process your situation (and your related feelings and desires) could help you better understand and reason through your emotions. This could help you approach the challenges you’re facing from a calmer mental space, which is always good for decision-making.
- Listening to another person’s perspective (expressed kindly and respectfully) could help you look at your circumstances from a fresh new angle. This could allow you to make a more well-rounded decision.
- Inviting someone trustworthy into your pregnancy experience could be an opportunity to receive practical and emotional support. For many people, feeling heard and supported is key to finding the freedom to choose the outcome they genuinely feel is best.
Avenue Women’s Center provides accurate information and unconditional support so you can feel well-equipped for the road ahead. We understand how difficult and confusing it can be to sort through conflicting emotions. We also believe that it’s vital to consider them. Chances are, you have the time that you need to engage in this important process. Our expert staff is available to help you understand all the potential paths available to you.
Schedule an appointment today! Our limited medical clinics are located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, 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.