Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month? As the back-to-school season kicks off and the weather cools down, many of us find our routines shifting yet again this time of year. The need for self-care is especially great during seasons of change. Adapting well to new challenges requires nurturing the body and mind. Unfortunately, self-care is something most of us tend to put on the back burner when we’re going through hectic seasons of life.
If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy, you’re sure to have a lot on your plate this month. You’re probably trying to grasp this new reality and figure out your next steps, while dealing with the usual September changes. Self-care sounds great, but finding time for it in your busy schedule can feel impossible. Our expert staff at Avenue Women’s Center would respectfully challenge that belief. We feel that prioritizing self-care during an unexpected pregnancy is not only important, but also achievable.
Avenue Women’s Center is a first-step pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in the western Chicago metro area. Since 1981, we’ve been equipping individuals with the tools they need to make confident and informed pregnancy decisions. We’d love to walk beside you on your own path toward a positive outcome.
Learn more about our services! We offer confidential medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more. All services are provided at no cost!
Healthy Decision-Making Is a Process, and That’s Okay
Careful decision-making takes time. Moving beyond the initial shock of a positive pregnancy test result can be a process all by itself. Next steps include getting key information about a pregnancy, researching pregnancy options, and looking into resources. Most people need additional time to contemplate what they’ve learned and build a solid support network. Even though the decision-making process may stretch on longer than you’d like it to, self-care is well worth your time and effort. Done right, it supports every aspect of your health (mentally, emotionally, physically, etc.). Self-care also cultivates a calmer and healthier head space, creating a stronger foundation for a confident pregnancy decision.
Managing Your Time Well
You don’t have to cut priorities like self-care to make a healthy pregnancy choice. Instead, learn how to best utilize the time available to you. Start by asking the simple question, “How much time do I have?” Every woman has a unique timeline based on factors like how far along she is. For many individuals coping with an unexpected pregnancy, not knowing the answer to this question adds to their stress and causes them to make a rushed decision. It may be easier than you realize to determine how much time you have before some of your pregnancy options become unavailable. A free limited medical ultrasound at Avenue can verify the unique timeline you’re working with by measuring the gestational age of your pregnancy.
Once you find out how much time you have, you can plan accordingly. You can carve out space in your schedule to get information and support concerning your pregnancy, practice self-care, and manage other responsibilities. Some forms of self-care can be seamlessly incorporated into your routine, like getting plenty of sleep or eating nutritious meals. Most self-care methods come with minimal time commitments. For example, you could keep a gratitude journal, or treat yourself to a soothing nature walk or bubble bath several times a week.
*For tips on healthy ways to practice self-care, check out some of Avenue’s other blogs!
8 Methods for Self-Care During Pregnancy
Prioritizing Self-Care During Seasons of Change
Next Steps for Taking Care of Yourself in an Unexpected Pregnancy
An unexpected pregnancy can be a heavy experience for a woman — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s no wonder that so many people facing these circumstances become so overwhelmed that they begin to feel stuck. On the other hand, the pressure to make a swift pregnancy decision can be very real.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re dedicated to helping women navigate their pregnancy journeys with both care and efficiency. We believe that self-care is critical to moving forward as the healthiest version of yourself. And there’s a direct link between the healthiest you and your healthiest pregnancy decision.
Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center today! We’re passionate about helping individuals build resiliency and discover their own best solutions.
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.