“How can I equip myself to meet the challenges I come across?” If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering parenting, a question like this one has probably crossed your mind. Maybe you don’t imagine yourself staying with your partner long-term. Or, perhaps you’re not in a relationship with the man you’re pregnant by. Understandably, you’d wish to consider your dating future, wherever this pregnancy journey leads. It may be helpful to process challenging questions like this one alongside someone who’s caring- but also neutral.
Our pregnancy consultants at Avenue Women’s Center understand that you may have a lot of questions right now- relating to the pregnancy itself, your health, your options, and resources. Those are really important questions to ask, and our expert staff is here to provide or help you find reliable answers. But maybe your head is also spinning with hypothetical questions about the future. And these aren’t so easy to clarify. At Avenue, we’re passionate about helping women process the whole of their circumstances- including their hopes and fears regarding a pregnancy. Our commitment to listening well, and meeting the needs of women surrounding an unexpected pregnancy sets us apart.
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A Slightly Different Question
Dating with kids would probably look different than dating without kids. In some ways, it may be more challenging. But it’s important to consider that any pregnancy option (abortion, adoption, or parenting) has potential to impact your future, and probably will. Like parenting, abortion and adoption are significant experiences that could affect your dating relationships one day. This isn’t meant to discourage you, but rather to pose a slightly different question: “Even though it may lead to some future hurdles, what’s my own best pregnancy decision?” Hypothetical questions can be helpful to your decision-making process, because they may prompt you to explore your options more fully. It’s healthy to consider different outcomes when faced with a significant choice. However, some questions may trigger anxiety. And it’s important to avoid letting fear drive your pregnancy decision. So, when a future possibility crosses your mind and causes worry, re-phrase your question in a way that accepts what you can’t control and places influence back in your own hands.
An Empowering Follow-Up Question
“How can I equip myself to meet the challenges I come across?” This is an empowering follow-up question while exploring your options. Looking into this further could help you prepare for your best outcome and face it with greater confidence. There are practical steps you can take to equip yourself, whether you choose parenting or another option. You can seek caring support and reliable information on all your available resources. You can also learn about this pregnancy to safeguard your own health and move forward with a more informed perspective. All these are services we offer for free at Avenue Women’s Center.
Seeking an answer to the overarching question, “What’s my own best pregnancy decision?” is probably going to involve listening to your values, beliefs, and instincts. Remember that the challenges you’ve faced in life have helped shape you into the unique person you are today. Maybe your future partner(s) will respect or forgive the decisions you’ve made, and choose to engage in your life because of the person you’ve become.
Schedule an appointment at Avenue Women’s Center! Access the services and support you need to process this pregnancy decision and move forward with courage and clarity.
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.