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Unmet Expectations: Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy

Life is unpredictable at times. The unexpected comes knocking at your door with an illness, financial expenses, a breakup, or even a pregnancy. You anticipated one outcome and now suddenly you’re left with a different situation to manage. How do you positively navigate unmet expectations, especially when it comes to pregnancy?

Avenue Women’s Center has been helping women navigate the unexpected for almost 40 years. As the first step for women who are facing unexpected pregnancy, we provide services and expertise that are tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today for a free medical-grade pregnancy test or a pregnancy options consultation at one of our five Chicagoland locations.

Unmet Expectations: When the Unexpected Happens

We’ve all been there before. You drop your cell phone one too many times and the screen shatters. You think, “This will cost about $100.” Then, $700 and a brand new phone later, you’re wondering how in the world that just happened.

Perhaps you meet a guy online. You chat for a bit and decide to meet in person for the first time. When you walk into the restaurant, you can barely find him because his profile picture is nothing like the guy standing in front of you. Your expectations were nowhere near the reality.

Expectations are tricky things. It’s not unusual for us to be disappointed. But what happens next? Do we do the traditional freak out? We may find ourselves cursing up a storm or releasing a flood of tears. What happens after we let these emotions run their course? How do we move forward from unmet expectations?

It can be very difficult if your unmet expectation comes in the form of a positive pregnancy test. Perhaps you never thought it would happen to you. Maybe precautions were taken, but somehow the test still had a positive result. This pregnancy wasn’t supposed to happen. Lots of thoughts and emotions begin to bombard you. You might even wish for a magic wand to go back in time and produce a different outcome. Unfortunately, there’s no magic spell or wishful thinking that erases a pregnancy. The only way to manage an unmet expectation is to move forward.

Moving Forward with an Unexpected Pregnancy:

  • Accept your feelings. It’s okay to be frustrated, angry, and disappointed when facing an unexpected pregnancy. Don’t try to talk yourself out of our feelings. Instead, spend some time thinking through why you feel the way you do. Journal, talk to a friend, listen to music, go for a walk. Find your own way of facing these emotions and what they might mean moving forward in your pregnancy decision.
  • Gather more information. Feelings are important, but at some point you’ll want to start looking at the facts. An unexpected pregnancy places you in a position of making an important decision. In order to make a choice you feel confident about, become informed of all your options—abortion, adoption, and parenting. Learning more can be helpful in navigating which option could be your best move forward in an unexpected pregnancy.

Avenue Women’s Center is a great place gather more information about your pregnancy options, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. When your unmet expectations come in the form of an unexpected pregnancy, we are here to help you navigate your way forward. Our five DuPage County centers provide a safe, comfortable, and confidential space to receive services and information for making an informed pregnancy decision. Call, chat, email, or text us right away!

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.