“I just had a positive pregnancy test. How long should I wait to finalize my decision?” It can be very tempting to switch into action mode following a positive test result. What are the benefits of creating space between the positive test and the final decision? Read today’s blog to find out more.
Avenue Women’s Center is the first step for women who think they may be pregnant or recently had a positive test result. We offer relevant services and helpful information for anyone in the midst of a pregnancy decision. Confirm your results with a free medical grade pregnancy test at one of our five Chicagoland locations. Afterwards, discuss your pregnancy options with one of our expert client advocates. At Avenue, we will provide you with the tools you need in order to take your next step. Contact us today.
What are the benefits of waiting between having a positive pregnancy test and making a decision?
- Waiting allows you to transition out of “crisis mode.” If a pregnancy is unplanned, it may be accompanied by fear, anxiety, and worry. This often puts women in a mental space that isn’t as conducive for sound decision-making. Personally, if I think back to the times in my life when I was feeling the most stressed or overwhelmed, I realize I would not want to be making a major life decision in the midst of that. Creating some space and employing some healthy coping habits will put you in a better place emotionally for making a pregnancy decision.
- Waiting allows you to “zoom out.” A major life situation, such as an unplanned pregnancy, can consume our mental attention. It creates a narrow focus for the problem at hand. However, this doesn’t allow for much opportunity to take a larger view, such as considering the long-term effects of our decision. We aren’t able to process through much external information when we have a laser focus.
- Waiting allows you to strike a balance between action and information. Sometimes our initial way to cope with a situation is to try to solve it by doing something. On the other hand, we may try to solve the situation by researching the potential solutions to our problem. We can easily respond pre-maturely or become immobilized by all the information that is available. Ideally, we should strike a balance between these two extremes—gathering an appropriate amount of information to equip us to move forward into making a decision.
- Waiting also allows you to involve others in the process. Although it’s easy to think that we can and even should handle something on our own, we have to consider what is most helpful for the decision-making process. Often, people are an invaluable resource—offering support, expertise, or just a safe place to be heard. Consider the people in your life that you would like to involve in the process and take the opportunity to share with them.
In all of this, remember you are not alone. Avenue Women’s Center has been there for numerous women who were navigating a pregnancy decision over the past 37 years. Our expert staff are available to provide helpful information and a listening ear in a nonjudgmental environment. Contact us today for an appointment at one of our five centers: Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois. We look forward to walking this journey with you.
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.