Schedule Today

When You Might Keep the Baby

You are in a situation you never expected to find yourself in—an unexpected pregnancy. If you ever even thought about what you might do should you find yourself here, are you still thinking those same thoughts? If you thought it would be an easy decision, you now understand that’s not the case. This is for real. Where can you turn? What should you do?

For help in an unexpected pregnancy, please call or text today for Chicagoland support and care.

Although it feels so urgent, you do have time. This decision will impact your life forever, whatever you decide. Understand this is one of the rare times in life you’ll not be able to have a do-over. Your decision will be with you into the future. Are you trying to look at all the possible scenarios and determine what it would feel like to be in that place before you’ve already gone there? We understand what you must be feeling, and our heart goes out to you.

The interim decision-making period is stressful. If it’s possible you won’t, but you might keep the baby, here are some things to think about:

Healthy body

It doesn’t hurt to take some steps toward having a healthy pregnancy, even if you’re not sure that’s what you want to continue with.

  • Take a step toward healthier eating. Don’t overwhelm yourself feeling like perfect nutrition is required. Is there one change you might make today? Maybe you want to add some fruits/vegetables into your lunchtime routine. Good for you!
  • Consider one thing you might cut back on for greater health. Have you been meaning to drink less alcohol? Without beating yourself up for choices you may have recently made, perhaps this weekend you want to try enjoying an alcohol-free beverage.
  • Consider starting prenatal vitamins. Many women benefit from more vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. If you can afford it, perhaps you want to consult a doctor or pharmacist to see what would be recommended in your situation.

Peaceful mind

Your mind may be anything but peaceful at this time. The decisions ahead must seem huge. And the obstacles must seem huge as well. Perhaps Avenue Women’s Center can help you with some of those.

  • Can’t incorporate the suggestions above because morning sickness or finances are limiting you?
  • Holding back on deciding because of key relationships? Not sure how to tell your family of a pregnancy? Not sure how to tell your partner that you want to keep the baby?
  • Overwhelmed at the thought of finding a doctor?
  • Scared about going through an abortion surgery, but still thinking you need to know more about it?
  • There are answers and information for these needs. If you think there’s a chance you might keep the baby, you owe it both to yourself and to the baby to find out.

Every woman and every circumstance is unique. Whatever you’re facing, would it be helpful to have a caring listener to talk with who is a bit further from your situation? Someone who wants to hear what you have to say and work with you towards your best resolution?

For over thirty-five years, Avenue Women’s Center has been serving as a first-step resource for women of all ages and situations who are facing an unexpected pregnancy. Compassionate, experienced, and always nonjudgmental, our pregnancy consultants are here to meet with you for a private, completely confidential appointment. This and many of our other services are at no cost to you. After seeing us, you are still free to move in whichever direction – abortion or continuing the pregnancy. We are prepared to walk with you along the path that’s ahead of you, whatever direction you take.

We can’t answer your ultimate question of what to do; however, we can support you with the answers and information you need to make your own best decision. Please contact us by call, text, email or chat. We are waiting to hear from 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.