Decision-making is often no easy task. Choices loom before us. Between the sheer amount of options and the pressure to make the right choice, we can sometimes feel immobilized. This can especially be true when it comes to decisions that may seem life-changing such as facing an unexpected pregnancy. What do you do when you are having a hard time making a pregnancy decision?
Avenue Women’s Center specializes in pregnancy decision-making services. We have assisted women facing unexpected pregnancies for almost 40 years. Our caring staff will provide you with information on each of your pregnancy options in a space where you can process through all of your questions or concerns. Take the next step in making your pregnancy decision today by making a free appointment at one of our five DuPage County locations.
If you find yourself having a hard time making a pregnancy decision, you’re not alone. Decision-making involves multiple complex factors. If one of those factors is “off,” we can often feel stuck in the process. According to Psychology Today, “Some factors that can limit the ability to make good decisions include missing or incomplete information, urgent deadlines, and limited physical or emotional resources.”* How do each of these components fit into an unexpected pregnancy decision?
• Missing or incomplete information: Are you equipped with accurate and thorough information about all of your pregnancy options? Often because unexpected pregnancy can be a taboo topic, we don’t discuss it in detail with our friends or family. As a result, we may be left to make assumptions about abortion, adoption, and parenting, or simply have limited information. That leaves us with online search results, which may be biased or inaccurate. When gathering more information about your pregnancy options, find reliable sources with accurate facts. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, an expert at a pregnancy decision center, or a medical professional. Research information on all of your options so that you can move forward in your decision-making process.
• Urgent deadlines: It can seem like the clock is ticking in unexpected pregnancy situation, creating added pressure surrounding the decision. How much time do you really have? It’s important to learn the gestation age of your pregnancy so you can better identify which options are available to you. What type of abortion do you qualify for based on the age of your pregnancy? When should you seek out prenatal care? When should you begin developing an adoption plan? Knowing your exact “deadline” for each pregnancy option is crucial to understanding which one might be best for you.
• Limited physical or emotional resources: Pregnancy has an impact both physically and emotionally. Hormones and body changes may leave you feeling drained, nauseous, and as though you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. These changes play a big role in decision-making, as you may feel like you have less internal resources to contribute to the process. Allow yourself to experience the variance of emotions, while also taking a step back and assessing your situation logically. This will look differently for each person. For some, that may mean processing with a friend or loved one. Others, it may be taking a walk to clear your head, journaling, creating a pros/cons list, or any number of things. The main objective is to replenish some of your depleted resources so that you can get one more step closer to making a decision that seems like the right fit.
In all of this, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. A free pregnancy options consultation with an expert client advocate will provide you with the time, support, and information you need to process through your decision. Find out how far along you are and what pregnancy options may be available to you. Learn more about abortion, adoption, and parenting. Be equipped for the next stage in your decision-making process by reaching out to us today!
Reference:
Psychology Today. Decision-Making. Retrieved July 2019 from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/decision-making.
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.