When you learned about an unexpected pregnancy, you may have thought about abortion as an option. While you’ve heard it’s one of the three choices available to women, it’s normal to still have questions about it. How can I make this decision? Do I need to have an abortion? What will I feel like emotionally if I do? Thinking about your options can seem frightening if you’re trying to go through this alone. There’s often a lot of questions to puzzle out when making a decision about being pregnant. Attempting to find these answers all by yourself can place a huge burden on you. So where can you go to talk with someone? How can you receive accurate information to help you move forward?
It’s not uncommon for women to struggle with an abortion decision. The way each woman processes her choices is often uniquely centered around her circumstances. If you’re worried about emotional effects following an abortion, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Our caring pregnancy consultants will walk you through the different types of abortion procedures. We’ll help you understand possible side effects and alternatives in a confidential consultation. We understand that an unexpected pregnancy can be an emotional journey. So that’s why we’re here to partner with you and answer any of your questions.
Call, chat, email, or text us today for free support and resources at any of our six locations in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, or Wood Dale, Illinois!
What Will My Reaction to an Abortion Be?
Each woman’s situation is unique. The emotional reactions to abortion can vary from woman to woman. Some women have reported feelings of relief. Others have said they felt sad or stressed afterward. Then there are some women who may be in-between and have conflicted emotions about their abortion.
If you have not yet had an abortion, and you’re worried about possible emotional side effects, discussing these concerns with a professional resource could be of benefit. Exploring your feelings about pregnancy and your situation can be relevant to your feelings about your choice later.
Some womenfound the procedure affected them more than they anticipated. There can be a variety of reasons for this. Women who may experience regret after an abortion typically:
- have struggled in the past with psychological concerns
- are being coerced into an abortion
- feel their decision goes against their personal beliefs
- may be without support from their partner, friends, or family.
What Should I Do If I’m Considering Having an Abortion?
Seek Information:
Communicate with trained professionals who can answer your unexpected pregnancy questions and assist you with exploring your individual circumstances. This may mean including a healthcare provider, a counselor, or a pregnancy consultant in your support network. On top of taking the time to help you sort through conflicting thoughts and emotions, a doctor or a pregnancy consultant can supply you with relevant information about your health by scheduling you for an ultrasound exam. Knowing your pregnancy’s gestational age, as well as your risk of any complications, is often relevant to your decision.
Maintain Positive Communication:
While you may be tempted to keep your unexpected pregnancy a secret from others, putting pressure on yourself to sort through all of your options can be overwhelming. Is there someone in within your social group that you can open up to about what you’re facing? Isolating yourself as you think about whether or not to have an abortion can be a bit lonely. While it’s still recommended you maintain contact with a professional resource, having a personal form of support to lean on can be uplifting during this time.
Are you worried about making an abortion decision? Avenue Women’s Center is here to partner with you, supplying the reliable information and confidential services you may need at this time. Our expert pregnancy consultants will sit down with you for a private consultation, taking time to listen to your needs while walking you through your options. We provide free, limited ultrasound exams to determine how far along you are and alert you to any early pregnancy risks. Navigating an unexpected pregnancy alone can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to partner with you.
Reach out today for compassionate support and confidential services!
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.