The way we handle change often depends on how much a sudden transition alters our routine. While change is a part of life, sometimes it arrives when we’re not prepared for it. We usually cannot predict when these life-altering transformations occur, and an unexpected pregnancy can feel like a seismic shift. Navigating through this transition and maintaining a positive approach does not have to be done alone. Adjustment to new circumstances usually takes time, but having a supportive resource at your side can abate feelings of powerlessness.
Are you worried about the changes an unexpected pregnancy may bring? Avenue Women’s Center has six locations in DuPage County, offering compassionate support to women throughout their unexpected pregnancies. We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests, and our caring pregnancy consultants can sit down with you for a confidential discussion about your options. Our services are free, and we welcome anyone who comes through our door. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive unexpected pregnancy support!
Tips for Handling Change
When challenging circumstances arise, having a plan may allow you to regain some level of control over the situation. A sense of direction during an unexpected pregnancy can fill you with purpose, and checking off simple steps from your list can provide proof that you’re moving forward with a plan.
Your first step may include confirming your pregnancy with a healthcare provider or through a test at a first-step options clinic. You may also want to schedule an ultrasound exam. The gestational age of your pregnancy, as well as the risk of any complications, may determine what pregnancy options are available to you. If there is a chance of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, then abortion may no longer be one of your choices. A pregnancy consultant may provide you with medical referrals for further treatment of these conditions if there are financial concerns.
As you follow your plan, there may still be days where you feel anxious. Try to remember an unexpected pregnancy decision often takes time. It can be helpful to grant yourself permission to rest and catch your breath as you move down the list, and there is no need to apply unnecessary pressure to yourself by rushing.
While it’s possible you may not have anticipated an unexpected pregnancy becoming a part of your personal story, it’s not necessary to dwell on idealized notions of what may have come before. Responding to an event by filling yourself with purpose can allow for a better analysis of the situation, helping you establish order by focusing on how to progress through this transition.
Seeking support from someone who has assisted women in your situation before may make this change seem more manageable. By talking to a doctor, a counselor, or a pregnancy consultant, those persistent emotions may start to seem more manageable.
Your Three Pregnancy Options
Taking a closer look at your three pregnancy options can also assist you in navigating the changes an unexpected pregnancy brings.
Parenting:
Parenting comes with challenges, but can still be a rewarding experience. Once you have ruled out any health concerns about your unexpected pregnancy (miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy), then you may want to seek answers about what this choice may entail. To gain a better perspective and clarify any concerns you may have about this option, there are a few important things you may want to ask.
- What level of involvement will my partner or my family have in this decision?
- Are there any friends, loved ones, or assistance programs that can support me in this decision?
- What kind of responsibilities does this option entail?
Adoption:
The wide range of adoption plans can make the process seem a little confusing. There are many different kinds of adoptions, ranging from open, semi-open, to closed, and just like with parenting or abortion, this is a pregnancy decision to think about carefully. While adoption can come with many benefits, adoption laws differ in each state, so understanding what this unexpected pregnancy route may look like can reduce the likelihood of there being any surprises.
- What level of communication do I want with my child?
- Do I prefer a closed, semi-open, or open adoption?
- Are there any professionals who can counsel me throughout the adoption process?
Abortion:
Making a decision about abortion can be difficult, and some women feel compelled to choose this option because it appears to offer a way to overcome the obstacles of an unexpected pregnancy. But this is not necessarily the case, as each pregnancy decision often comes with its own unique complications. Asking questions about the different procedures and potential risks may help you assess what this choice may look like for you.
- What do I know about abortion procedures and related complications?
- Have I ruled out the possibility of an STD, a miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy?
- Who can I talk to about an abortion decision?
Coping with change can be hard, but Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you make a plan about your unexpected pregnancy. Receive information you can trust regarding your three pregnancy options in a confidential, comfortable environment. Address your unique questions and concerns with one of our expert client advocates. Reach out today for free information about your pregnancy!
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.