Unexpected pregnancy. We hear or read those words and think, “Not me. Maybe my neighbor or that friend at school, but that will never be me.” Realistically though, unexpected pregnancies are much more common than you might think. Unexpected pregnancies account for over 2 million pregnancies in the United States every year. Studies show that close to half of all pregnancies each year were “unintended.”
If you or a loved one is concerned about a possible unexpected pregnancy, make Avenue Women’s Center your first step. Avenue Women’s Center has been serving DuPage County and the surrounding area for close to 40 years by providing medical grade pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound services, and options consultations at no cost. Our pregnancy consultants are here to provide nonjudgmental support and care while you gather more information about your pregnancy as well as look into parenting, adoption, and abortion options. Contact us right away.
After confirming your pregnancy with a medical grade pregnancy test (accurate just 10 days after possible conception), our skilled medical team can provide you with a limited ultrasound that will answer questions such as “Is my pregnancy in the right place? How far along am I? Which abortion options will I qualify for? Is there a chance my pregnancy could miscarry naturally?”
Once we’ve helped you answer those questions, here are some ways that Avenue Women’s Center can help you as you navigate your unexpected pregnancy options:
Considering abortion?
If you are considering abortion options, it’s important to get all your questions answered up front. You will need to decide if the surgical procedure is the route for you, or if you prefer/qualify for the Abortion Pill (RU-486). It’s important to know how both methods work as well as the risks associated with each. It’s also best to analyze your reasons for considering abortion (financial, educational, family pressure, etc.) to see what resources may be available to meet such needs before making the decision to terminate. Many women also find it helpful to hypothesize how an abortion may impact their relationships, their mental health, and even their spiritual lives in the future. Avenue’s pregnancy consultants are highly trained and able to help you walk through each of these steps as you look into your abortion options.
Considering adoption?
If you are considering the option of adoption, it’s important to research private adoption vs. agency adoption. You should consider meeting with an adoption consultant to discuss if adoption is best for you and/or your child. It’s also important to determine if you would prefer a closed adoption or an open adoption. Our pregnancy consultants can help facilitate this discussion and point you in the right direction for your next steps if you are considering the option of adoption for your unexpected pregnancy.
Considering parenting?
If you are considering the option of parenting, it’s important to know what resources are available to you in the community. Parenting can be a hard choice to make, especially if it’s taking place at an unexpected time. Avenue Women’s Center can help you apply for state insurance, can walk you through the process of finding an OB/GYN, and through your consultation, can help determine which community referrals will best meet your needs (such as assistance with diapers/wipes, furniture, and parenting programs.)
Whatever pregnancy decision you make, it’s important to become well informed on all of your options before you decide. Avenue Women’s Center’s free consultation can provide the information and support you need to move forward into a confident pregnancy decision. Call, chat, email or text us today for an appointment right away at one of our five DuPage County locations: Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago or Wood Dale, Illinois.
References:
- Guttmacher Institute. (2016, September) Unintended Pregnancy in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states
- The Shriver Report. (2013, October) Why are 50 Percent of Pregnancies in the U.S. Unplanned? Retrieved from: http://shriverreport.org/why-are-50-percent-of-pregnancies-in-the-us-unplanned-adrienne-d-bonham/
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.