When faced with an unexpected pregnancy you are likely to have a lot of questions so it’s important to remember that there are unplanned pregnancy resources available.
Women can access health resources and services at women’s clinics.
When someone with an unexpected pregnancy reaches out to a women’s clinic, the first step will usually be a medical examination.
A medical examination can provide a lot of information including how far along you are.
Once you have this information, you can more completely understand all of your options.
A medical examination can also tell you if the pregnancy is viable. It is estimated that up to 15 – 24% of all pregnancies before thirteen weeks are not viable.
And lastly, a medical examination can let you know if you have any untreated sexually transmitted infections.
This can play a role in the decision that you make and also in your overall, long-term health.
Once you have completed a medical examination you will have knowledge that will help inform your next decision regarding your unplanned pregnancy.
Most people have three options to consider: abortion, adoption, or parenting.
Abortion
People have abortions for many different reasons and therefore, discussing this option with a medical professional allows you to gather all of the information you need about this option.
Abortions have their own risks and side effects and medical professionals at a women’s clinic can answer all your questions in a safe, judgment-free manner.
There are different types of abortions, some are surgical and some are not, but all abortions are medical procedures.
It’s important to get factual information from medical professionals so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Adoption
Another option to consider is adoption. Many people have an idea of what adoption is, but adoption has changed a lot in recent years.
Adoptions can be as open or as closed as a birth mother would like. And a birth mother can choose the adoptive family or let an agency make the right match.
And some agencies provide support and assistance during the pregnancy. If you are considering this option, it is a good idea to meet with an adoption counselor to get more information.
There are many different adoption agencies out there and anyone thinking about adoption is bound to find a good match.
Parenting
The other option is parenting. An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming and you might not now know exactly how you would fit a child (or another child) into your life.
Choosing to parent is a personal decision and only you can decide what’s right for you and your situation.
But it may help to talk with someone about the supports and resources available to parents.
Every person has different needs, whether they are material or emotional, it’s important to know what supports are available to you.
Decisions about your pregnancy are deeply personal.
There are lots of things to consider, and it’s normal to have many different feelings and thoughts about this decision.
Remember, you hold the power to make decisions that are best for you and your life.