It’s the longest three minutes of your life. You’re standing at the bathroom sink, trying to distract yourself from the ticking clock. Pacing, scrolling through your phone, whatever you can do to avoid thinking about what’s coming next. You’re either about to find out you’re expecting or go back to your normal routine.
When those two pink lines appear, everything changes. If you’re in the process of making a decision about your pregnancy, we’re glad you’re here. Here are three steps to take before you make a decision.
1. Call a trusted friend or family member to process.
We all need someone to talk to, especially as you’re processing a big decision. Ask to schedule a phone call or invite someone over to talk. Let them know whether you want advice or just a listening ear. Saying your thoughts out loud to someone else will help you sort through your feelings.
If you’re not sure who to turn to, our registered nurses and trained Peer Advocates provide a safe space to process your feelings surrounding your unplanned pregnancy. We offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a network of community resources to build your community of support.
2. Educate yourself on all of the options.
We believe that knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better-informed your decision will be. If you’re looking for a place to start, our website, ThePregnancyNetwork.org, has information on all of your options regarding your pregnancy. Look into our resources on parenting, our information on adoption, and our knowledge of abortion procedures.
3. Sleep on it.
After you’ve made a decision, give yourself a day or two to evaluate what that means for your future. Whatever you’re leaning towards, this is a big decision. It’s worth taking an extra few hours to make sure this is what you really want. Consider how this decision will affect you one, two, even ten years from now. You have time.
From Fearful to Empowered
An unplanned pregnancy is a lot to process, but we hope these tips can help you make a confident decision. You’re not the first woman to walk this road, and you won’t be the last. Know that you are more capable than you realize.
If you need an extra confidence boost or support, make an appointment at our Greensboro location or Winston-Salem location. We’re here to help.
Chloe Belk
Chloe Belk is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.