The fact that you are pregnant is finally sinking in. Your no-cost pregnancy test from InnerVisions was positive, and your follow-up no-cost ultrasound revealed your pregnancy is viable (developing). Now what? Let our registered nurses at InnerVisions assist you with your next steps.
Deciding How to Handle Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms, a positive pregnancy test, and a verified pregnancy through ultrasound mean you have a big decision to make. We know this is a stressful time. Like your unplanned pregnancy, your next steps will be life-altering.
It’s essential to take a look at all of your options. You have three: have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to parent your child. Which is the right choice for you? Only you can decide.
Have an Abortion
Are you considering an abortion? If so, you should carefully research procedures, side effects, and potential physical and emotional risks. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you the factual information you need.
How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for. You will know the exact number of weeks through an ultrasound.
The FDA only approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, a surgical procedure uses suction or vacuum aspiration. Later pregnancies require additional surgical tools such as a curette for scraping or forceps to remove larger parts.
There are risks to be aware of. Physically, a woman can experience heavy and prolonged bleeding or infection. Emotionally, some women experience mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Make an Adoption Plan
Choosing to place your child for adoption can be emotionally challenging. Working with a reputable, licensed adoption coordinator who has your best interests at heart is essential.
Adoptions are very different today than they were a few decades ago. Now, the expectant mother or birth mother makes all of the decisions. She selects the couple who will raise her child and the future she hopes her child will have.
By selecting the type of adoption plan (open, semi-open, or closed), she also determines how much contact she wants with her child and their adoptive family. Finding an adoption coordinator who will not manipulate you but will offer thorough adoption counseling is vital.
We are not a child-placing agency at InnerVisions HealthCare, but we can provide referrals to reputable, licensed adoption professionals in our area.
Choosing to Parent
It may seem impossible to consider parenting now, but unplanned doesn’t mean impossible. Being a parent does require a tremendous amount of discipline, hard work, and love.
You need to ask some hard questions of yourself. Where will you and your child live? Will you have the support of your partner or your parents? Can you complete your education or continue to work while raising your child?
These and other questions will help you determine what assistance you will need to parent successfully. Many community services are available. We can help you with the resources and referrals you need for housing, WIC, and other agencies.
How Do I Decide?
This decision is yours and yours alone. Don’t allow anyone to talk you into one choice over another. Ultimately, only you can decide what is best for your future.
If you have questions about each of your options, please contact us. You can schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment at one of our clinic locations. You can also call us at (515) 440-2273 or text to (855) 584-8302. We will be happy to talk with you. Contact us today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.