If you’re like many young adults, you might have a certain idea of where you would like to be in the coming months or years. But your plans didn’t include pregnancy. And now you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant.
Navigating this situation can be challenging. It’s okay to have concerns. This article will address some important steps you can take to help give direction and clarity to your health and situation.
Get Details About Your Pregnancy
For any pregnancy, no matter what situation you’re in, it’s very important to obtain an ultrasound to “see what’s going on.” The ultrasound is a vital step because it reveals information about:
- The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus, you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 2% of pregnancies and have been increasing in recent years, especially among young women.
- The gestational age of your pregnancy. This is determined by measuring the dimensions of your pregnancy.
- The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may miscarry naturally. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician.
You can obtain a free ultrasound from pregnancy resource clinics like Waterleaf Women’s Center in Aurora.
Are there any Resources that Can Help Me with My Plans?
You may have concerns about your pregnancy due to a lack of resources. Sometimes it can help to consult your “inner circle,” including your parter if he remains involved, or family or friends. You might be surprised at how willing someone might be to step up and help.
There are also many community resources for pregnant woman, including food pantries, state departments for human services, county resource centers, crisis hotlines, churches, maternity housing, and more. The professionals at Waterleaf can provide you with a referral to the resources that best fit your situation.
If you have safety concerns, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE for help.
What’s My Next Step?
If your plans didn’t include pregnancy, your first step is to take a breath and make that ultrasound appointment. Our medical professionals at Waterleaf can provide you with a free pregnancy test and ultrasound, and no insurance is required. We are here to serve you with compassion, to listen to your situation and to hear your concerns. Whether you are considering parenting, considering abortion, or are just unsure, we are here for you without judgement.
Make a free appointment at Waterleaf today. Call or text confidentially at 630-360-2256 (CALM).