I Can’t Have a Baby

I’ve been so busy lately that I didn’t even realize I’d missed my period. It wasn’t until Saturday morning, as I was scrolling through my phone, that it hit me: I’m late.

I immediately began an internal dialogue while trying to convince myself there was a “reasonable” explanation for being late. (No, pregnancy didn’t fit into the reasonable category.) I’ve been stressed. Maybe that was why. I’d had a bad cold for a couple of weeks. Maybe that caused it? Maybe I miscalculated when my last period was, and I’m not actually late. Right?

An hour later, I found myself at the local pharmacy dropping $15 for a pregnancy test.

An hour after that, I had my answer: Two pink lines shouted the truth that I couldn’t reason away.

I. Was. Pregnant.

At first, I sat and stared at the test in disbelief. Then panic set in. What am I going to do?

The guy… well, that’s a long story. Let’s just say our relationship isn’t very stable. On again, off again. You might be wondering why, if it wasn’t a healthy relationship, I had sex with him. Trust me, I’m asking myself that very question right now. I can’t believe I am in this situation with…him. How am I going to tell him that I’m pregnant?

And my parents are going to flip out.

I need to figure this out… and fast.

I don’t know what your story is. It may be similar to this client’s. But it’s likely that you have your own unique burdens and concerns. Obviously, you have questions and doubts as you’re reading this blog.

So read this truth: There can be a plan in the unplanned.

You’re Not Alone

According to the Guttmacher Institute, nearly half (45%) of the 6.1 million pregnancies that occurred in the United States during 2011 were a surprise. That’s over 2.8 million pregnancies that weren’t planned.

Of those unintended pregnancies, 27% were “mistimed,” meaning the woman wants to be pregnant eventually, just not right now. The remaining 18% were unwanted pregnancies, meaning the woman never wants to be pregnant; not then, and not any time in the future.

Yes, this happens. You’re definitely not alone. You’re not “irresponsible.” You’re not “stupid.” And you’re not “a failure.” Things happen.

So, What’s Next?

First, slow down. I don’t mean physically, but you need to slow the emotions and thoughts that are swirling in your mind right now. You don’t have all the necessary information to even know what your next step needs to be. You must work off of facts, not fiction; and oftentimes those initial panicked thoughts aren’t based in truth.

You might be feeling pressured to take care of this quickly. You have time to make the best decision for you. Don’t settle for low-quality care by going to a clinic that will pressure you into making a decision, just so they can hurry on to the next patient. You deserve better than that — no matter how desperate you feel.

Second, you need to get an ultrasound. A positive pregnancy test is not a medical diagnosis of pregnancy. Find a safe place to get a FREE limited medical obstetrical ultrasound. It will tell you how far along the pregnancy is and if the pregnancy is viable.

What is a viable pregnancy? According to Web MD, half of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. There’s no need to pay for an expensive procedure that you may not even need if your body is preparing for a miscarriage. Prestonwood Pregnancy Center will tell you if your pregnancy is viable without charging you for the service.

Start figuring out your next steps. You need a safe place where you can learn about your options from people you can trust and who won’t try to make the decision for you. A medical clinic, like Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, will provide the knowledge you need to make the best decision for you, alongside high-quality, judgment-free medical care.

Finally, your life isn’t over. Remember, there can be a plan in the unplanned.

Reach out to Prestonwood Pregnancy Center for free, confidential, and nonjudgmental pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and abortion guidance. Make an appointment now.