Depending on your family, sharing your heart can either be a meaningful experience or incredibly challenging. When facing something as serious as an unplanned pregnancy and the possibility of an abortion, it can be difficult to know where to begin the discussion.
Let the counselors at the Pregnancy Resource Center of Glenwood Springs help you. No topic is off limits. You can talk about your family, your pregnancy, and your options, including abortion.
Here are a few suggestions of things you may want to do first.
Get All the Pregnancy Information You Need
Did you know experts estimate that 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage? That’s more than one in four pregnancies! The best way to learn if your pregnancy is developing or if you have had a miscarriage is with an ultrasound.
Because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test days or weeks after a miscarriage. You can’t rely on a pregnancy test alone to confirm pregnancy.
An ultrasound can also date your pregnancy. Knowing how far along you are is particularly critical if you are considering the abortion pill method. The FDA approves the use of these abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. Research shows that the drugs are less effective the farther along you are.
You also need to confirm the location of your pregnancy. Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. It can be extremely serious, even life-threatening. An ultrasound scan can ensure the location of your pregnancy is correct.
Free Pregnancy Testing and Ultrasound
Get the information you need for free from the Pregnancy Resource Center. We provide free pregnancy testing. If your test result is positive, we’ll schedule you for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Don’t miss this essential step. If you plan to talk with your family, have the facts about your pregnancy. The more you know, the easier it will be to have that conversation.
Learn About All Your Options
When you understand and can present all your options for your unplanned pregnancy to your family, they will know you’ve done your homework. A client advocate at the Center can walk you through each option.
Abortion
Make sure you understand the physical and emotional consequences of choosing abortion. Learning about the various procedures, side effects to expect, and risks helps prepare you.
If your pregnancy is 10 weeks or less, you may be considering abortion drugs.
Since you perform this method on your own, you’ll need to know what to watch for in an emergency. We do not perform or refer for abortion.
Parenting
Although your pregnancy was unplanned, it isn’t impossible to parent. There are so many incredible resources to assist you. We provide many community referrals. Plus, we offer parenting education and material support, like diapers, baby and maternity clothing, bottles, cribs, car seats, and more.
Making an Adoption Plan
Choosing to place your child for adoption is a difficult but loving choice. If you feel your life’s circumstances make it impossible to parent, but you would still like to know your child, choose adoption.
You determine the future you want for your child by selecting the adoptive parents who raise them. We cannot place your child for adoption, but we can make referrals to reputable, licensed adoption agencies who can assist you.
Prepare to Share Your Heart
Like any serious discussion, make sure your family has time to sit and talk. Choose a comfortable location, be prepared to answer questions, and give your reasons for your choice. Remember, no matter how they respond, this is your decision.
Be as honest and direct as possible. Help them to understand all of your options. You may be surprised by the support your family offers if you choose to parent or make an adoption plan.
We care about your physical and emotional health. Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us to get pregnancy information and counseling. We’re here for you.