If you’re reading this with a positive home pregnancy test in your hand, you probably recognize you are at the start of a long and winding road. Pregnancy can be a scary time, especially if it wasn’t planned. It’s important to take your time and be very intentional over the coming days and weeks. Following these steps can help you make smart choices about your pregnancy.
1. Confirm the test result
Even the best home pregnancy tests can be wrong from time to time, so it’s important to follow up with a medical pregnancy test from a trained professional. Medical pregnancy tests are designed to identify the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (or hCG), a hormone unique to pregnant women. If that test comes back positive, the next step is getting a limited obstetrical ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is viable. Sira offers free medical pregnancy tests and ultrasounds in a private, supportive setting.
2. Talk to the people closest to you
Now that you definitely know you’re pregnant, it’s probably time to share that news with others who deserve to know… like the father, and possibly your parents. Telling your boyfriend you’re pregnant can be pretty scary. You may worry about losing him, or that he’ll react aggressively. Depending on your age and where you are in life, telling your parents may be just as intimidating. Plan these conversations in advance and time them appropriately. Try to find a time and place when everyone is in a positive mood and more likely to communicate well. Listen to their feedback, but remember, your baby’s future is ultimately up to you.
3. Consider your options
Being pregnant means making some tough choices. Are you capable of being a loving mother and raising a child? Is adoption the right choice for you and your baby? Is abortion an option you can live with for the rest of your life? Take time to evaluate the advantages and consequences of all your options before making any rash decisions. Pregnancy options counseling can be helpful during this challenging process.
4. Get some help
Once you know (or think you know) how you want to proceed with your pregnancy, find the right resources to support your decision. Sira can provide referrals to community agencies that will help you through your pregnancy and beyond. Sira’s compassionate staff can also provide a friendly ear to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. At Sira, we believe the greatest gift you can give someone is hope.
An unplanned pregnancy can forever change the path of your life. The key is deciding that you will make that change be for the better – for you and your baby.
If we can be of assistance in any way, we would love to talk with you. Please contact Sira today at 352-377-4947.
