For many pregnant teens, one of the first obstacles to overcome is the feeling of being completely alone. That sense of isolation can lead to rushed, emotionally driven decisions that you might regret down the road. You may, however, be surprised to find that there are actually many people and organizations eager to help you, if you just know where to turn and who to talk to…
1. Your Family
Talking to your parents or guardians may seem impossible at first. Will they understand? Will they be angry? Will they be ashamed? But consider giving them a chance. Odds are, your parents love you more than anyone in the world, so they’ll want to help you do what’s best for you and your baby (their grandchild).
2. A Pregnancy Counselor
A pregnancy counselor can be a great person to talk to because they’ve already been down this road. They will approach your situation fairly and without judgment. A pregnancy counselor, like the counselors at Sira in Gainesville, can help you get free pregnancy testing, review all the pregnancy options available to you and then connect you with the right community resources.
3. Your School Guidance Counselor
While they may not have the specialized training of pregnancy counselors, if you already have a trusting relationship with your school guidance counselor, this can be a good place to start. Your school guidance counselor may be able to offer helpful advice on how to approach your family or how to contact community programs that can help with your pregnancy needs.
4. Your Religious Leader
If you or your family practice any form of compassionate religion, your house of worship is probably an excellent place to turn for guidance. Your congregation’s leader or youth leader are likely skilled listeners, meaning they’ll take the time to really hear what you’re going through and then offer suitable advice. They can also help to bring you and your family together for a productive and peaceful talk about what the future holds.
5. Your Doctor
The first thing your doctor will likely do is perform a medical pregnancy test to confirm if you are, in fact, pregnant. If it turns out that you are, your doctor will then talk with you about your pregnancy options and the related health impacts. He or she will probably also talk with you about the importance of prenatal care for keeping you and your baby healthy.
Ultimately, your own life experience and relationships will lead you to select the best people to turn to for help with your pregnancy. Just remember that there are indeed people who are willing and available to help you through this challenging time.
At Sira in Gainesville, we’ve helped hundreds of young women find help and hope for their unplanned pregnancies. With experienced counselors, confidential counseling sessions and a heart to help you every step of the way, Sira is a safe and supportive place for you to explore your pregnancy options. Contact us today at 352-377-4947.