No one is ever truly prepared to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, especially if it’s your first. By its very nature, an unplanned pregnancy catches you off guard, leaving you with uncertainty, doubt and a whole lot of unanswered questions. Probably more than any other struggle in life, this situation calls for some trusted advice. So, where should you turn?
Family and Friends
The people who know and love you most can be great sources for life advice, but be mindful of who you approach regarding an unplanned pregnancy. Hopefully, family and friends will have your best interests at heart, so they will be there to listen, empathize and offer support. Be delicate in telling them, however, as their love for you may lead to emotional reactions. And keep in mind that while your family and friends are likely very well-intentioned, they may not be aware of the ins and outs of all the pregnancy options available to you. Additionally, your pregnancy may have a direct or indirect impact on them, meaning they may not be able to be completely unbiased.
Healthcare Provider
If you have an established obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), visiting her or him may be a first step towards getting the pregnancy guidance you need. Not only will they be able to conduct a pregnancy test and obstetrical ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, they’ll also be able to recommend diet, activity and lifestyle changes to promote a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Of course, having access to an OB/GYN typically requires health insurance, and if you’re a minor, you may not be able to make an appointment without parental consent. Your local health department may be an alternative, but some women find this option less than desirable. And while a healthcare provider can offer medical guidance, they may not have the time or inclination to thoroughly talk through your pregnancy options, assist with your emotional and social needs or connect you with non-medical resources.
Pregnancy Counselor
A pregnancy options counselor is often the best of all worlds when you need unplanned pregnancy advice. These trained advocates are experts at helping women navigate the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy. They’ve helped a variety of women in similar situations explore their pregnancy options and get the emotional, medical and community support they need. A good pregnancy counselor serves as everything from a compassionate listener and trusted advisor to a connection to quality medical care and, when necessary, social services.
In Gainesville, Sira offers unplanned pregnancy counseling and services at no charge, with no insurance required. As part of our services, we also offer free medical pregnancy testing and free pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds.
If you’re pregnant, or believe you may be, contact Sira in Gainesville today at 352-377-4947 to schedule your confidential appointment.
