You think you are pregnant. This was not in your plans. Fear, confusion and anger are just some of the feelings that you may be experiencing. You wonder what you are going to do.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is hard. Before you decide, you deserve to know the facts. The law gives you the right to be fully informed about this important decision.

Should I be concerned about having an abortion?
Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional and spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion.

What can I do about people pressuring me?
Remember, no person will be required to live with the consequences of this decision as much as you will. If your boyfriend or parents are pressuring you to make a quick decision, explain your needs and try to involve them in counseling to explore your positive options. You have the right to continue this pregnancy if that is your choice.

Can I have a baby and still live my life?
You may see this unplanned pregnancy as a major roadblock in your life. Thankfully, there are other routes that can get you back on track. Be encouraged to know that many women in the same situation have found the necessary help and resources to make positive choices and realize their dreams.

Understand your pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. Some common symptoms of early pregnancy include a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent urination, tiredness, and mood swings.

Most pregnancy tests are very reliable. However, to confirm that you are pregnant, a visit to an appropriate health care provider will be necessary.

Your doctor may request and ultrasound exam to confirm the status of your pregnancy. This information is important whether you are considering abortion of continuing with your pregnancy.

Definitions:

Cervix: The bottom opening to your uterus.

Embryo: Human life at its earliest developmental stage.

Fertilization: Joining of a male sperm and the female egg to form a human embryo.

Fetus: A developing unborn baby with an observable human structure.

Full Term Pregnancy: The stage at about 40 weeks after the last menstrual period or 38 weeks after fertilization when the baby is ready for birth.

Last Menstrual Period (LMP): The date when a woman started her last menstrual period before fertilization. This is the point in time where pregnancy and the age of the unborn baby are measured.

Trimester: An interval of three months used to measure three successive stages of pregnancy – first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.

Uterus: The muscular female organ that contains the developing unborn baby.

Explore your options
You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options.

Parenting:
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.

Adoption:
You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in America make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.

Help is available
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust – your partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a good friend. Also, the caring people at  Fifth Ward Pregnancy Help Center are available to help you through this difficult time.  Please call 713-675-2800 for an appointment. 

 

 

 

www.optionline.org or www.thinkaboutitonline.com