Pregnancy Options: Navigating the Unexpected

“I appreciate the time you took for the appointment last week. Thank you for the safe space to empathize, listen, and understand. Thank you for the information that you shared with me. That gave me more context to take more time to think about continuing or not.” - Pregnancy Options Support Client

For anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy, the moment the pregnancy test turns positive, a memory is formed that will forever be burned into your mind. In that moment you may experience disbelief, shock, fear or some other emotion that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. There are those who momentarily feel a sense of excitement at discovering they are pregnant, but then fear and uncertainty about the future and the possible reaction of others sets in. 

What are my pregnancy options?

If you are pregnant, you have three options:

Abortion – to end the pregnancy via a medical or surgical abortion

Adoption –  give birth and then place the child for adoption with a family that you have chosen.

Parent – give birth and then raise the child.

Why Do I Need Pregnancy Options Support?

Emotions during a crisis can become so overpowering that they overshadow critical abilities necessary for making a well-thought-out major life decision. This is especially true when it comes to navigating an unplanned pregnancy. 

It is critical to NOT make decisions in the initial panic and fear phase of a crisis, as logic, problem solving and rational thinking is impaired. When the nervous system becomes activated by a stressful, unexpected situation, our natural response is fight, flight, freeze or collapse. Without support, an impulsive decision based on a limited source of information (your emotions) may occur, which can lead to future pain and regret that may have been avoided.

It is critical to consider your core beliefs and values. Life circumstances can change but your core values (what is important to you, what you believe, what you want for the future) often remain unchanged. With support, you can be curious about and explore your core beliefs and values that you might otherwise ignore.

It is critical to be informed about the possible outcomes of a certain option so your decision is based on more than what you think or expect but rather is based in accurate information. Regardless of the path you follow upon discovering an unexpected pregnancy, there can be elements connected to that decision that you may not know about.

It is critical to recognize your strengths and be aware of both your internal resources and the external resources available to you. A decision based on emotions alone will not be your best decision. 

Pregnancy Options Support 

A Pregnancy Options Support appointment at First Place Options provides you the time and space to process all of your options: abortion, adoption and parenting. Taking time to consider your options with someone who is a neutral third party can be very beneficial as we have heard over and over again from our clients. Openly talking about your fears and concerns often decreases the overwhelm that initially accompanies the strong difficult thoughts and emotions that accompany an unplanned pregnancy. Discussing pregnancy options has helped many feel they have made an informed decision, rather than an impulsive one based on fear alone.

Making an appointment for Pregnancy Options Support means gaining access to practical tools designed to help you manage your emotions and make informed decisions. Here’s what you can expect from our support:

• Accurate Information: Receive up-to-date information about all three pregnancy options—abortion, adoptions and parenting.

• Empathetic Support: Talk through your concerns and current life circumstances with supportive counsellors who understand your situation.

• Compassionate Enquiry: Life circumstances can change but your core values (what is important to you, what you believe, what you want for the future) often remain unchanged. You will be given space to be curious about your own values and desires.

• Decision-Making Tools: Utilize tools that aid in evaluating your options honestly and thoroughly.

• Ongoing Support: We’re here to meet with you as often as you need to ensure you feel confident and informed about your decision.

How Can Pregnancy Options Support Help?

An unexpected pregnancy raises many questions and emotions, and navigating this path requires careful consideration. When you are faced with an unexpected pregnancy, you are faced with following a path that can impact you for life. In situations like this, it is common to experience conflicting feelings and thoughts. Perhaps you may feel an initial inkling of excitement, followed by a wave of dread or fear. Or perhaps you have never thought that you would have an abortion, but now that you are faced with an unexpected pregnancy, you find yourself wondering if abortion is right for you. These conflicting feelings and thoughts can represent the clash between your head and your heart. When making life impacting decisions it is important to take the time to process what your head is telling you and what your heart is telling you. 

At First Place Options, we understand the significance of an unplanned pregnancy and aim to support you through this challenging time. Our approach encourages you to take the time you need before a final decision is made about your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption and parenting. We provide a supportive environment where you can explore your concerns and feelings and evaluate your pregnancy options thoughtfully. Having a space where you feel you can openly and honestly reflect on your present and future, your head and your heart, without being pressured from outside sources (this might include the partner in the pregnancy) will empower you to discover the right direction for you to take.

The Benefits of a Thoughtful Approach

If you find yourself facing an unexpected pregnancy, remember that taking the time to carefully consider your options can minimize future unexpected pain and regret. Processing and regulating your emotions can lead to a decision that better aligns with your values. Being informed allows you to consider important information that you might not have known about. 

Many of our clients have given us feedback that they wish they had more emotional support and information before proceeding. We are here to support you, reach out to FPO for Pregnancy Options Support today.