Learning of an unexpected pregnancy can leave you feeling isolated and confused.
When navigating a pregnancy decision, it’s crucial to seek support from those closest to you. However, if your friends begin to try to convince you to make a decision that you don’t want to make, it’s important to recognize this pressure and address it.
Abortion is a personal medical decision that can have serious impacts on your health.
So, before making your pregnancy decision, ensure that you’re not being coerced into a decision and that you fully understand your options.
Recognizing and Addressing Pressure
Pressure from those closest to you can sometimes be challenging to recognize.
Many people feel their friends only want what’s best for them, but it’s important to step back and consider your conversations with friends about your pregnancy.
Sometimes, pressure can be more passive and might look like friends ignoring your concerns or hesitations about abortion. Other times, pressure can be more direct and might look like ultimatums or threats.
It can be helpful to let your friends know this is your decision to make and ask that they not share their opinions about your pregnancy unless you ask.
Abortion Risks
No matter what those around you are saying, you must understand the health risks of an abortion.
A study in the National Library of Medicine states that after an abortion, women are more likely to develop mental health disorders, including depression disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, sleep disturbances, suicidal behaviors, and substance abuse disorders.
Additionally, the physical health risks of an abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, requiring a follow-up surgical abortion
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive issues
Other Pregnancy Options
Adoption
Adoption is an incredibly loving decision that might be best for some women who aren’t ready to become parents.
Birth mothers are not responsible for any adoption costs and may even be eligible for additional financial assistance for necessities throughout pregnancy.
Modern-day adoption allows the birth mother to be involved in the selection of the adoptive family and to choose how involved she would like to be in the life of her child.
The three most common types of adoption include:
- Open adoption: You can choose the family you want to adopt your baby and decide if you want to keep in contact with them. You can also choose how involved you want to be in the baby’s life.
- Semi-open adoption: You can still have contact with the family and baby, but a professional adoption agency will help manage communication and keep your identifying information confidential.
- Closed adoption: You won’t have contact with the baby, and the identities of all parties are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed.
Parenting
You might want to be a parent but just aren’t sure you have the support you need.
Whether you need financial support, emotional support, or other tangible needs met, Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here to help.
We can connect you with community resources, including:
- Parenting classes
- Insurance and healthcare
- Material goods
Find Support Today
Navigating a pregnancy decision can be incredibly challenging. Palm Beach Women’s Clinic wants to support you by offering a no-cost lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound scan.
After learning more about your pregnancy, our team can discuss your options, answer your questions, and connect you with local support resources.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.