When a woman gets that positive pregnancy test, it can make your world temporarily feel like it’s spinning out of control.  While it seems overwhelming, it’s important to understand that there is hope and there is help available for you while you  navigate your way through all of the unknowns. 

Your first step will be to make an appointment for pregnancy testing and to review options.  This can be done through a free and confidential appointment and can also have someone walk alongside you as you make decisions about your pregnancy and for your baby. 

Before you make any plans, we can help you decide your next steps and talk through all your options. One important thing to realize- no decisions need to be made today and all decisions need to be made with a clear and informed mind.  

Here’s a good guide to help you from the moment you suspect you could be pregnant.   

1- Am I Really Pregnant?

Regardless of if you've not yet taken a pregnancy test at home or received a positive result with an at home test, there is still the possibility that you are not actually pregnant.

Pregnancy tests are simply an indication of a pregnancy, not necessarily a confirmation of one. Before you start to think of all the unknowns, make an appointment with us first to get an actual confirmation of a pregnancy.  If you are pregnant and suspect you are far enough along we can then provide an ultrasound so we can determine if the pregnancy is viable, how far along you actually are, discuss all of the options you have moving forward and answer any questions and concerns you might have. 

2- Where Do You Both Stand? 

Don’t wait to discuss all of your options as well as your concerns with your partner. It is important to know where you both are at with the thought of a pregnancy.  You will need his support and he will need yours as you are both about to become parents. If you are working through a tumultuous relationship, there will need to be extra care taken to ensure that you have a relationship that is amicable enough to create a positive atmosphere for a healthy pregnancy and for your baby.  

Although the decision is ultimately up to you, knowing how the baby’s father feels about the pregnancy can help you make an informed decision. One thing to keep in mind: regardless of the decision you make, it will impact the father’s life as well. 

3- Make a Mental List of Your Support System

Once you know your results and where your partner/the father of the baby stands, make a mental note of those that you can count on for support and for advice. If you feel that you need someone at your appointments and to help you further understand your choices, take the time to reach out to those you value and create conversations that will be beneficial to you as you move forward. 

As far as the pregnancy center is concerned, during your appointment,  you can also meet with one of our advocates and share your thoughts and concerns.  You can learn more about how we can help you throughout your pregnancy should you decide to continue the pregnancy. We offer a number of resources to you and to the father of the baby to help you both find success throughout your pregnancy and into parenthood. 

4- Evaluate All Your Options

If you decide to choose adoption, we can give you resources and referrals to explore that option further.

If you decide abortion might be the only option you have, we will walk you through an informed consultation concerning what one goes through during an abortion, what happens after and how an abortion can having lasting affects on one’s life . We also offer free post-abortion counseling and support and will walk alongside you should this be your decision.  We want you to know that you are never alone. 

You deserve to be informed about  all the facts and be around people who will support you and your partner.

We will answer any questions you might have about your options and share how each decision can impact your future. We provide accurate medical information on abortion, the abortion pill, pregnancy, and what to expect should you choose any of the above options. 

WRAP UP

The PLC Health Clinic should be your first step for an informed and supported process. Please contact us at 419-238-9177 or www.plchealthclinic.org for more information or to schedule your appointment today. 

Note: We do not perform or refer for abortions or the abortion pill.

*Sources available upon request.