If you think you’re pregnant and are still in high school, this can be incredibly daunting. This can change everything you had planned for your future.
Maybe you wanted kids but were planning to wait for a few years, or maybe you wanted to go to college, and this could get in the way. Maybe you are terrified of what your partner, parents, or friends will think.
First of all, it’s important to realize that you are incredibly brave and that this is not the end of the world, although maybe it feels like it at the moment. Many options and resources are available to help young women in your situation.
There are three options open to you: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Read this article on helpful steps to take as you decide what is the best plan for your pregnancy.
First, Confirm Your Pregnancy
You will first want to verify your pregnancy before doing anything else, especially if you’re experiencing common pregnancy symptoms such as tender breasts, fatigue, nausea, missed period, etc.
At AscentCare, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing, which will provide quick results. We can also help you calculate the optimal time to take a pregnancy test. If you take one right away, it may be too early to detect pregnancy hormones and give you a false reading.
Confirming your pregnancy status can give you the confirmation you need to move forward with the next step: an ultrasound.
Schedule An Ultrasound
Getting an ultrasound scan after a positive pregnancy test will give you even more critical health details. An ultrasound will tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy and identify some possible pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
This step can bring you clarity. You will see your pregnancy on the ultrasound screen and know whether or not you need to seek additional medical help.
You will also learn how far along you are, also known as your gestational age. If you are leaning toward parenting or adoption, you will also find out your estimated due date.
Give Yourself Space To Process
If you have confirmed your pregnancy and know how far along you are with an ultrasound, it’s okay if you don’t tell anyone or make a decision right away. It’s also okay if you give yourself some breathing room.
It’s your life, so this news affects you more than anyone else. Resist any social pressure to make a decision you’re uncomfortable with. If your partner or parents are supportive and trustworthy, they can help you process the news.
If you’re nervous about their reactions, we provide a safe space for you to process and receive resources, support, and information. Schedule a consultation with our compassionate staff, who will be happy to answer your questions and discuss all your options.
Keep Things In Perspective
Also, remember to keep things in perspective and think about the big picture.
While high school might feel like the most important thing in your life right now, life is going to change after graduation. You may not see many of the same people again. Your friendships also might change as you attend different colleges or decide to move away from your hometown.
Anything can happen, and your circumstances will change. High school is only four years; you have many more ahead of you.
When you realize this, the opinions of others won’t carry as much weight. What matters right now is making a pregnancy decision that you feel confident about.
Whatever you decide will become a part of your story and impact your future. Make sure you assess every option and make an empowered choice.
Plan To Make A Decision
You have options, and one way isn’t the only way. There are many success stories of young women who continued their education and future goals after an unexpected pregnancy. Make sure that you decide based on what you think is best for you and your pregnancy, and not out of feeling pressured.
AscentCare is here to support you and ensure you don’t feel alone. Schedule your no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound appointment today!