Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy? Here’s Your First Step
Written By: Stacy – Align Pregnancy Services Associate Director
I was 19 years old when I took my first pregnancy test.
Scared, I looked down through teary eyes and saw two pink lines staring back at me. That moment changed everything.
Those two pink lines did not just mean a positive pregnancy test. They meant that my familiar life had just become unrecognizable. They meant I would be disappointing people who wanted a future for me that included marriage before children. It meant that I, a young girl who could barely take care of myself, had just become a mother.
A thousand thoughts and questions filled my mind all at once, each one begging to be resolved. I was afraid. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn, and I quickly spiraled out of control. (Keep reading to learn more about my personal situation).
Finding a way out of crisis mode
In the middle of a crisis, it’s normal to feel afraid. You might want to take immediate action to fix things. In fact, your body is wired with an intense fight-flee-or-freeze reaction to protect you when you sense danger.
This survival mode is important for helping you make quick decisions in a life-or-death situation, but when you are facing a big choice decision with long-term effects like an unintended pregnancy, it’s important that you help your brain slow down, calm down, and take a good look at your situation before you react. When you take the time to understand all your pregnancy options, you are not reacting helplessly to your situation; instead, you are responding with a fully informed position.
What We Offer For Parents Facing An Unintended Pregnancy
At Align Pregnancy Services, we want to walk with you and help you become fully informed if you are facing a pregnancy you didn’t plan on. At your first appointment, you can expect to be greeted with care and respect. You will fill out a few necessary forms and then meet with a trained staff member to confirm pregnancy using a medical-grade pregnancy test.
There is no need to worry about insurance because all our pregnancy services are free and confidential. After confirming pregnancy, there will be time to process this information and discuss your pregnancy options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion.
You’ll be able to ask questions, looking at each option and how it may affect you physically and emotionally. It’s important for you to know that we do not provide, perform, or refer for abortions; however, we do provide accurate medical information that is important for you to consider before making your decision.
At this appointment, our staff will also help you determine your next step. In most cases, it is to have a limited first-trimester ultrasound to confirm the viability, dating, and placement of your baby. We have a licensed medical staff that can provide you with these important pieces of information.
After the ultrasound, you will meet again with a trained staff member to answer your questions. We are a faith-based organization, so throughout the process, we will gladly pray for you and discuss spiritual concepts if you desire. However, all offerings are permission-based, and nothing will happen or be discussed without your consent.
My Story’s Outcome
I occasionally think of that scared 19-year-old staring at those two pink lines and navigating big life decisions alone, and I weep for her. Not for the decision that she made to place her baby for adoption – at that time, it was the best decision she could have made – but that she lacked support during one of the most difficult times in her life. You don’t have to do this alone. Get the support you need; your future self will thank you for it.
Ready to seek support from Align Pregnancy Services?
Our hope is that you will leave your appointment feeling cared for, informed, and ready to make the best possible decision for you and your baby. Don’t journey alone. We’re here for you! We offer pregnancy services at our four service locations: