Cara B. - February 3rd, 2010
Along this little journey called “decision-making” we’ve gone through several steps: embracing the reality of our situations, gathering information, and including others into the process. So, what’s next? Action.
4. Move forward. After all things have been considered, you can make a decision that you can stand behind. Anyone who is facing a major life decision would do the same. Even when you make a big purchase or consider a career change, similar steps are involved—recognizing the need, searching for information, and considering alternatives. ONLY after all these steps are complete can a proper decision be made. It is even more important to follow through with this process when you are facing pregnancy.
5. Evaluate your decision. What will the outcomes be? Will there be anything you might later regret? We never want you to find yourself in this stage. That is why it is important that you follow through the entire process and consider the implications of each option—abortion, adoption or parenting. If for some reason, after following all these steps, you still choose something you regret, there are people who will help. Although you can’t undo what’s been done, there are places for support and healing. Whether you are struggling to arrange for childcare, having trouble transitioning into your adoption plan, or dealing with sadness after an abortion—there are resources and services that will fit your individual situation and help you through whatever difficulties you may be facing.
So, yes, there’s a big decision lying before you and more than likely, it won’t be a painless one. But before you get completely overwhelmed, understand that there are steps you can take to make it easier than you might expect. Unfortunately, those 2 lines won’t be erased and the fact that you’re pregnant won’t go away. However, you aren’t alone in navigating this process. There are many people who would love to walk with you through this journey. So, step forward, consider your options and talk to someone who cares.
Cara B. - January 27th, 2010
Last blog entry we talked about facing the reality of our situations during an unplanned pregnancy and embracing the decision-making process. Well, once the truth has time to sink in, what happens next?
2. Get all the information necessary to make your decision. There are many caring pregnancy centers which will provide information and resources needed to make your decision. (To find one in your area check out www.optionline.org.) If you live in DuPage County, please utilize PregnantHelp’s hotline or live chat to make an appointment at one of our locations. We have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information in regards to abortion, adoption, and parenting. We can help you sort through your options and will listen as you voice your concerns, questions, and difficulties. Getting all of the information isn’t just about having the right resources or materials. It also includes bringing people that are important to you into your decision making process—family, friends, and your significant other. Talk this over with them and see what help and support they are able to offer you. However, no matter what advice you receive, remember at the end of the day it’s YOUR decision to make. You are the one who will be ultimately responsible and therefore, you must come to terms personally with the choice you will make. You will want to make a decision you can stand behind for the rest of your life.
3. Next, evaluate all of your options. Sit down and think things through. DON’T RUSH! Many women feel the need to make a decision immediately, and don’t give themselves time to fully think everything through. Don’t let yourself fall into this category. Give yourself some time to allow things to settle. At the beginning, emotions and confusion are high and these can influence your decision. Don’t let the amount of information or opinions you receive become overwhelming. Consider the pros and cons of each option. Ask questions. Seek more counsel. Then after all is said and done you can feel like you’ve really considered the outcomes and responsibility involved. Don’t let a lack of resources stand in the way of what you decide. Some women are afraid to make a decision based on the fact that they don’t have enough money, support, or time. There are several agencies, groups, and organizations that would love to help with your situation. Make your decision based on what YOU feel is right to do. You can contact your local pregnancy center to receive information on these resources.
Keep your eyes peeled for our next blog. We’ve gone through the process of gathering all the necessary information and including our loved ones in the decision-making process. Now, it’s time for action!
Cara B. - January 20th, 2010
You take a test and—two lines. Uh oh. Even the outcome is what you suspected, it might still be difficult to face. Suddenly, you are overwhelmed with all sorts of thoughts and emotions. “What do I do?” “I never expected this to happen.” “How could this be?” “We were careful.” “I can’t do this right now.” As a woman, each of us faces a unique situation with very different circumstances, yet everyone has to go through the same decision process. There are three paths before you—abortion, adoption, and parenting. How will you navigate through all the options, feelings, and pressures? Here are some tips many have found useful in making the decision process go more smoothly.
1. Face the reality of the situation. See your circumstances for what they are. Perhaps this is an unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately, you can’t wish away the positive test. You must embrace it and recognize that you now have a decision to make. Although the reality of your situation might be overwhelming at times, you aren’t alone in this process. There are numerous compassionate and thoughtful professionals that can help you sort through this decision and give you the resources you need.
Next blog entry we’ll be discussing resources and organizations that can help with your decision making process. Check it out to see who you can connect with to receive the support and information you need.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - January 6th, 2010
Ultrasound has been safely used in pregnancy for over 35 years. With ultrasound, the medical practitioner can see inside the body to obtain information that can be used to confirm and assess how a pregnancy is progressing.
Ultrasound uses sound waves which bounce back from an object, in this case structures in the pelvic region, to produce a 2D picture on a screen for interpretation. Ultrasound examinations are typically performed by ultrasound technicians, physicians, or nurses trained in sonography.
There are different levels of ultrasound that may be used at various stages in a pregnancy.
Limited: This type of ultrasound is typically used in early pregnancy. Its purpose is to determine if the pregnancy is inside or outside the uterus. A pregnancy that is outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires medical intervention. Limited ultrasound can also date a pregnancy by measuring the gestational sac or the developing fetus and determine if the pregnancy is likely to continue based on the detection of fetal heart activity.
Diagnostic: A diagnostic ultrasound is appropriate as the pregnancy progresses and the fetus has matured to a stage where the body can be more closely examined. This type of ultrasound is typically a routine part of prenatal care and is usually performed around 18-20 weeks gestation. This is a more thorough scan that is used to assess and look for various abnormalities in the fetus and the pregnancy itself. There are different levels of diagnostic ultrasound based on the training and experience of the operator and the capacity of the ultrasound machine. Most of the time a Level I diagnostic ultrasound is sufficient for evaluating the health and status of your pregnancy.
3D and 4D: In the past few years, new technology has created 3D and 4D ultrasound pictures. This type of scan is less diagnostic and more for entertainment. By using similar sound technology as a traditional ultrasound scan, but at different angles and with more sophisticated software, viewers are able to see the child’s features with remarkable clarity.
Ultrasound technology continues to improve. Since its inception it has proven to be an invaluable tool in the field of Obstetrics, providing a window into the womb and the opportunity to acquire vital information.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - December 2nd, 2009
Miscarriage is defined as any pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Most miscarriages happen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is very common, affecting approximately one in six pregnancies.
One in every four women will experience a miscarriage at some point in her reproductive life. The chance of having a miscarriage increases with a woman’s age.
The most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities where the chromosomes simply do not duplicate correctly.
Rarely is a medical problem or any type of activity thought to be the cause for a miscarriage.
People often blame miscarriages on the following factors:
o Stress
o Sex
o Heavy lifting
o Exercise
o A blow to the stomach
o Poor eating habits
o Drinking before you knew you were pregnant
o The baby “knowing” it was unwanted
o Falling
o Scares
o Car accidents
Though these are sometimes situations that should be avoided because they could affect the health of the mother or a later-term pregnancy, these are NOT common causes for miscarriage.
The risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced, to less than 4%, after a heartbeat is heard or identified on ultrasound. When fetal heart motion is seen a pregnancy is considered viable or more likely to continue to develop.
Typically the earliest an ultrasound can detect the developing fetus and a heartbeat is around 6 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.
Recurrent miscarriage is considered to be three or more and will affect 1% of women who conceive. About 60-75% of women who have had recurrent miscarriages will have a successful pregnancy.
There is often a sense of loss and disappointment associated with pregnancy loss but it is reassuring to know that the chances of having a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage are very good.
