If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you might be in panic mode trying to figure out your next steps. We know this can be a tough time, especially if becoming a parent might not have been part of your plan right now, but our team is here to support you.
What Should I Do After Getting A Positive Pregnancy Test?
If you just took a pregnancy test and got a positive result, you can make a free appointment at our clinic to verify your pregnancy. However, sometimes tests can give false results, and not all pregnancies are viable, so verification is essential. Usually, it takes 14 weeks of pregnancy before you can see an OB, but we can provide a diagnostic ultrasound as soon as 6 weeks.
Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, you might want to start telling your partner and family. While this can be a difficult conversation, having support will help when the baby is born. They might not know how to handle the news right away, but give it time! This is a big change for you and everyone in your life, so they might need a little space and time to adjust.
Once your pregnancy is confirmed and you have told your loved ones, finding an obstetrician is a next step to ensure a healthy pregnancy. We can help you find the right doctor and give you a referral for OB offices throughout Central and Western MA. Your OB will monitor the baby’s growth, heart rate, and health. If you don’t already have insurance, state options will help you, and our team can help connect you with the right resources for continued care.
The important thing to note is that you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Take it one step at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself. If you need help finding insurance or assistance for your family, we can help you find local resources for things like prenatal education, food assistance, housing for pregnant women, baby clothes, and diapers.
What If I am Not Ready To Become A Parent?
Suppose you feel like you are not ready to become a parent. In that case, you do have other options like adoption and legal guardianship, so understanding your available choices will help you make the best decision for you and your baby. Just know that you don’t have to decide right now. It can be scary to call an adoption agency on your own, so our team is more than happy to educate you on the process, provide referrals to adoption agencies, and since we are not an adoption agency, we can offer information without you feeling pressured about your choice.
Try to allow yourself time to process everything that is happening and get support if you need it. We are happy to speak with you and help you explore the many options available, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.