Positive Pregnancy Test: What Do I Do Next?

With a positive pregnancy test, you may be excited. You may be scared. You may feel completely overwhelmed. Or you may not know how you feel yet.

Whatever you’re feeling, you don’t have to figure out your whole future today.

Your first step can simply be getting answers.

A positive home pregnancy test can be a lot to process. Before making a decision, it can help to learn more about your pregnancy.

You may want to know:

• How far along am I?
• Is the pregnancy developing?
• Where is the pregnancy located?
• What are my options?
• What would each option mean for me?

You don’t need to answer all of these questions at once.

Start with the ones that matter most to you.

If you received a positive pregnancy test, you may want to confirm the pregnancy and learn how far along you are.

An ultrasound can provide important information about a pregnancy, including:

• Gestational age: How far along the pregnancy may be
• Location: Where the pregnancy is located
• Development: Whether the pregnancy is continuing

Having this information can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening and help you understand what comes next.

If you’re pregnant, there are three main options to consider:

Parenting

• Continue the pregnancy and raise your child.
• You may already be thinking about money, school, work, housing, childcare, your relationship, or how a baby would fit into your life.
• You don’t need to have all the answers before considering parenting.

Adoption

• Continue the pregnancy and make an adoption plan.
• Adoption can look different depending on your circumstances and the type of adoption you choose.
• If you’re considering adoption, learning how the process works can help you decide whether it’s an option you want to explore.

Abortion

• End the pregnancy through medication or a procedure.
• If abortion is something you’re considering, you may have questions about the abortion pill, abortion procedures, timing, risks, side effects, and what to expect.
• Getting accurate information can help you understand what you’re considering before making a decision.

Learning about an option doesn’t mean you’ve chosen it.

You can ask questions without committing to an answer.

There isn’t a quiz that can tell you what decision to make.

Your circumstances, values, relationships, goals, and support system all matter.

You might start by asking yourself:

• What do I want my future to look like?
• What am I most worried about right now?
• What would parenting mean for my life?
• What do I want to know about adoption?
• What would abortion involve at this point in my pregnancy?
• What support would I have with each option?
• What questions do I still need answered?

You don’t have to make a decision while you’re still trying to understand your situation.

Get the information first. Then decide what’s next.

Maybe you haven’t told anyone yet.

Maybe you’re worried about your partner’s reaction.

Maybe you’re thinking about your parents, school, work, money, or your future.

A positive pregnancy test can bring up a lot of questions all at once.

You don’t have to sort through them alone.

Community Pregnancy Center provides no-cost pregnancy services and pregnancy options information in a confidential, supportive environment.

You can come with questions.

You don’t have to come with a decision.

You don’t have to solve everything today.

Your next step could simply be:

• Confirming your pregnancy
• Finding out how far along you are
• Learning about your pregnancy options
• Asking questions about parenting, adoption, or abortion
• Talking with someone you trust
• Finding support

One step at a time.

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in Anchorage, Community Pregnancy Center can help you get information about your pregnancy, learn about your options, and figure out what your next step could be.

Get answers before you decide.