A positive pregnancy test can bring a lot of questions.
Maybe you were hoping for this. Maybe you weren’t. Maybe you’re not sure what you want yet.
If you’re searching for pregnancy options after a positive pregnancy test, start here:
You don’t have to figure everything out today.
Before you make a decision, take a breath. Get the information you need. Ask questions.
You have options. And you don’t have to figure them out alone.
You Don’t Have to Decide Before You Have Information
When you find out you’re pregnant, it can feel like you need to make a decision immediately.
You don’t.
One of the best places to start is by understanding what’s happening with your pregnancy and learning about your options.
You may want to know:
- How far along am I?
- Where is the pregnancy located?
- Is the pregnancy developing?
- What are my pregnancy options?
- What would each option look like for me?
- What questions should I be asking?
Learning is not the same as deciding.
You can ask questions about an option without choosing it.
What Should I Know About My Pregnancy First?
An ultrasound can provide important information about a pregnancy, including an estimate of how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and whether the pregnancy is developing.
Knowing these details can help you better understand your situation and ask informed questions about your pregnancy options.
An ultrasound isn’t a decision.
It’s information.
Community Pregnancy Center offers no-cost first-trimester ultrasounds to eligible patients.
What Are My Pregnancy Options?
If you’re wondering what your options are after a positive pregnancy test, there are three pregnancy options to consider:
Parenting. Adoption. Abortion.
Every pregnancy and every woman’s circumstances are different. There isn’t one answer that fits everyone.
Here’s a basic look at each option.
Parenting
Parenting means continuing your pregnancy and raising your child.
You may already have children, or this may be your first pregnancy. You may feel excited about parenting, overwhelmed by the idea, or somewhere in between.
Questions you might consider include:
- What would parenting look like for me right now?
- Who could support me?
- How would this affect school or work?
- What financial resources are available?
- What kind of support would I need during pregnancy and after birth?
If you’re considering parenting, getting support early can help you understand what resources may be available.
Adoption
Adoption means continuing your pregnancy and making an adoption plan for your child.
There are different types of adoption and different ways an adoption plan can be created. Depending on the situation, you may have choices about the type of adoption, the adoptive family, and the level of contact after placement.
You can learn about adoption without deciding that adoption is right for you.
Questions you might ask include:
- What does the adoption process look like?
- What choices would I have?
- What types of adoption are available?
- Can I choose the adoptive family?
- What kind of support would I have during pregnancy?
Abortion
Abortion ends a pregnancy.
The type of abortion available can depend on factors such as how far along the pregnancy is and your individual health circumstances.
If you’re considering abortion, you may have questions about how it works, timing, risks, side effects, and what to expect.
It’s okay to ask those questions.
Before making a decision, it can also be helpful to understand how far along the pregnancy is and where it is located.
Getting information about abortion doesn’t mean you’ve decided to have one.
You can learn about an option before deciding whether it is right for you.
What Questions Should I Ask?
You don’t need to have the perfect list of questions.
Start with the ones that matter most to you.
You might ask:
- What are all of my pregnancy options?
- How far along am I?
- What would each option involve?
- What are the costs?
- What kind of support would I have?
- How would this affect school or work?
- What would this mean for my relationships?
- What questions should I ask a healthcare provider?
- What do I need to decide now, and what can wait?
Write your questions down.
Bring someone you trust if that would make you feel more comfortable.
And give yourself permission to say:
“I need more information.”
What Matters Most in Your Situation?
Knowing your pregnancy options is only part of the decision.
Your circumstances matter, too.
Maybe you’re worried about money.
Maybe you’re in school.
Maybe your relationship is complicated.
Maybe your family won’t support your decision.
Maybe you’re already parenting.
Maybe you’re excited about the pregnancy but scared about what comes next.
Maybe you’re not sure how you feel at all.
These things can affect how you think about your options.
It’s okay to talk about those concerns.
Try asking yourself:
- What do I want my life to look like?
- Who can I trust for support?
- What am I most worried about right now?
- What information would help me feel more confident about my decision?
There may not be an easy answer.
That’s okay.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you’re looking for pregnancy options after a positive pregnancy test, you don’t have to sort through everything by yourself.
The important thing is finding someone who will listen, provide accurate information, and respect that this is your decision.
At Community Pregnancy Center, you can talk with someone about your pregnancy, ask questions, learn about your options, and find out what support may be available.
No pressure. Just a place to start.
What’s Your Next Step?
You don’t have to decide everything today.
Your next step can simply be getting more information.
You could:
- Confirm your pregnancy information.
- Learn about your pregnancy options.
- Write down your questions.
- Talk with someone you trust.
- Get the support you need to take your next step.
You don’t need to know your final answer before you start asking questions.
Learning is not the same as deciding.
You Have Options. We’re Here.
If you’re facing a positive pregnancy test and don’t know what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Community Pregnancy Center offers no-cost pregnancy testing, eligible first-trimester ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and support.
Get answers before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Options
What Are My Pregnancy Options After a Positive Pregnancy Test?
After a positive pregnancy test, you have three pregnancy options to consider: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Learning about each option can help you understand what may be right for your situation.
How Do I Decide What to Do If I'm Pregnant?
Start by getting accurate information about your pregnancy and learning about your options. Consider your health, relationships, finances, school or work, support system, and what you want for your future. You don’t have to make the decision alone.
Should I Get an Ultrasound After a Positive Pregnancy Test?
An ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy, including an estimate of how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and whether the pregnancy is developing. This information can help you understand your situation and make informed decisions.
Can I Talk to Someone About My Pregnancy Options?
Yes. Talking with someone you trust can help you sort through questions and concerns.
Where Can I Find Pregnancy Options Support in Anchorage?
Community Pregnancy Center provides no-cost pregnancy testing, eligible first-trimester ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and support in Anchorage.