I just found out I'm pregnant. What are my options?
Decision-making around an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult for both a woman and her partner. Having to make a decision about what to do about an unexpected pregnancy during this emotionally charged time can be very stressful. Understanding your options can be helpful in making your decision and reducing your anxiety.
Experiencing a number of different feelings during this time is normal. Common feelings are as varied as happiness, ambivalence, astonishment, fear, anxiety, sadness, guilt and anger. Since there is no right or wrong way to feel, it is important to know your feelings count, no matter what they are.
The Duke Student Health Center provides all-options pregnancy counseling through the Office of Health Promotion. Call 681-WELL (919-681-9355) to schedule an appointment with Lindsey Bickers Bock, MPH, who can help you make your own decision about what is right for you at this point in your life. When women come for an appointment, they can bring their partner, a roommate, a friend, or anyone else they wish. Each woman gets to decide who will be a part of your decision-making process, as ultimately she is the only one who will be able to decide what choice is right for herself. Pregnancy options counseling is also available for men who are dealing with their partner's unexpected pregnancy.
The following pages provide additional resources regarding pregnancy options for women at Duke:
General information
What if I'm pregnant? Considering your options
How soon do I have to decide?
Understanding the financial costs
Contraception after pregnancy
Pregnancy counseling resources at and around Duke
Continuing a pregnancy
Parenting without a partner
Parenting with a partner
Prenatal care and delivery resources
Adoption
Considering adoption
Triangle area adoption resources
Terminating a pregnancy
Considering abortion
Understanding abortion options
Triangle area abortion facilities