High School Pregnancy: First Steps and Options

The life of a teenager isn't easy. Between juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social relationships, it's a lot to handle by itself. Then all of a sudden you think you might be pregnant; the pressure can become overwhelming. An unexpected pregnancy can seem like the end of the world, leaving you feeling alone and afraid, and unsure of what to do next. But we are here to help!

What do I do if I'm pregnant?

If you think you're pregnant, the first thing to do is confirm the pregnancy. The best way to do that is by taking a reliable pregnancy test. While an at-home test is a good start, they are sometimes inaccurate and may not be affordable to you if you don't have money available. Fortunately, Crossroads Resource Center offers pregnancy testing at no cost to our clients. Our tests are lab-quality, meaning they are highly accurate, so you can be confident in the results they provide to you!

If a pregnancy test comes up positive, you may also want to have an ultrasound. At Crossroads, we offer limited obstetrical ultrasounds that can not only further confirm a pregnancy but may also be able to provide information on how far along the pregnancy is and the viability of the pregnancy.

My pregnancy is confirmed. What are my options?

Although many young women may think that abortion is their only option to move forward with their education and future goals, it's important to be informed of all of your options before making a decision. When dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, there are typically 3 options to consider:

Parenting: It's completely normal to feel scared or uneasy in this situation, but you should know that parenthood does not mean that your own life is over. There are many teenagers that have made the choice to parent and have still moved forward with their educational goals. There are several resources that support teen parents in our community.

Adoption: If parenthood just isn't an option you're ready for, that's okay. Another viable option for you is adoption. Making this choice is never easy, but if adoption is something you're considering, or would like to learn more about we'd be happy to connect with you and discuss any questions you might have.

Abortion: While abortion might seem like the simplest way out of this situation, it's important to educate yourself on the associated medical, mental, and emotional risks before making any decisions. If you'd like to learn more about these risks and consequences, please feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to make sure you are educated and ready to make the best decision for yourself!

It's important to have someone to talk to during this difficult decision-making process, and we are here for you. You don't need to feel pressure or obligation when speaking with us - just know that our support is always available should you need it!