Thanksgiving was over and I was excited about getting ready for the holidays. That’s when things started going downhill. My stepmother died unexpectedly. We were close and it really hit me hard. A couple short weeks later I got laid off from work. Then after the holidays I realized I hadn’t had a period. I couldn’t even remember when my last period was. I took a pregnancy test at home, but I wasn’t sure if I did it right or if I read it right. A friend told me about Women’s Center-East Dayton. She said it was a place that did free pregnancy tests and could give me information about all my options. I decided it was time to get some help so I called them and made an appointment. I had a lot of questions and concerns. What if I really was pregnant!?
I had just lost my job, I was on food stamps, how was I going to support a baby? What is everyone going to think? What is the father of the baby going to say—we really haven’t been together that long. I don’t believe in abortion, but… So much to think about!
Well, the test at the center came back positive. I was in shock! The consultant told me about all of my options which really helped me to put some things in perspective. Then the consultant said I could have a free ultrasound if I wanted. While I was waiting, I texted my girlfriend and she immediately came up to the center. The ultrasound nurse said it might be a little early to see much at 6 weeks, but I was able to hear the heart beat; I don’t understand how something so tiny can have such a powerful heart.
When I saw my friend, she asked me what I was going to do. I said, I don’t know. I almost started to cry. I just wanted to scream, how can this be happening? My friend assured me that she and all of my friends would be there for me. But, I still had to tell my boyfriend. That didn’t go well! He just freaked out and left.
Turns out he just needed some time to sort through everything. A few days later we talked and he’s all cool with it and says his mom and sister are super excited. My family is happy too and I’m doing OK. I’m glad I didn’t rush into any serious decisions without giving both of us time to think things through.
Women’s Center-East Dayton is a pregnancy resource center that offers support and solutions for unexpected pregnancies to women in the Fairborn, Beavercreek, and Riverside areas. Women’s Center-East provides women with free pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, prenatal vitamins, consulting on pregnancy decisions and an educational and material assistance program. To contact Women’s Center-East call 937-610-7777 or email info@womenscenterohio.com. You can make an appointment online by visiting www.womenscenterohio.com.
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