Pregnancy counseling: what is it?

[ad_1]

Pregnancy counseling is a service offered to women who believe they are pregnant. Typically, counseling includes a pregnancy test to confirm that the woman is pregnant, along with a discussion session to discuss the woman’s pregnancy and options. This vital service is offered by a number of organisations, often on a walk-in basis, and is also available via hotline.

If a woman believes she is pregnant, the experience can be exciting or traumatic. For women who are trying to have a child, the discovery is usually followed by a doctor’s appointment to confirm the happy diagnosis and begin prenatal care. However, in the event of an unexpected pregnancy, a woman may be uncertain where to get help for antenatal care and other services, or she may simply be emotionally distressed. Pregnancy counseling offered by a reputable organization will help reduce her fears and outline her options.

For a low-income woman who knows she wants to keep her child, pregnancy counseling can help her get the help she needs. A counselor can provide information about programs to help low-income pregnant women pay for prenatal care and the cost of giving birth. These programs often include food stamps and housing vouchers as well as assistance with medical expenses. After a pregnancy counseling session, a woman will be armed with information about where to go and what to do next, and the counselor will sometimes accompany her as she seeks assistance.

If a woman isn’t sure what she wants to do, pregnancy counseling gives her an opportunity to discuss the situation without judgement. A pregnancy counselor can talk about various options, ideally without pushing one over the other. If a woman feels she is not ready to keep a baby, pregnancy counseling can provide her with options, such as adoption or abortion. In some cases, pregnancy counseling is needed before a doctor performs an abortion, to ensure that the woman is making the choice on her own, without undue pressure from someone else, and that the choice is best for her.

Pregnancy counseling typically also includes information about family planning and postpartum or abortion care. The idea is to take care of pregnant women and support their decisions in a neutral and healthy environment. If you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, you can seek out pregnancy counseling centers in your area. Keep in mind that many anti-abortion groups set up fake “pregnancy counseling” centers that send an anti-abortion message to women seeking help there. If you’re looking for more comprehensive information, you may want to seek pregnancy counseling through an organization like NARAL, the National Organization for Women, or Planned Parenthood.

[ad_2]