Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, feeling self-conscious is natural. However, there is a difference between hiding a pregnancy and ending one. Do you feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid? 

If you are afraid to reveal your pregnancy out of fear of what might happen, you need to get to a safe space. If you’re feeling embarrassed or concerned that you will disappoint someone, let’s talk about your options. 

There is a solution, and the team at Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic can help you. Call, stop by, or get the attention you need by scheduling an appointment at the location nearest you.

Confirm Your Pregnancy First

A simple over-the-counter pregnancy test may not be enough information to confirm you are actually pregnant. There’s more to know.

At Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic, we can help you find out more about your pregnancy in two steps: no-cost pregnancy testing and a no-cost limited obstetric ultrasound if your test is positive.

You may wonder why you need an additional test and an ultrasound if you are considering an abortion. There are three things an ultrasound confirms:

• If the pregnancy is developing or if you have miscarried. The Mayo Clinic reports that 10 to 20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, though the percentage is likely higher. You can get a positive pregnancy test result for days or even weeks after a miscarriage.
• You’ll learn how far along you are in your pregnancy. The number of weeks makes a difference when it comes to abortion procedures. 
• Finding out the pregnancy’s location. Some pregnancies, known as ectopic, form outside the uterus and can be life-threatening.

Understanding Why You Want to Hide Your Pregnancy

If you are afraid because you are pregnant, help is available. If someone is abusive, we encourage you to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) for 24/7 support. 

Research indicates that abuse often increases when a partner discovers a pregnancy. Don’t live in fear. Call the hotline. Or you can speak confidentially to one of our caring team members.

Hiding your pregnancy because you are ashamed or embarrassed is a natural response to an unexpected pregnancy. You may be concerned about disappointing your parents or worry that your partner will leave you. 

You have options. Abortion is one choice, but it is not your only option. Abortion comes with potentially serious physical and emotional consequences. Although Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic does not perform or refer for abortion, we’re not afraid to talk about it. Get medically based facts from us before you choose this option.

You could consider placing your child for adoption if you feel you won’t have the support of your parents or partner. Making an adoption plan can be emotionally challenging, but today’s process lets the expectant mother or birth mother make all of the decisions. We are not a licensed child-placing facility, but we can refer you to reputable local adoption coordinators.

Parenting is another option. Just because you weren’t planning to become pregnant doesn’t mean it’s impossible to become a successful parent. We’ll help you. We have many resources available to assist you.

Start With Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic

Whether you’re ashamed or afraid, let the caring team at Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic help you. Talk with us about your situation in a safe, non-judgmental space. We’re here for you.

Call the location nearest you to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment or conveniently schedule your appointment online. We look forward to assisting you.

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic does not perform or refer for abortion.