The following questions can help you become clear about your own thoughts and feelings regarding pregnancy. They have been adapted from a pamphlet written by Terry Beresford (© 2001 National Abortion Federation).
How do you feel about being pregnant?
Perhaps you planned to get pregnant, in which case you’re probably excited about the news. However, if the pregnancy is unintended, it is common to have mixed or conflicting feelings. Take some time to write down all the different feelings you are experiencing.
What are your plans and dreams?
- What are two or three things that matter most to you in your life right now?
- What are two or three things that you hope to have or achieve in the next 5 – 10 years?
- In order to have or achieve those things:
- How would becoming a parent help?
- How would adoption help?
- How would abortion help?
- What would you have to lose or give up right now:
- If you became a parent?
- If you arrange for an adoption?
- If you have an abortion?
- What would you lose or give up in the next 5 – 10 years:
- If you become a parent?
- If you arrange or an adoption?
- If you have an abortion?
- How much money would it cost you:
- To become a parent?
- To arrange for an adoption?
- To have an abortion?
- In order to have or achieve those things:
What resources/supports do you have?
Coping with pregnancy – intended or unintended – and making choices that feel good can be very challenging. Take some time to think about the resources that are available for support. Consider your emotional needs and think about people in your life who will listen and talk things through with you. Maybe it’s a partner, a friend, a family member, a counselor, a social worker, or a health care professional. Think about your material resources such as housing, employment benefits, income, transportation, etc.
Here is a list of community resources in HRM:
| Halifax Sexual Health Centre | 902-455-9656 Ext. 0 | Pregnancy options counselling, referrals for pre-natal care, adoption, and abortions |
| Department of Community Services | 902-425-5420 | Assistance with adoption and parenting |
| Nova Scotia Health Authority | 902-481-5868 | Pre-natal classes |
| Chebucto Family Centre | 902-479-3031 | Support for pregnancy (pre-natal classes, doula program), parenting, and more |
Fertility Awareness
Fertility awareness is a prediction of when an individual is ovulating to achieve a higher chance for pregnancy. It uses body signs and signals, such as higher body temperature, during menstruation which causes the ovaries to release an egg.
The calendar method, also known as the rhythm method, uses a monthly tracking system to track when a person is on their period, for how long, how heavy/painful it is, and when they ovulate.
While fertility awareness websites often talk about the calendar method as a fertility aid, if you are not planning on becoming pregnant, it is best that you should still use other birth control options such as condoms, IUDs, etc.
There are also great mobile/computer apps that help you track your menstrual cycle and can also help with fertility tracking. You can book an appointment with our nurses to discuss further options and referrals for using the calendar method for both increased fertility and birth control.
Pre-Natal Care Referrals
If you’re pregnant and looking to continue your pregnancy, our clinic can point you in the right direction to access the best care. Our doctors are able to refer you to an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist (also known as OB/GYN, OBG, O&G or Obs & Gynae) at the IWK Pre-Natal Clinic.