Finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant in your second trimester can be shocking, but this can happen to some women and is also known as a cryptic pregnancy. This can happen if you are not experiencing typical symptoms, have irregular periods, or receive a false-negative pregnancy test.
You may have also known you were pregnant, and your circumstances have changed. Whatever the reason, taking time to step back and learn about your second-trimester pregnancy options free of pressure is an important next step.
FirstLook is here to help if you need support in getting no-cost pregnancy services, such as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, as well as confidential appointments where we will give you factual information concerning your options.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Schedule your confidential appointment today.
Understanding The Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is when you are between 13 and 27 weeks, and you will start to see physical and hormonal changes in your body as the pregnancy develops. During this trimester, the fetus starts to resemble a newborn, and you may begin to feel fetal movement.
It’s important to note that the abortion pill is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Using these drugs in the second trimester could pose serious health risks, especially if taken without medical supervision.
Abortion Laws In Texas Concerning The Second Trimester
In Texas, abortion is currently banned under the Texas Health & Safety Code (Chapter 170A) and Texas Constitution and Statutes, except to preserve the life of the mother. This does not affect care for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies. It is illegal to ship abortion inducing drugs into the state of Texas. A woman who obtains an abortion cannot be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.
As pregnancy progresses, the abortion options available throughout the U.S. vary depending on how far along you are. Confirming key pregnancy details and gestational age through an ultrasound is an important step for understanding your situation more clearly, so don’t skip it even if you are considering traveling outside of Texas.
Your Available Pregnancy Options
In Waxahachie, the options available in the second trimester of pregnancy are generally parenting and adoption.
Parenting
Parenting can be an overwhelming decision if you are having an unexpected pregnancy and don’t feel you are in the right stage of life to have a child financially, or perhaps you want to graduate or are having relationship issues.
We understand these concerns, and we offer support to help you navigate them. At FirstLook, we are a community partner with Medicaid. This means that we can help you apply for or manage your benefits online. These benefits can provide financial and medical support.
We also offer community referrals for needs such as housing, material items, and more.
Deciding to parent is not an easy choice and comes with challenges, but it also comes with great rewards. All of our parenting resources are provided free of charge to support you along this journey.
Adoption
Adoption is another option women consider. The reasons you decide to choose adoption are deeply personal to you, but open adoption* can mean you still have a relationship with your child and their adoptive family if you wish.
There are also two other types of adoption. Semi-closed is where you communicate through a third party, and closed is where you remain anonymous and have no communication.
Adoption can be emotionally complex, but support is provided throughout the process, all at no cost to the birth parent.
Get The Support You Need At FirstLook
We understand how overwhelming it can feel if you are unsure what to do next, but taking time to learn about each option and the considerations and risks that come with them will help you make an informed decision.
You don’t have to feel alone throughout this journey. Whether you feel like you aren’t ready to have a child or you want to learn more about parenting, we are here to answer your questions and connect you with any resources you need.
Make your confidential appointment today and get the support you deserve.
*Open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in the state of Texas.