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Discovering I was pregnant was one of the toughest challenges I faced during my pregnancy journey. It wasn't until my 13th week of pregnancy, during a routine check-up and refill for my anemia medication, that I learned I was expecting. The news hit me like a ton of bricks, and tears became a daily occurrence.
With this discovery came a whirlwind of emotions and decisions. The first thing the doctors provided me was a referral to an abortion clinic, leaving me with just two weeks to make the life-changing decision of whether I want to keep the child or not. It felt like my entire world was crumbling around me, and I was lost, unsure of where to turn or whom to confide in. Even though I had family and friends supporting me from afar, the father of my child was absent, and I had nobody to direct me which left me to navigate this daunting journey alone.
As an international student without a designated primary care physician, I found myself at a loss when it came to understanding the healthcare system and advocating for myself. I was advised to simply take my medication and visit urgent care if any issues arose, without the guidance or support of a trusted healthcare provider.
During my second trimester, I experienced a scare when my son's movements decreased. Rushing to urgent care, I underwent various tests and examinations, including an alarming 22 vials of blood drawn and consultations with five different specialists. The diagnosis was worrisome: I was deemed to have a high-risk pregnancy due to severely low platelet counts and underlying medical conditions. The doctors informed me that I will be induced as they would like to avoid me having a c-section as I might not make it through. My doctor was very concerned as she has never seen a complex pregnancy as mine in her 15 years career, which further compounds my fears and anxieties.
Throughout the ordeal, I encountered great assistance and help, but for the most part it was resistance and dismissiveness from medical professionals, who were often unhelpful and unsupportive. Their remarks, such as "You put yourself in this position; you can handle it, We can’t help you; you have to do your own research"; only added to the immense burden I was carrying. Despite their discouragement, I persisted, conducting my own research and advocating for myself as best as I could, even though I felt utterly clueless and overwhelmed.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how fortunate I am to have made it through that experience. However, I cannot help but feel sad about the lack of knowledge and support available to me during such a critical time. It was only later that I learned about resources like the Options Pregnancy Center Lennoxville, which could have provided invaluable assistance and guidance.
My experience has taught me the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking out support, even in the face of adversity. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunity to share my story, in the hopes of sparing others from similar struggles.
Written by Daling;
Daling's experience finding out she was pregnant when she was an International Student at Bishop's University.