An unplanned pregnancy can bring a lot of uncertainty. When your partner is abusive, you may be dealing with another layer of fear and stress that can make everything feel harder.
You may be wondering how to protect yourself, where you can turn for support, or how your situation may affect your pregnancy. You may also be unsure whether what you are experiencing is actually abuse.
La Luz Women’s Center is here for you. We provide a supportive place to ask questions, talk through your concerns, and learn more about your pregnancy with our no-cost services.
You are not alone. Make an appointment today to get the support you need.
Understanding What Abuse Can Look Like
Abuse is not always physical. An abusive partner may use different behaviors to control, intimidate, or frighten you.
This could include physically hurting you, controlling you, threatening you, monitoring you, or pressuring you to make decisions about your pregnancy.
You do not have to wait until abuse becomes physical to take your concerns seriously. If your partner’s behavior makes you feel afraid, controlled, or unsafe, you deserve support. Stress from abuse can affect both your physical and mental health during pregnancy.
Your Safety Is a Priority
If you are in immediate danger, seek emergency help right away by calling 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers confidential help with safety planning and local resources. Call 800-799-7233 to be connected to 24/7 support, or you can text START to 88788.
If it is safe to do so, consider thinking about who you could contact or where you could go if you needed help quickly. This might include a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, healthcare provider, or domestic violence organization.
If your partner monitors your phone or internet use, be mindful when searching for help or contacting support. You may want to use a device he cannot access, or you can reach out when you are away from him.
Protect Your Physical Health
If your partner has physically hurt you or you are experiencing pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms during pregnancy, seek medical care promptly. It is also important to receive appropriate pregnancy care so you can understand how your pregnancy is developing.
If you have received a positive pregnancy test but have not yet confirmed your pregnancy, an ultrasound is your next step. This scan provides additional information, including how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, and whether there are signs that the pregnancy is developing.
These details can help you better understand your pregnancy and detect certain conditions requiring medical treatment. La Luz Women’s Center offers no-cost limited ultrasounds, and all ultrasounds are reviewed by a licensed OB/GYN.
Seek Healthy Support
Abuse can make you feel isolated, especially if your partner has tried to separate you from friends, family, or other sources of support.
Consider talking with someone you trust who will listen to you without judging or pressuring you. This could be a friend, family member, counselor, healthcare provider, or the advocates at our center.
We won’t judge or tell you what to do. Our center is your safe and private space to learn about your pregnancy. You deserve support from people who respect your safety, your feelings, and your ability to make decisions about your own life.
We Are Here for You
You do not have to navigate this pregnancy alone. At La Luz Women’s Center, we provide no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and a supportive place where you can ask questions and learn about your options.
We can provide no-cost parenting classes, material support through our Earn While You Learn program, and connections to community partners if you need help with housing, medical care, and more.
Schedule your appointment to get the care you deserve.
La Luz Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
