If you’ve heard people talk about early pregnancy as “just a cluster of cells,” you’re not alone. That phrase shows up online, in conversations, and sometimes even in medical settings.
You may have heard people say, “Life begins at conception,” but if you’re staring at a late period, a positive test, or even just the possibility of pregnancy, that phrase can feel abstract and far away from what you’re actually going through.
If you’re staring at a positive pregnancy test and your stomach drops, it’s normal for you to think:
“I just need this to go away.”
If you’re staring at a late period, a positive test, or even just the possibility of being pregnant, your mind might be spinning with questions like:
“Is this really a pregnancy yet?”
“Is it just a ‘cluster of cells’?”
“When does life actually start?”
The calendar flipping to a new year doesn’t magically fix anything—but it does give you a chance to pause and ask an honest question:
Do I have the support I actually need?
Winter break is supposed to be all cozy blankets, family traditions, and a house that suddenly feels too small. At least, that’s the version you see online.
But your reality might look very different.
The risks associated with abortion remained elevated even after controlling for prior mental health, age, and poverty. But among women with prior mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalization was nine times more likely for those who had abortions. In contrast, among women without prior mental health issues, abortion was linked to only a 50% increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization.
The study from the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI) found that over 60% of women who had an abortion report a high level of external pressure to abort from one or more source. The study also found that these same women report higher levels of subsequent mental health and quality of life issues.
College is a place where stories, half-truths, and rumors about pregnancy are everywhere—passed around in classes, group chats, and late-night conversations. Hearing different advice from friends, social media, or even the internet can be confusing, and it’s easy for pregnancy myths to spread quickly. But when it comes to pregnancy, what you don’t know can absolutely affect your future. That’s why we’re committed to providing clarity, transparency, and support at Options for Women.
When a friend comes to you with news of an unexpected pregnancy, one of the best gifts you can offer is real unexpected pregnancy support. You might not know what to say or do, but a little care goes a long way. Here are five real ways to offer unexpected pregnancy support that truly make a difference.