18 Aug What Emotions Can Waiting for Pregnancy Test Results Cause?
It only takes a few minutes to receive your pregnancy test results, but those few moments can feel like an eternity, especially if you’re hoping for a specific outcome. Emotions like anxiety, fear, hope, or dread can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach. Still, they also reveal a lot about how you’re processing the possibility of being pregnant.
At Lighthouse, we’ll walk alongside you at every step. Schedule a no-cost appointment today to receive pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to medically confirm your pregnancy, determine critical details, and get answers to your questions.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn what emotions you might experience during this time.
What Your Emotions Reveal
The way you feel while waiting for the results can offer clues about what a potential pregnancy means to you:
- Excited: If you feel anticipation or joy, it could be a sign that you’re ready to welcome a new possibility, even if you hadn’t planned on it.
- Embarrassed: Feeling nervous about others finding out may show you’re worried about judgment or expectations.
- Hopeful: Hoping for a positive result could mean you’re ready to start or expand your family, even if you hadn’t realized that before.
- Confused: Mixed emotions often mean you’re unsure what you want or that you need more information before deciding. It may also signal a conflict between what you want and your perception of how other people may feel or think about you.
Whatever you feel is normal. Waiting often brings emotions to the surface, but those feelings don’t have to define your next steps. Sometimes, finding a way to distract yourself can help you manage those emotions while you wait.
Simple Distractions While Waiting for Results
If the wait feels overwhelming, here are a few easy things you can do to take your mind off the clock:
- Listen to music: You can pick your favorite song or have your music app make a selection for you.
- Go for a quick walk: Moving your body can help release energy and emotions, and a quick walk around the block will give you time for the results to come in, catch your breath, and get ready to see them.
- Watch a funny video: Sometimes social media can be a black hole, leaving you wondering where the last hour went. But in moments like this, it can provide the perfect distraction.
- Make a to-do list for groceries or cleaning: Use the time productively to jot down a to-do list for later or a grocery list. Add a splurge item to your list while you’re at it!
- Tidy up your kitchen or another small space: Empty or load the dishwasher, wipe down the counter, or wash dishes in the sink to productively pass the time.
Even a small task can shorten the minutes and give you a sense of control when you feel you’re lacking it.
And now it’s time to check your results. Ready?
Taking Your Next Steps
If your test came back negative, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Are you relieved? Disappointed? Maybe a mixture of both? These feelings can be clues as you navigate your life plans and help shape your relationships, career, and future decisions.
If your test came back positive and you aren’t sure how you feel, the next best step is to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. This scan is helpful whether you’re thinking about continuing the pregnancy or getting an abortion, because an ultrasound can tell you how far along you are (vital if you’re considering methods like medical abortion), confirm whether the pregnancy is viable, and rule out health concerns like ectopic pregnancy. This information will help you understand your options and make the right decision for you.
At Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer no-cost and confidential pregnancy confirmation services (including ultrasounds) and a safe, supportive environment to discuss your questions. We can even help you process your emotions and develop a plan for moving forward with confidence.
Schedule your no-cost appointment at our location closest to you today.
Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.