Pregnancy options counseling
Encyclopedia
Pregnancy options counseling is a type of psychological counseling that occurs when a client comes in due to her stress and fears of pregnancy
, usually an unwanted pregnancy. This type of counseling provides information and support for a pregnant woman who is considering choices regarding the continuation of her pregnancy. The medical professional gives the patient the option plans non-judgmentally or without bias. The options may included continuing the pregnancy, either in self parenting
or giving the infant up for adoption, and termination (abortion
). These counselors are confidential and professional so it does not affect the decision of the patient. Counselors require up-to-date knowledge of local and national laws governing woman's pregnancy choices, especially concerning adolescents and their rights to make such decisions.
Another reason patients seek pregnancy options counseling is it provides resources and confidentiality of the event that is occurring. The counselor will provide medically accurate and factual information on prenatal care
, adoption and abortion. The counselor will also provide the patient with names of hospitals and clinics that are near them as well as contact numbers that will help when the patient is feeling depressed or scared. See psychiatric disorders of childbirth
and postpartum depression
.
Policy and position statements regarding pregnancy options counseling and reproductive health exist for the following professional organizations:
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
, usually an unwanted pregnancy. This type of counseling provides information and support for a pregnant woman who is considering choices regarding the continuation of her pregnancy. The medical professional gives the patient the option plans non-judgmentally or without bias. The options may included continuing the pregnancy, either in self parenting
Parenting
Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood...
or giving the infant up for adoption, and termination (abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
). These counselors are confidential and professional so it does not affect the decision of the patient. Counselors require up-to-date knowledge of local and national laws governing woman's pregnancy choices, especially concerning adolescents and their rights to make such decisions.
Another reason patients seek pregnancy options counseling is it provides resources and confidentiality of the event that is occurring. The counselor will provide medically accurate and factual information on prenatal care
Prenatal care
Prenatal care refers to the medical and nursing care recommended for women before and during pregnancy. The aim of good prenatal care is to detect any potential problems early, to prevent them if possible , and to direct the woman to appropriate specialists, hospitals, etc...
, adoption and abortion. The counselor will also provide the patient with names of hospitals and clinics that are near them as well as contact numbers that will help when the patient is feeling depressed or scared. See psychiatric disorders of childbirth
Psychiatric disorders of childbirth
This entry covers the complications of childbirth itself, not those of pregnancy or the postpartum period. Even with modern obstetrics and pain control, childbirth is still an ordeal for many...
and postpartum depression
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression , also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, typically after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual...
.
Policy and position statements regarding pregnancy options counseling and reproductive health exist for the following professional organizations:
- American Academy of Family PhysiciansAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansThe American Academy of Family Physicians was founded in 1947 to promote the science and art of family medicine. It is one of the largest medical organizations in the United States, with over 100,000 members...
(AAFP): Reproductive Decisions - American Academy of PediatricsAmerican Academy of PediatricsThe American Academy of Pediatrics is the major professional association of pediatricians in the United States. The AAP was founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians to address pediatric healthcare standards. It currently has 60,000 members in primary care and sub-specialist areas...
(AAP): Counseling the Adolescent about Pregnancy Options - Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal NursesAssociation of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal NursesThe Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is a 5013 nonprofit membership organization. The stated purpose of AWHONN is to promote the health of women and newborns.-History:...
(AWHONN): Health Care Decision Making for Reproductive Care - American Medical Women's AssociationAmerican Medical Women's AssociationThe American Medical Women's Association is a professional advocacy and educational organization of women physicians and medical students. Founded in 1915 by Bertha VanHoosen, the AMWA works to advance women in medicine and to serve as a voice for women's health...
(AMWA): Abortion & Access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health Services
See also
- Abortion and mental healthAbortion and mental healthThe relationship between induced abortion and mental health is an area of political controversy. The issue has been part of the political debate over abortion, dating to 1988 when U.S. President Ronald Reagan directed Surgeon General C...
- Crisis pregnancy centerCrisis pregnancy centerA crisis pregnancy center , sometimes called a pregnancy resource center , is a non-profit organization established to counsel pregnant women against having an abortion....
- List of counseling topics