My husband, Mark, and I have always been organizers at heart. We tied the knot while still in our early 20s and boasted our first home soon after. Our blueprint for adult life included having children, and we followed that plan without much deviation. Both of our pregnancies happened relatively quickly, with only one hiccup along the way: I developed ovarian cysts on one side. After having that ovary removed during my first c-section, I learned I should avoid hormonal birth control for the future, as it could lead to complications on my remaining ovary. Copper IUDs made me uneasy, leaving us with limited options—condoms reminiscent of our high school days, or the classic pull-and-pray method.
In the gap between my two pregnancies, we relied on condoms. After the birth of our second child, we used them for a time, but eventually switched between condoms and the pull-and-pray technique. Having had our kids young, we weren’t ready to commit to anything permanent, so we navigated the annoyances of contraception. That is, until a few weeks ago.
We enjoy spending time with friends, often gathering for card games and casual drinks. Nothing too wild, but we appreciate the close-knit community we’ve built. At our last gathering, I let my hair down a bit more than usual, knowing neither of us would have to drive home. To be honest, I got a little tipsy.
After our friends left and the kids were tucked into bed, a somewhat tipsy discussion about the possibility of a “third baby” took a spontaneous turn. Let’s just say we didn’t adhere to the pull-and-pray rule that night.
Before you judge me for drunkenly flirting with the idea of expanding our family, let me clarify: the desire for a third child has been lingering for a while. We had a miscarriage about a year ago, which was a planned pregnancy, and this has made us hesitant to dive back into the conversation. We’ve weighed the risks—loss, sleepless nights, financial strain—but deep down, we still want another child. Just not right now.
The next morning, I woke up with the kind of hangover that makes you question your life choices. Who was I? What had I done? As flashes of the previous night came rushing back, I asked Mark, “Did we really do what I think we did?” He confirmed my fears, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I quickly checked the calendar and realized the timing could lead to a potential pregnancy.
I could list off a myriad of reasons why this wasn’t the right time for another baby, but the reality was I’d made a mistake. We live in a state where emergency contraception, commonly known as Plan B, is easily accessible at any local pharmacy. I knew what I had to do to alleviate my rising anxiety. I told Mark my decision to seek emergency contraception, and he agreed it was the best choice. A third child would be a blessing, but we simply weren’t prepared at this moment.
As I got ready to head out, I found myself overthinking every detail—from how I should look at the pharmacy to whether or not I should wear my wedding rings. I was spiraling, but I needed to focus. A quick search revealed that Plan B works primarily by preventing ovulation and doesn’t terminate an existing pregnancy; it simply stops one from occurring. This understanding eased my conscience.
Arriving at the pharmacy, I was relieved to find the emergency contraceptive right next to the condoms—no judgmental stares, just straightforward access. I grabbed a pack, along with some baby wipes, frozen vegetables, and Halloween candy—just another item on my shopping list. As I joked with the cashier about needing to separate my “special” item for HSA eligibility, she was incredibly kind, with no hint of shame or judgment.
When it was time to take the pill, I hesitated for a moment, contemplating our future. This could be the push we needed toward welcoming that third baby we’ve been discussing for years. But in the end, I knew the timing wasn’t right. I swallowed the pill with a glass of water, and relief washed over me, confirming I made the right choice.
Not every woman seeking emergency contraception fits the stereotype of being reckless or in a difficult situation. Sometimes, mistakes happen—whether it’s a night of too much wine or simply forgetting to take birth control. I felt fortunate to have acted quickly rather than spend weeks worrying about what might happen. This experience highlighted the importance of accessible emergency contraception; all women deserve this safe option to prevent unplanned pregnancies. I’m grateful to live in a time and place where such choices are available.
For more information on pregnancy resources, check out this comprehensive guide on pregnancy week by week from March of Dimes. If you’re considering your options for family planning, don’t hesitate to explore fertility boosters for men that can enhance your journey and help you along the way. And if you’re looking into the idea of at-home insemination, this 21-piece kit could provide the resources you need to start your family.
Summary:
In this candid reflection, Jessica shares her unexpected journey into the realm of emergency contraception. After a night of revelry led to a moment of poor judgment regarding family planning, she navigates the complexities of motherhood, desire, and the realities of making choices. Emphasizing the importance of accessible options for women, she highlights how easy it was to obtain emergency contraception and the relief that followed. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that mistakes can happen to anyone, and having the ability to address them is crucial for women’s health and autonomy.
Keyphrase: emergency contraception
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