Living in a rural community has many perks, but it can also make accessing resources challenging, especially for those facing an unplanned pregnancy. Below are strategies to help you find pregnancy resources in rural areas and access pregnancy support remotely, even when options seem limited.
Explore Virtual Pregnancy Support Options
In a post-Covid world, many non-profit organizations and government agencies have added virtual options to their offerings. This may allow you to access the pregnancy support you need without making a trip to a nearby city. Sometimes this means you can make phone calls, video calls, or less frequent appointments to get assistance. Other options may include filling out paperwork online or having a packet mailed to you. When speaking with the agency or organization, explain your situation and that you can’t easily access the services you need. They should be willing to find a way to “meet in the middle” and work to find a solution that works for you.
Telehealth Services from Pregnancy Centers
Pregnancy centers are often willing to do paperwork, parenting classes, options information, and sometimes even medical consultations over the phone. If you’re enrolled in parenting help, you can often limit your in-person visits to shopping/picking up baby items and ultrasounds/STD testing.
Combine Appointments to Minimize Travel
If you have a vehicle or access to one, try to schedule all of your appointments in a nearby city on the same day. This will save you time and gas money as you’ll avoid extra trips back and forth. Start by scheduling the most important appointments first, and then work to fit the others in around those. Ask the organizations or agencies you’re working with to take the distance you travel into account and provide appointments on the days you’re already in the area.
Flexible Scheduling at Pregnancy Centers
Pregnancy centers can often be extremely flexible. If you already have an appointment in their town or city they are typically happy to accommodate you in their office on the same day.
Plan Smart and Save on Travel Expenses
While gas and wear and tear on your vehicle may be the most obvious expenses, there can be other expenses associated with driving. It can be tempting to stop for snacks, coffee, and meals. This can be fun, but it can also add up fast – especially if you’re traveling with kids. To save on these extra expenses, consider packing a lunch, snacks, and a bottle of water. The savings can add up quickly.
Pregnancy centers often have coffee, bottled water, and even snacks on hand. This can be a way to treat yourself, and your kiddos, without out-of-pocket costs.
Pregnancy Centers May Help With Travel Costs
Some organizations or agencies may be able to help you with gas money, a bus ticket, or even a special transportation service. If this is the case, you may be able to use that assistance to get into the area, handle all of your appointments, and then use it again to get home.
Some pregnancy centers may provide gas gift cards or bus passes in order for you to come to appointments. You can use this help to get you into the city/town and then take care of other appointments on the same day to save money.
Search Locally for Resources in Rural Areas
Sometimes it may be impossible to travel, or you may be so far from the nearest urban area that you truly can’t make the trip just for an appointment or other assistance. In this case, it is important to look at your community and surrounding areas to see what pregnancy resources might be available. Often, these are smaller, privately run non-profit organizations that may not have funds available for advertising. It can be harder to find them, but once you do, they can be an amazing resource for you and your family. Often, if you find one resource they can direct you to others that may work for you.
In addition to small non-profit organizations, you may find some help in local churches and religious centers. These faith-based organizations often have funds available for families who are in a time of need. Ask your pregnancy center about churches they are connected to in your area. There may even be smaller pregnancy centers closer to you that can provide help with baby items, even if they aren’t able to offer medical services like pregnancy confirmation or STD testing and treatment.
Leverage Community Strengths for Support
There can be a lot of good when living in a rural community. People know you, and you know them. People are often more willing to help someone in need because they feel personally connected to you and your situation. You may feel, and even be, safer than you would in a city or larger town. Consider the strengths in your community and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There may be more help available to you from those around you than you could receive from any formal program.
Reach Out for Support—Resources Are Closer Than You Think
No matter where you live, contact a pregnancy center near you if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, not sure what to do about your pregnancy, or struggling with providing items for your children. Even if they aren’t in your town, they may be able to help you find someplace close to you, or they might be able to help you virtually. Don’t be afraid to ask! You may be the person who inspires an organization to reach rural communities in an entirely new way.
