I just found out that I’m pregnant. What should I do?
Pregnancy is a life-changing event that can produce a lot of different emotions.
Some women welcome pregnancy with excitement. However, it is normal for many women to feel shocked or overwhelmed.
Whether you’re looking forward to growing a family or unsure if parenting is right for you, there are common tips for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
Keep reading to learn five helpful tips to navigate this surprise situation.
Dealing With an Unplanned Pregnancy Tips
1. Identify Your Options
The first thing you need to understand after you learn about an unplanned pregnancy is that you have options.
You don’t have to make a decision right now, nor should you be rushed into making a decision. But, knowing your options will help you make a decision.
There are three primary options when it comes to dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Below, we’re going to break them down for you.
Let’s briefly go over your three options.
- Parenting can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Mothers make sacrifices for their children every day because babies require a lot of time, energy, and resources. Think carefully about how parenting will impact your daily life and your future to determine if it is the best option for you right now.
- Abortion is a very personal decision. Many people feel it is not morally right to terminate a pregnancy, while others do not feel they can carry the baby for the full term. No matter your stance, know that abortion can be a very emotional process.
- Last but not least, you can choose to place your baby for adoption. If you do not want to become a parent, but you know abortion is not right for you, adoption may be the best option. In the end, though, adoption is your choice. If you are not married, you do not need the father’s consent to place your baby for adoption, nor do you need parental consent if you are under eighteen.
2. Talk to Someone You Trust
Talking with a trusted family member or friend about your pregnancy can be a great comfort to you.
In the beginning, try to talk with someone who will understand your situation. You won’t benefit from talking with someone who would get angry, upset, or try to persuade you to make a decision you don’t want to make.
A trusted friend can support you through this situation. This person can help protect you if you feel unsafe telling your family or the baby’s father.
If you don’t have anyone you feel comfortable talking to about your situation, consider talking to a counselor about your situation.
3. Find a Healthy Coping Strategy
An unplanned pregnancy can come as a shock. The last thing you want to do is make a rushed and uneducated decision.
Find a healthy coping strategy to help you deal with your overwhelming feelings and thoughts.
Many women seek out birth mother support groups to learn from other’s experiences. In these settings, women share stories about their pregnancy and the decision-making process.
Others may seek the solace of journaling, meditation, or physical activity.
If you don’t feel that you can cope, it is recommended that you seek professional help.
4. Face Your Doubts
As said before, pregnancy is a life-changing situation!
Whichever decision that you choose may alter your goals, viewpoint, and more. That being said, it’s normal to have doubts about whether or not you’re making the right decision.
Though these initial doubts can be overwhelming, don’t allow these feelings to push you into making a hasty decision. Acknowledge your feelings about the situation, but don’t let fear make your decision for you.
Talking with a professional may help you eradicate your fears about your decision and face the future with confidence.
5. Trust Your Gut
It’s important to be practical.
You will want to analyze your financial situation, housing accommodations, plans for the future, and more. However, it’s also important to trust your gut. Don’t let finances be the determining factor in what happens to your baby. There are financial options for every option.
For a moment, set aside other people’s opinions, your education, your job, and outside issues. Think about what you want. Picture yourself taking care of your baby, going about your daily life with a little person in your arms. Think about what it will be like to give birth in a hospital and send your baby home with another family. How will an abortion make you feel?
Deep down, chances are you know what you want to do with your pregnancy. Trust your gut, and do what you know is best for you and your baby.
Talk to a Professional
Texas Adoption Center is a local adoption center in Texas. They are a professional agency that is down to earth, caring, and dedicated to your happiness and well being.
Are you considering adoption or are simply unsure of what you should do?
Texas Adoption Center’s goal is to empower you to make the choices that are best for you.
If you would like to learn more about your options, learn about the adoption process, or need support during this overwhelming time in your life, contact Texas Adoption Center today.
Give us a call at 512-893-7943, or fill out a contact form for more information.
