1. Identify Your Options
Avoid jumping to negative conclusions after learning about an unplanned pregnancy. Understand and appreciate that you still have options and need not make rush decisions. Nevertheless, you must plan about the situation; and knowing your options ensures it is an informed one.
You have three chief options when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. It is helpful to do this calculator to time out: How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I? We shall delve a bit into your choices to help you make heads and tails of things.
i).ย ย ย You will soon be a parent, which will be a challenging and rewarding experience. As a mother, you will sacrifice your time, resources, and energy for your baby. Think through this, analyzing how parenting will change your way of life and future to determine if being a parent is the best decision presently.
ii).ย ย ย Abortion is a sensitive topic for many and is a personal decision. Some people consider it immoral, while in some instances, terminating a pregnancy is a life-and-death decision for others. Whatever your stand on the matter, understand that abortion will be an emotional rollercoaster.
iii).ย ย ย You can opt to carry the pregnancy to full term and give your baby up for adoption if you feel you are not ready to be a parent and adoption is out of the question. It is an option that offers a sensible solution, especially if you are not married, the babyโs father is absent, you do not need his consent, or you are underage (which also does not require your parentโs consent).
2. Talk To Someone You Trust
Opening up to your friend or trusted family member can be comforting. It must be someone who understands and sympathizes with your situation instead of someone who will be upset, angry, and disappointed with you, trying to persuade you to make a rushed decision about the pregnancy.
A trusted person can provide the support you need, shielding you against doubt and helping you feel safe about informing the babyโs father and your family about the unplanned pregnancy. Conversely, you can talk to a counselor if you do not have anyone to consult about your situation.
3. Find A Healthy Coping Strategy
An unplanned pregnancy can be shocking and uneducated; rushed decisions about what next is the last thing you want to do. It is better to find a healthy coping strategy. A way to deal with the wave of emotions occasioned by overwhelming thoughts and feelings.ย
Women in such predicaments are advised to seek out birth mother support groups. They will find others who have gone through similar situations and learn from their experiences. Such settings can help you make a wise decision about an unplanned pregnancy.
You can also find solace in meditation, yoga, and journaling. Get professional help if you feel none of these options can help your cope.
4. Face Your Doubts
Pregnancy changes many aspects of your life, and any decision will impact your viewpoint, goals, and more. Nonetheless, doubting if you are making the best choices about the situation is normal. And while the initial doubts might be overwhelming, do not allow them to make you reach hasty decisions.ย
It is best to acknowledge your feelings without fearing that you will make the wrong decision. Consider consulting a professional or talking to a friend or relative you are confident will help you overcome your fears and have a positive outlook on the future.
5. Trust Your Gut
Review your financial situation, relationship, housing, future, and more, and have a realistic view of everything. Most importantly, trust your gut. Do not let your finances make you doubt yourself and fear you will not be a good parent. It should not define you and the babyโs happiness because every option has financial options.
Take the time to sit back and set aside outside issues, stresses from your job, your education, and other peopleโs opinions. Instead, reflect upon what you want, contemplating how you will care for your baby. How will your daily life be with the little bundle of joy in your arms? Will abortion be the best option? Will you be able to stomach seeing your baby go home with another family after everything you have gone through?
Ultimately, you must figure out what to do with the unplanned pregnancy. Do not second-guess yourself too much; trust your gut. It all boils down to you and what you consider best for you and your baby.
