You weren’t expecting this. Two little lines letting you know that the pregnancy test is positive. You’re feeling so many emotions all at once. Where should you go from here?
The good news is that you aren’t alone. Did you know that nearly half of all pregnancies in the USA are unplanned? It’s natural to wonder how to cope with an unplanned pregnancy. Like any big decision, it’s important to take time to process and decide what to do.
Here are five steps that can help you come to terms with an unplanned pregnancy:
1. Allow yourself to be emotional.
It’s okay to be in shock. This isn’t something you expected or planned for. It might take a few days to accept it, and that’s okay. Give yourself time to process and take it all in. And while you’re processing, let yourself feel the emotions as they come whether it’s anger, excitement, frustration, confusion, or something else entirely. We recommend writing down how you feel, so that in a few days when the initial shock has subsided, you can review your emotions and what you still feel about the pregnancy.
2. Face your doubts.
This may not seem true, but most women regardless of whether their pregnancy was planned or unplanned, experience doubts about themselves and their ability to make a healthy pregnancy decision. It can be easy to let fears and doubts overwhelm you, but it’s important to realize that those initial thoughts and feelings are not enough to base your decision on. Acknowledge those feelings, but don’t let fear make your choice for you. Remember, you do not have to make a decision right away.
3. Educate yourself on your options. Visualize yourself in each of those options.
You have the right to know all your options. Educating yourself empowers you to make the decision that is right for you. You can learn more about your options and ask questions by scheduling an appointment with us here. You can also learn more about your options on our website by clicking here.
Now, visualize yourself in each of these options. Imagine yourself at home with your baby. Picture routine parts of each day. If you choose abortion, what emotions do you think you’ll feel a week after the abortion, a month after, when you hold your first child later in life? If you’re considering adoption, can you picture yourself going through the process? How would that make you feel? Each of these decisions are difficult in their own way, and it’s important for you to fully understand what each option means to you.
4. Don’t let the uncertainty of finances be your top concern.
Finances are important, but they shouldn’t be the only factor you base your pregnancy decision on. There is a lot of help available to you. Daybreak LifeCare Center offers resources and referrals to help women and men facing pregnancy decisions.
5. Find non-judgmental support.
You may have already encountered this, but people have their own thoughts and feelings about an unplanned pregnancy. It’s important that you find people who will offer encouragement and help if you need it. If you aren’t sure where to start, Daybreak LifeCare Center can help you with free and confidential support throughout your pregnancy.
Daybreak LifeCare Center has been serving pregnant women with no-cost and confidential care for nearly 40 years. Our staff is experienced in helping each woman who walks through our doors to cope with an unplanned pregnancy. Schedule an appointment at Daybreak and let us help you through your next steps.