6 Productive Ways To Deal With An Unplanned Pregnancy

If your pregnancy test is positive and you were not expecting it, you are likely to feel many different emotions at the same time. Shock, denial, fear, anxiety, and depression are pretty common. When experiencing such a mental upheaval, it can be difficult to decide what to do next.

Remember, almost half of all pregnancies are not planned. It is, therefore, normal for women to wonder what to do with an unexpected pregnancy. Instead, it is much better to take your time before making your final decision. This is because keeping or terminating a pregnancy is one of the biggest decisions in your life. No matter what you choose, the decision will stay with you until the end.

Here are some practical tips for coping with an unexpected pregnancy:

1 - It is Okay to Be in Shock

An unplanned pregnancy can shock you. You did not plan for it, so you did not expect it. You might not even have thought about it. It can, therefore, take some days to accept it. It is better to take time to process everything. Being scared or shocked is a natural reaction to such world-changing news.

2 - It is Okay to Be Emotional

Once you know you are pregnant, you are more likely to feel several emotions, including confusion, frustration, excitement, anger, and many more. It can take a few days for these emotions to subside. You can learn to slowly control these emotions as you figure out what to do with the pregnancy. In the meantime, make sure that you do not make any rash decisions in the heat of the moment. Try to remain calm and think things through before making any decision that may have dire consequences for your emotional, physical, and familial health.

3 - Face Your Doubts

Once you get pregnant, whether planned or unplanned, you will experience doubts about yourself. A lot of women experience the same doubts. You can even doubt if you will make the right decision. Uncertainty is an understandable part of an unplanned pregnancy. It is natural to feel doubts.

Do not, however, let these doubts and fears overwhelm you. Do not allow your doubts and fears to make your decisions for you. It is better to acknowledge these feelings. But do not use them to make your choice. Remain rational and think things through before you make a decision.

It is better to take your time before making your decision. What’s done is done. So, there is no use fretting over it anymore to resolve the matters in a hurry. You should explore all available options and search all paths in front of you before making a lasting choice.

4 - Know the Options You Have

Make sure that your panic doesn’t blind you from the many options in front of you. You have different options for whatever decision you make. It is, therefore, necessary to know these options. You can make a decision to keep the pregnancy, even if it is unexpected, and carry it to term. Many people consider children a blessing, and perhaps you may come to think of it the same way.

However, if you decide to abort, consider the emotions you will feel. You are more likely to feel these emotions, like despair, regret, and guilt, several months or even years after the abortion. You can go for the operation, or if the timing is right, there are inexpensive pills that can peacefully help terminate a pregnancy. A range of paths is arrayed in front of you; only you have to make a choice. The cost of abortion pill in the UK is very low, ensuring people from every socio-economic group can easily afford it.

If you want to consider adoption, you can think of the whole process of adoption. Evaluate your feelings, especially when considering giving up your kid to someone else. It is not easy to make these decisions on your own. It is, therefore, more important to talk to a trained counselor, your partner, or your family before making your decision.

5 - Do Not Just Focus on Your Finances

Children are expensive. In this day and age, you need healthy finances to raise a child. However, do not use finances to make your decision. It is much easier to get help these days. There are resources and referrals on Hopeline for both women and men. You can use them to make your pregnancy decision. You can also apply for a government grant or even ask for assistance from your friends or family. Always remember that you are not alone. Therefore, there is no need to feel abandoned in your time of need. Lack of finances or income is not enough of a reason to wholly abandon the idea of parenthood.

6 - Find Non-Judgmental Support

People have different feelings and thoughts on unexpected pregnancies. It is, therefore, important to talk to people who can support you. You can share your feelings with your partner and try to make a better decision together. You can also try talking with your parents and other loved ones for advice. It is natural to feel scared and uncertain about the judgments others may pass on you. But those that truly love you won’t abandon you in your crucial time of need. If you are looking for support, you can start with Hopeline. They offer free and confidential support. You can trust them.