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Pregnancy is an emotional experience. That emotion is amplified when it is unplanned or happens by mistake. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be feeling lost and scared. However, you are not alone. There are many women facing the same situation right now. In fact, half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned.
Knowing unplanned pregnancies are common may be comforting, but the circumstances can still feel stressful. Before you panic, you must confirm whether you are pregnant. The best way to do this is by visiting your doctor, an urgent care facility, or local Planned Parenthood. Once you have confirmed the pregnancy, you can begin to explore your options.
While discovering an accidental pregnancy is shocking, remember that you do have options. An informed decision is the best decision, so be sure to learn about each possible option available to you. Typically, you can choose between parenting, adoption, and termination of a pregnancy. However, options can vary depending on where you live.
You may not have planned to become pregnant, but you can take control now and make a plan for what comes next. This guide can help get you started. Keep reading to answer the question, “What should I do if I get pregnant by mistake?”
1. Prioritize your health first.
Before you consider what to do about your pregnancy, you should put your health first. If you have not already done so, make an appointment with your doctor, OB/GYN, Planned Parenthood, or another trusted healthcare provider. A medical professional can confirm pregnancy, confirm how far along you are in the pregnancy and assess your health, and address any immediate needs you may have.
If you are pregnant, you should take prenatal vitamins. There are various types of prenatal vitamins available over the counter, but your doctor can prescribe one for you, as well.
If you do not have a stable living situation, seek help. There are many resources available to expectant/birth mothers who are at-risk, homeless, or struggling with abuse.
2. Learn about your pregnancy options.
Once you have addressed your immediate medical needs, you will want to explore your pregnancy options. You should educate yourself as much as you can about each choice. Below is a brief overview of the pregnancy options available to most expectant/birth mothers.
· Parenthood
Parenting is a natural decision for many, but it is not the right choice for all women who are pregnant. Some people do not wish to become parents. Some are not ready, due to outside circumstances. As you consider parenting your baby, you must also consider your financial situation. Are you in a place where you could support yourself and another? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it costs, on average, about $310,605 to raise a child from birth to age 18. This does not count college tuition.
Along with the costs, it is important to consider your home life. Do you have enough space in your home to comfortably raise a growing child? Can you provide a stable and safe living environment? Can you meet your child’s basic needs, and support them financially? Do you have supportive people in your life who could watch your child when you are not around? Are you ready to make lifestyle changes to put your baby’s needs first? These are all important questions to ask, and if you answered “yes,” you may be ready to parent.
· Termination (Abortion)
If you know you are not ready to parent, and you do not wish to continue the pregnancy, you may be considering termination. Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, there has been much confusion on where – and when – abortion is still legal. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get an abortion in your home state or by the abortion pill. If abortion is illegal in your state, however, you may need to cross state lines. Traveling for an abortion can be expensive, but there are networks that can help make this an option.
Before making any decisions regarding abortion, speak with a medical professional.
· Adoption
If you know you are not yet ready to be a parent, but abortion is not right for you, you have one more option: adoption.
Adoption is a positive choice that can bring plenty of benefits for birth mothers. It can also provide a permanent, stable, and loving home for your baby.
If you are considering this path, then you will want to learn about the adoption process and how it works. An adoption professional, such as a full-service adoption agency, is the best resource. An experienced, trusted organization, such as Adoptions With Love, can give you accurate information about the adoption laws in your state. We can also listen to your concerns and wishes, and help guide you through the adoption journey every step of the way.
3. Take Control of Your Situation.
If you are wondering what to do if pregnant by mistake, take a deep breath. Accidents happen. They are a part of life. The good news is: There are positive options out there. You may not have planned this pregnancy, but you do have choices and you can plan for your baby’s life. You are in control, and only you can decide what is the right next step. You can make a decision that best meets your needs and get support along the way.
Adoptions With Love can help you learn more about your pregnancy options. We can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which option is best for you right now. We understand this is a life-changing decision, and will never pressure you into choosing adoption. We are here to provide compassion, support, and education as you think about what comes next. Unplanned pregnancy can be scary, but you do not have to face it alone.
If you would like to learn more, contact Adoptions With Love today. Call us 24/7 at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.