Exploring Your Pregnancy Options with a Professional

If you just found out you are pregnant – and were not expecting it – you may feel like you are at a crossroads. You are facing, perhaps, the biggest decision of your life. Right now, you may be considering all of your pregnancy options and are unsure what to do next. You need (and deserve) a professional to talk to, to lean on, and to trust in for support.

As outlined in our new eBook, women facing an unplanned pregnancy have three core options. These include parenting the child, terminating the pregnancy, and making an adoption plan. If you are on the fence about what to do, you should consider turning to a professional for help. A credible, trustworthy place like a women’s clinic or adoption agency will provide you with the information you need, without judgement or agenda. While this is ultimately your decision, a professional can educate you on your options and help you make the most informed decision possible for your baby.

If you are looking to learn more about your pregnancy options now, you are in the right place. Adoptions With Love is a professional and compassionate adoption agency that understands the emotions and crises that come with an unplanned pregnancy. We also believe that this is YOUR choice, and we will respect any choice that you make. We are here to simply educate you on your various options.

Many women come to Adoptions With Love late in their pregnancies, unsure if they are ready to raise a child. Many women come to our agency because they feel in their heart that abortion is not the right choice for them. Every woman – and every pregnancy – is unique. If you know you would like to carry your pregnancy to term, or are later-on in your pregnancy, read on to learn about the unplanned pregnancy options you have now.

Parenthood

When faced with pregnancy – unexpected or not – many women consider parenting the baby. This is a natural first thought. Perhaps you have thought about raising the baby yourself. You may feel that you are the best possible person to raise your child right now. And this may be true! It is important to consider, however, the serious commitment and complete lifestyle overhaul that becoming a parent requires.

Parenthood is both rewarding and challenging. A parent enjoys an indescribable amount of love and joy. Parenting also demands a lot of hard work, time, and patience. You are responsible for your child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no “sick days” when you are a parent. You are financially responsible for your child, and you also need to provide childcare for the times you are away, working and making money to support your child. Do you feel that you are ready for this extreme life change? Can you provide your child with a better life than anyone else could? Are there people in your life who could really be there to support you when you need help?

If yes, parenting may be the right choice for you, and you should begin prenatal care as soon as possible (if you have not already). You should also start preparing for all that lies ahead – finances, childcare arrangements, finding a pediatrician and school for your child, and more.

If you answered no to the above questions, you may be finding that now is not the time to bring a child into your life. You may explore alternative options, such as making an adoption plan.

Adoption

Adoption is an incredibly brave and selfless decision that can give your child a wonderful life, full of stability and opportunity. While it may feel, on the surface, like you are “giving up” your child, you are actually doing the opposite – you are giving your child a life in which he or she will thrive. Women who choose adoption consider their child’s life and best interests before their own. Make no mistake about it: Just like parenting, the decision to place your baby for adoption also requires a whole lot of love. You love your child so much that you are making a thoughtful plan for his or her life.

One of the many benefits of choosing adoption means that you – the expectant mother – have other options to consider for your future and for your child’s upbringing. When you turn to an experienced adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, you will be able to hand-select your child’s adoptive parents who have already been carefully screened. You can browse through profiles of prospective adoptive families. You may learn about each parents’ upbringing, passions, and core values. You may learn about the couples’ love story, what they love to do as a family, and why they are hoping to adopt. A caring social worker can sit with you and answer any questions you may have about these families, and help guide you through the process of selecting the perfect parents for your baby. Once you have found a couple you connect with, you will have the option to meet them (in person or over the phone) if you wish. Each family goes through a long process called a home study, to make sure they are ready to adopt a child.

Adoption does not mean goodbye forever. In fact, most adoptions today are “open adoptions,” which means there is a relationship between the adoptive and biological families. This is another part of the decision-making you will have as an expectant mother. You may choose to make a break, and keep your adoption private or closed. You may decide, however, that you would like to stay in contact with your child’s adoptive family over the years. Perhaps you would feel happy receiving photos and letter update each year, to see how your child is growing and developing. Perhaps you would like to stay connected with regular phone calls. Some families even agree to make in-person visits part of their tradition. Your social worker can help you determine the level of contact, whatever you are comfortable with, and arrange to make an open adoption agreement with the adoptive family.

Like parenthood – if you are considering adoption, it is important to seek out the proper prenatal care and prenatal vitamins, as soon as possible. Taking care of yourself and your baby will be essential for a healthy pregnancy and birth. An adoption agency like Adoptions With Love can help cover any uninsured medical expenses, as well as other costs associated with your pregnancy, such as maternity clothing. Click here to learn more.

As you consider all of your pregnancy options, remember to talk about any potential decisions with a professional you know you can trust. An adoption agency like Adoptions With Love will offer guidance and help through this emotional journey, without any pressure, bias, or criticism. Contact Adoptions With Love today at 800-722-7731 or download our free pregnancy guide below.