Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy? The Importance of Prenatal Care

Discovering a pregnancy can be a very overwhelming experience, especially if you were not planning for it. Maybe that is why you are here. Your body is showing signs of pregnancy, but you are afraid to see a doctor and hear what she will say. Your pregnancy test came back positive, but you are unsure of what to do or where to go for help. You also know in your heart that you are not ready to become a parent. You may be feeling scared, embarrassed, confused, and alone.

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is important to know that you are not alone. Adoptions With Love is always here for you. We understand what you are going through, both emotionally and physically, and can help you get the proper care and support you deserve.

If you think you might continue your pregnancy (whether you decide to parent your child or make an adoption plan), the most important step you can take now is getting prenatal care. Prenatal care is the medical care you receive while you are pregnant, and is essential to keeping you and your baby healthy.

The sooner a woman begins prenatal care, the healthier she and her baby will be. Even if you are farther along in your pregnancy, know that prenatal care is still important and it is not too late to begin. Without any prenatal care, your baby will be at higher risk for serious, long-term health issues and low birth weight. If you do not receive prenatal care, you may also be at risk for pregnancy and birth complications.

We understand that prenatal care is not always easy to get as an expectant mother. If your pregnancy was unintended, you may not have an OB/GYN picked out or any health insurance lined up. You might not have the transportation needed to get to and from your doctor’s appointments. Adoptions With Love can help with all of this. As part of our free services for expectant/birth mothers, we can assist you in obtaining prenatal care and finding a doctor who understands your emotional and physical needs. If you choose to make an adoption plan for your baby, we can also cover any uninsured medical costs.

For over 30 years, Adoptions With Love has helped expectant parents make loving and thoughtful plans for their children. We have connected thousands of young women like you with quality, compassionate care during their pregnancies and beyond. We have witnessed thousands of healthy births as a result of good prenatal care.

Adoptions With Love has also met with many expectant mothers who were not eager to seek medical help at first. Despite the importance of prenatal care, some were worried that seeing a doctor might mean others finding out about their pregnancies. Some women were afraid of being judged or misunderstood. Some were very far along in their pregnancies and embarrassed by the choices made in their early trimesters.

If you have any hesitations about seeking prenatal care, we encourage you to come talk with us. Adoptions With Love will never judge you. We are here to ensure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. We know quality, kindhearted caregivers throughout the country who can offer the medical attention you and your baby deserve.

A prenatal doctor, such as an OB/GYN or family practitioner, will monitor your baby’s health and development as he or she grows inside you. Your doctor will also spot any potential health problems with your child, and treat them early in your pregnancy. As an expectant mother, you should meet with your doctor at least every four weeks in preparation for your child’s birth. These regular meetings will allow you to ask questions about your pregnancy symptoms, child birth, and ease any concerns you might have.

Even though this pregnancy was unplanned, you still have the chance to make a loving plan for your child’s future. To give your child a healthy start to his or her life, you can start taking care of yourself and your body:

• Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid. If you are uncomfortable or sensitive to swallowing pills, you can always get chewable prenatal vitamins.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and foods high in calcium and iron. Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• Avoid all alcohol, tobacco, and use of other substances. Do not ingest any drugs that could harm you or your baby; if you need help quitting, ask your doctor or meet with an Adoptions With Love counselor for guidance.
• Ask your doctor before taking any prescription medications. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy.
• Try to stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy.
• Get plenty of rest.

There are compassionate, caring professionals out there who can help you make a loving and thoughtful plan for your baby. If you just discovered you are pregnant, do not wait to make a doctor’s appointment. If you need assistance finding a doctor or getting medical coverage, you can always call Adoptions With Love.

For help with an unplanned pregnancy, please call Adoptions With Love at 800-722-7731 or text us confidentially at 617-777-0072. To learn more about the importance of prenatal care, please download our free Month-by-Month guide below.