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Getting a positive pregnancy test, when you did not plan on it, is a surreal experience. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be feeling shocked, stressed, and overwhelmed. These feelings are all valid, but it may help to know that you are not alone. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unplanned. Your mind may be racing with questions, such as “What am I going to do now?” and “Who can I talk to about this?” It can be hard to know what to do after a positive pregnancy test. The good news? There is hope, there are options, and there are places to find support.
Adoption is one of the many options available to you. It is not the path for everyone, but it can be a positive and loving decision. You can always turn to Adoptions With Love for support in making an adoption plan. You may contact us any time of day, any day of the week at 800-722-7731 or contact us online.
If you want to learn more about navigating an unplanned pregnancy, read on. In this short guide, we will explore what to do after a positive pregnancy test.
Step One: Visit the Doctor
Whether you have taken one or six pregnancy tests, you need to visit your doctor or a health care clinic. This is the most reliable source to confirm your pregnancy. While it is common to get a false negative pregnancy test, it is rare to get a false positive. A healthcare professional will test your urine. This professional can also give you vital information regarding your pregnancy. Your doctor can let you know:
- How far along you are
- How healthy or viable the pregnancy is
- The steps to take to continue to stay healthy during this pregnancy
Before you make any decisions, make sure to visit a healthcare professional. If you do not have an OB-GYN or Primary Care Physician, make sure you visit a reputable health clinic, such as Planned Parenthood. These medical offices can supply you with critical healthcare information regarding your pregnancy and all three of your options:
- Parenthood
- Adoption
- Abortion
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a scary experience. It is important to have a doctor or clinic in which you can trust and feel comfortable. If you are considering adoption, an adoption agency can help you find a midwife or doctor who is understanding and can offer you the care you deserve.
Take Care
Whether you intend on carrying out your pregnancy to term or having an abortion, you should place your health first. You should keep up with daily exercise routines, as approved by your healthcare professional. You should also take supplements, as needed. Your doctor or midwife can suggest a prenatal vitamin that will help you maintain your health during the pregnancy.
Caring for your health includes your mental and emotional health. It is, in fact, just as important as your physical health. If you are feeling anxious or stressed out about the pregnancy, consider speaking with a counselor. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth mothers are encouraged to speak with a counselor before and after the adoption is complete. This can help you work through your feelings during this difficult time.
Make Your Plans
Once you have confirmed your pregnancy with your doctor, you can begin to consider your options. You can choose between the following options:
- Parenthood
- Adoption
- Abortion – depending on your state.
After the shock of your unplanned pregnancy has subsided, it is natural for many to consider parenting their child. This is understandable. Taking on parenthood is a huge life change. It is a decision – like all decisions related to pregnancy – that cannot be taken lightly. If you are considering parenting your child, you must decide whether this will be a positive choice for both you and your child. Can you offer your child a safe and stable home? Can you make enough money to provide for your family? According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, it costs – on average – $310,605 to raise a child from birth to age 18. This does not consider college tuition. Childcare is a major factor that has driven this cost up so high over the past few years.
If you want to find a way to make parenting your child a reality, think about your support system to help you. If you are unsure of the financial restraints, there are support groups to help. You can reach out to the following organizations:
Even with support groups and financial assistance programs, raising a child before you are ready can be a tough road to take. Before making your decision, reach out to support groups online and speak with other single parents who have faced similar circumstances.
Adoption is another choice you may be considering. Unlike abortion, it is never too late to make an adoption plan for your child. You may find support – including financial assistance – with the help of an adoption agency. At Adoptions With Love, we offer the following supportive services to expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption:
- Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent
- Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, food, transportation, and maternity clothes, as needed.
- Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife/doctor with whom you feel comfortable and cover any uninsured medical bills that relate to the pregnancy and birth.
- Compassionate counseling. Our experienced counselors offer support before and after the adoption is complete.
- Legal assistance. Our trained adoption attorneys will ensure your adoption goes through safely and legally, answering any questions you may have along the way.
- Ongoing contact and support. We can help you make an adoption plan that meets your needs and continue to stay connected with you and your child’s adoptive family over the years.
If you know you are not yet ready to become a parent, then you may be considering abortion. If so, then you will need to consider the deadline ahead of you. Many states restrict abortions to the first or second trimester. If you live in a state that has banned or placed a restriction on abortion, you may still be able to get one out of state. Traveling out of state is costly, but there are resources to help. The following groups offer support in finding financial – and logistic – assistance in traveling to another state for an abortion:
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is hard, but you can make a positive decision for yourself and your child going forward. Adoptions With Love can help you navigate these uncharted waters. We offer assistance throughout the entire pregnancy and adoption process, holding your hand every step of the way.
If you would like to learn even more about adoption, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help you 24/7 at 800-722-7731. You can also choose to text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.