How to Come to Terms with an Unplanned Pregnancy [3 Steps]

Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming because of the many complex emotions you may be experiencing. American Adoptions of Ohio is here for you.

If your current circumstances aren’t ideal for raising a child, or if you never planned to parent, coming to terms with an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult. And that could lead you to consider adoption as an unplanned pregnancy option.

American Adoptions has over 30 years of experience completing successful adoptions. We’ve worked with prospective birth mothers who are coping with an unexpected pregnancy in Ohio. Many of our staff members have been through the adoption experience as birth parents facing an unplanned pregnancy. This firsthand experiencing allows us to see things from your point of view and understand the difficult emotions you may be experiencing. No matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. American Adoptions is here for whatever you need.

To learn more about how to handle an unplanned pregnancy, continue reading below. To get more support as you try to cope with your unplanned pregnancy, reach out to an adoption specialist today or call 1-800-ADOPTION.

How to Deal with an Unplanned Pregnancy in Ohio

Every expectant mother is different; therefore every unplanned pregnancy is different. No matter what your situation is, we can give you tips to assist you in accepting an unplanned pregnancy. 

We created this three-step guide that outlines a few of the most effective solutions for dealing with an unexpected pregnancy in Ohio. An unwanted pregnancy doesn’t have to be the end of the life you had planned for yourself. With American Adoptions, you will get the help and resources you deserve. 

To get more tips on how to cope with an unexpected pregnancy contact us today online or at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Step 1: Confirm your Pregnancy

When it comes to handling an unwanted pregnancy in Ohio, you should talk to your doctor before you make any decisions about how to move forward. Once your doctor confirms your pregnancy, you can begin focusing on taking care of yourself and adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate your pregnancy while you figure out which unplanned pregnancy option is best for you. 

Even if you have decided that you are going to terminate your pregnancy, you should still schedule a prenatal visit. These visits ensure that you both you and your baby are in good health so that you can be comfortable during your pregnancy while you figure out how you want to move forward.

The first step to handling an unwanted pregnancy is to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm that you are pregnant.  Following that, you can then begin looking at your unplanned pregnancy situation and researching what resources are available to you. If you plan on carrying your baby to term to parent or place them for adoption, you should be sure to get enough sleep, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and exercising safely.

Step 2: Process your Emotions

If you’re wondering how to feel better about an unplanned pregnancy, one of the most pivotal steps you can take is accepting your feelings. Every expectant mother processes their unplanned pregnancy differently. You might be feeling overwhelmed or you might even be able to find joy in an unplanned pregnancy.

“Honestly, just sit down and think about the best interest of your child,” Julia said about coming to terms with her unplanned pregnancy. “You’re going to contemplate the decision a hundred times but, at the end of the day, you’re going to know what’s right for you and what’s right for your child. Don’t think that your life is over; yeah, you have a little bump in the road, but that’s not going to stop you.”

There’s no right or wrong way for how to react to unplanned pregnancy in Ohio. Regardless of how you feel, you will need to take some time to process your emotions before you decide which unplanned pregnancy is best for you and your baby. Keep in mind, whatever emotions you’re experiencing, you are completely valid. Let yourself really feel these emotions, regardless of what they are. You don’t have to be okay with what’s happening or feel like your unplanned pregnancy is a blessing in disguise. You don’t have to make any decisions until you feel ready. When you are, we’re here for you.

Step 3: Build a Support System

If you’re coping with an unplanned pregnancy, processing the many emotions you’re experiencing may be difficult without the right outlet or coping mechanisms. You should never have to go through an emotional time like this on your own. While you never have to tell anyone about your pregnancy if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, having a few people to confide in can make all the difference in dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers build their support system from close friends and family members in their lives. These people want what’s best for you and likely want to make sure that you feel supported and cared for. Your support system can provide you with emotional support, financial support and support in the form of whatever resources that might make your unplanned pregnancy easier. If you are on good terms with the baby’s birth father, he could prove to be a valuable member of your support system. Depending on your relationship with the birth father, the two of you could deal with unplanned pregnancy together.

While you create your support system, you may experience resistance from people who don’t support or understand your situation and decisions. This is never easy, but don’t let it discourage you from doing what’s best for you and your baby. Only you can make these decisions. Putting some space between you and those who are unsupportive can help alleviate some stress.

No matter what, you will always have your adoption specialist in your corner. We will lend you the emotional support and helpful resources you need to help make your pregnancy easier. Our adoption counselors are equipped to help educate you on your adoption options and determine which is best for you and your children.

Erika, who chose adoption for her baby, experienced the difference this type of support can make.

“Even though adoption was the hardest decision I will ever make in my life, American Adoptions also made it the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Erika said of the support she received from her adoption specialist. “Even to this day, I know that every time I call Shannon I feel like I am her only birth mom that she has to deal with because she has no problem talking to me and listening to everything I have to say.”

American Adoptions of Ohio can Help

Adoption can be a great way to deal with your unplanned pregnancy in Ohio. American Adoptions is one of the nation’s leading domestic infant adoption agencies. This national scope allows us to provide you with an array of resources and services to help you on your adoption journey.

A few of these useful resources are:

• Financial assistance. Adoption will never cost you a dime as an expectant mother. Our financial assistance program will cover all your pregnancy costs and living expenses throughout your pregnancy.

• 24/7 counseling.  Unplanned pregnancies come with a lot of overwhelming emotions. Our adoption counselors can help you cope with these emotions and make sure that you understand all your unplanned pregnancy options.

• Control over your adoption plan. You will always be in control of your adoption decisions.  You get to make all your own decisions. During a time where you might feel like you don’t have a lot of control, making your own adoption plan can give you much-needed peace of mind.

• Open adoption opportunities. Adoption doesn’t mean goodbye forever. Through open adoption or semi-open adoption you can stay in contact with your child and their adoptive family through texts, phone calls, emails, photos, in-person visits, etc. 

What’s Next

If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey today or want to learn more about the options available to you, American Adoptions has you covered. You can get free information and support at any time by calling 1-800-ADOPTION or by contacting us online.

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