5 Things to Remember if You Have an Unplanned Pregnancy
When you find yourself pregnant unexpectedly, it can be completely overwhelming, particularly if you are facing this as a single mom. In this upheaval, it can be hard to process things, but there are a few things that you need to remember as you go through this experience.
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This Isn’t the End of Everything
Getting pregnant doesn’t mean that everything is over. You don’t have to quit whatever you are doing (unless it is harmful to the baby) and you don’t have to give up on your dreams. If you decide to keep the baby, you will have to adjust your plans a little bit, but having a baby doesn’t mean you have to stop being you.
You Aren’t the Only Parent
Getting pregnant may seem like something you have to deal with on your own, but there is someone else involved in this process. If the father is in the picture, you need to make sure that he is aware of what is going on and that he has some input in your decision. While he may not have to deal with the pregnancy itself, he does have parental rights and, if he is a good guy, he will care about what is going on with you and the baby.
You Aren’t Alone
An unplanned pregnancy can put you in a cocoon where you feel lonely, but one thing you should remember is that you are not the only one to have this experience, and you don’t have to do everything by yourself. There are several organizations that bring women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies together. They provide support and resources to help you figure out what you want to do and how to handle the situation you find yourself in.
It’s Okay to Be Afraid
You don’t have to keep a brave face up and it’s okay to be afraid. This is a big life change and you probably aren’t prepared for what is happening. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you have, but don’t’ let them control you. Don’t make decisions based on fear.
You Don’t Have to Keep the Baby
Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to keep the baby. You want to give your child their best chance, and sometimes that means giving up the baby for adoption. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just aren’t in a situation to provide for a child. Don’t feel like a failure if this is the case. Deciding to give the baby up for adoption is actually a very mature choice.
Just because this wasn’t something that you planned doesn’t mean that this pregnancy is the end of everything. Take some time to deal with your emotions and make sure you don’t try to do this alone. Everything is better when you have people to help you.
References:
Unplanned Pregnancy, Single Mother
A Guardian Angel: Unplanned Pregnancy
