Tips for Moving Forward
Pregnancy can come as a surprise sometimes. Even when it’s planned, many mothers-to-be can find themselves at a loss at what to do. For unplanned pregnancies, it can be even more emotionally unsettling.
All that said, it’s important for you to understand that coping with an unplanned pregnancy is well within your power, and you will come through this stronger than before.
Here are four things to keep in mind when dealing with your new situation.
Practice Self-Care
After confirming with a qualified health professional that you are indeed pregnant, the first, most important, step is to focus on your health and adopt a health-conscious lifestyle. Even if you plan on putting your child up for adoption, everyone benefits when both birth mother and child are as healthy as possible.
We recommend taking the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for prenatal screening to know any potential complications.
- Begin taking prenatal vitamins and watching your diet. Your healthcare professional should advise you on how to do this best.
- Do not indulge in alcohol, drugs, smoking, or vaping. Not only are they both harmful to you, but they could also pose serious harm to the baby.
- Follow a safe exercise regimen to help you stay fit and prepared for your pregnancy.
Come To Terms With Your Pregnancy
Some women can find themselves in a state of denial when it comes to an unexpected pregnancy. Unfortunately, this leads to a delay in getting the proper care for your body and the child.
Accepting that you’re pregnant is essential to everyone’s health and well-being. However, it may be hard at first. It will be a very emotional time, and you may worry about how others will react to your pregnancy.
First, be kind to yourself. Understand that there is no one right way to be pregnant. If you’re scared, find someone to talk with and know that you will get through this.
This isn’t the end of the world, but the beginning of a life.
Create a Support System
Pregnancy, planned or unplanned, can sometimes make one feel lonely or isolated. That’s why it’s essential to have people you can turn to for company and support. Family and close friends are an excellent place to start. You could also include clergy or a professional counselor. Pretty much anyone you feel safe and comfortable talking to would be good to have in your circle.
Just remember that other people’s opinions do not supersede your own when it comes to this pregnancy. It’s your pregnancy, and it’s your decision how you will handle it.
Know Your Options
It may take a little time to come to terms with an unplanned pregnancy, but once you have, you should also understand your options. In general, you’ve three—parenthood, abortion, and adoption.
Each is a very personal decision and, ultimately, it’s not for anyone else to tell you what you have to choose.
That said, it’s essential to know what each option comes with in terms of benefits, risks, complications, or procedures.
To get a broader perspective on your pregnancy, you can choose to speak with your doctor for more information or a social worker, counselor, or clergy member if available. You could also talk with adoption professionals specializing in matching children with loving homes.
Heartbeat of Toledo Is Here For You
Planned or unplanned pregnancy is a challenging time for every woman. That’s why it’s crucial to have family and friends and the support of a community.
Heartbeat of Toledo is a life-affirming organization whose mission is to be the best source of information and support to women facing pregnancies and to help moms, dads, and babies in need. Reach out today if you need assistance.
