An unplanned pregnancy is a life-changing event. Millions of people experience unexpected pregnancies every year in the United States. For some people, it’s an exciting surprise, but for others, it can be overwhelming and scary.                                                                           

After you’ve processed your situation, you can move forward by researching your pregnancy options. This can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to help. You are likely wondering, “I’m pregnant; what are my options, exactly?” You’re already ahead of the curve because you’ve come to the right place!                                                                                

This comprehensive guide on unplanned pregnancy options is meant to provide you with the helpful information and resources that you need. Just as no two people are the same, neither are any two unplanned pregnancies. Your pregnancy options will depend on your unique circumstances, but we want to offer you this overview so you know what you need to do next.

You can also contact us at any time to get free information now. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about your three options for unplanned pregnancy.

1.     Parenting

When most people discover their unplanned pregnancy, they ask themselves, “Am I ready to become a parent?” Although most people end up choosing to parent, this doesn’t mean that it’s the right path for everyone. This is not an easy choice. Let’s take a deeper look at this option so you can find out if this is the best decision for you.

What to Know About Parenting

Parenthood is challenging, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. Very few people feel ready to become a parent when they do, and it’s something you usually learn to do as you go. As one of your unexpected pregnancy options, this is part of what makes parenting so exciting but also terrifying.

Choosing to become a parent can be the beginning of a beautiful journey, but remember that it’s completely normal to feel unsure about parenthood. You could be wondering if now is the right time. It’s worth exploring these feelings because you may discover that parenting simply isn’t possible at this point in your life.

We also want to clarify that, just because parenting is the most common response to unplanned pregnancy, it doesn’t mean it is the best path for you. Each of your three options for unexpected pregnancy is equally valid. It all depends on your particular circumstances.

Resources for Parenting

Parenting is an emotional, financial and practical challenge. With new bills, strong feelings and the logistics of daycare, there’s quite a bit on your plate. Fortunately, you are not on your own. If you decide that parenting is the option for you, then here are some helpful resources:

• WIC
• Local Social Services
• Postpartum Support International

2.     Abortion

Parenting may not be possible for you at the moment, so that’s why you need other options if you are pregnant. Could abortion be the best of your pregnancy options? This is a decision that only you can make. But, here are some things to consider to see if abortion is an option for you.

What to Know About Abortion

After parenting, abortion is the most common of the three unexpected pregnancy options. One of the first things you will need to find out is if abortion is possible for you. You will need to consider the abortion laws in your state, as some states’ laws are much more restrictive than others’.

You’ll also need to know if there is an abortion service provider in your area. Many states have at least one or two of these clinics, and your proximity to one could affect your decision-making process.

Be sure to speak with professionals and conduct research in your own time  to better understand abortion’s emotional implications. This isn’t to dissuade you from choosing abortion; many people discover that it is the best path for them. But, it is important to research all facets of this choice when exploring accidental pregnancy options.

Resources for Abortion

Abortion is challenging, and understanding your state’s laws, figuring out which medical professionals to trust and coping with your emotions can make this procedure even more stressful. Luckily, you have resources at your disposal. Here are a few worth looking into:

• Guttmacher Institute
• Planned Parenthood
• National Abortion Federation

3.     Adoption

You may understand that parenting isn’t a viable route for you at this point in life, but you also hold a deep love for this baby. You want to do something that creates the best future possible for both yourself and your child. If this describes how you’re feeling, then adoption may be the best of your alternative pregnancy options. Here is some information to consider before choosing adoption.

What to Know About Adoption

When you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you will likely work with a private adoption agency to make an adoption plan. Through working with an adoption agency, you will also get to choose the right adoptive family for your baby. This can instill in you some peace of mind and the confidence that you’ve made the best decision for yourself and your child.

You might be surprised to learn that adoption does not mean saying “goodbye” forever. By choosing open adoption, you build a lifelong bond with your child and their adoptive parents. Part of your adoption plan is determining what level of openness you feel comfortable with after the adoption.

Speaking of your adoption plan, you will be in full control of your journey from start to finish. You are the one who decides:

• Who raises your baby
• How much communication you want to have with your child and the family after the adoption
• And much more

Adoption is also the most cost-effective of your pregnancy options — it is the only unplanned pregnancy option that is 100% free for you, and you will likely receive adoption financial assistance for pregnancy -related costs.

Resources for Adoption

Adoption can be challenging, but it can also be remarkably rewarding. You’ll have several resources available to you, such as agencies, attorneys and online information. Here are a few places worth checking out for help with your adoption:

• American Adoptions
• Choice Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption

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Figuring out which of these unplanned pregnancy options is right for you can be difficult. So, it could be helpful to talk to a professional about them. You can also contact us today to get free information now. We would love to help you at any time!