An unplanned pregnancy is a major surprise for anyone. If you’re experiencing one right now, then you are likely stressed, anxious and maybe even a little scared. But, you are not alone.

If this is an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, then those emotions can become even more complicated. You probably have plenty of questions, and that’s completely normal. We’re here to help you find answers, and that’s why we’ve made this four-step guide on what to do with unplanned pregnancy. This should give you a few things to consider and help you move forward with confidence.

Need to speak with a helpful professional about your accidental pregnancy? Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to get free information now.

What to Do When You Have Unplanned Pregnancy

If you are reading this article, then you have likely taken an at-home pregnancy test and processed your surprise pregnancy. Simply put, you’re trying to figure out what to do with an unplanned pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several unplanned pregnancy options if parenting isn’t possible for you right now.

But, first, there are some steps to take when pregnant. These four steps should help you take control of your unintentional pregnancy and protect your health, emotions and general well-being.

Step 1: Visit Your Doctor

No matter what unplanned pregnancy option you choose, you will need to begin the medical process of pregnancy. One of your first steps when finding out you’re pregnant is scheduling an appointment with your doctor. They will be able to determine how far along you are in your unexpected pregnancy and what your next steps should be.

Be sure to take the necessary steps to protect your body as you navigate your unintended pregnancy. You may have some questions about what to expect, or questions about your nutrition or exercise. Your doctor is a great person to ask for help.

Step 2: Process Your Emotions

After you’ve tended to your body’s physical needs, you can then turn to processing your emotions. The discovery of your unintentional pregnancy can induce a great deal of stress and fear. Other feelings, such as anger, anxiety or shame, may also be piling up.

Give yourself the proper space to sort through these complicated emotions. Be easy on yourself. It’s okay to feel whatever you are currently feeling. It’s all part of being human.

Step 3: Reach Out to Loved Ones for Support

When you’re experiencing an undesired pregnancy, it’s crucial that you have a trusted network of friends and family. Your partner can also be a vital part of your support system.

Facing an unwanted pregnancy alone can make the process much more challenging. If you have trustworthy loved ones in your life, then you can always reach out to them for guidance and reassurance. This is a life-changing event, so explain your news to them, and let them know that you could use their support right now.

Step 4: Explore Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

Now that you’ve taken care of both your physical and mental health by following the first three steps, you’re ready to explore your surprise pregnancy options. Generally speaking, there are three primary options when it comes to an unplanned pregnancy. We’ll explore each in more detail below.

Parenting

Millions of people experience an unplanned pregnancy every year, and most of them decide to become parents. If you have a surprise pregnancy but not necessarily an unwanted one, then parenthood could be the path for you! But, parenting is challenging, and it comes with plenty of practical issues. These include the average cost of childcare and the disruption to your life.

There are also emotional difficulties, such as the new and unexpected feelings that come with raising a child. If you feel ready to embrace both the challenges and beauties of parenthood, then parenting can be an amazing response to an unexpected pregnancy. But, we understand that it’s not for everyone, which brings us to the next two options.

Abortion

If this is both an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy, then you may already know that parenting is not the right path for you. Instead, you may want to pursue an abortion for your undesired pregnancy.

There are several steps throughout the abortion process, and each will vary depending on how far along in your unplanned pregnancy you are. Depending on what state you live in, abortion services could be more difficult to access.

Adoption

The third option for what to do for unwanted pregnancy is choosing adoption. This can be an excellent choice for those who know that parenting isn’t an option but want to help another couple realize their parenting dreams. The adoption process has changed in dramatic ways throughout the past few decades. In pop culture, adoption is typically portrayed as a helpless woman leaving a baby on the doorstep of an orphanage or fire station, never to be seen again. That’s not how it works today.

When you choose adoption, you are in full control of your adoption journey from start to finish. Select a private adoption agency to receive free support throughout the process. You also get to choose the perfect adoptive family for your baby, and you can build a lifelong bond with your child and their adoptive parents if you choose to have an open adoption.

Adoption is the most cost-effective path for unplanned pregnancy. Unlike the other two unplanned pregnancy options, adoption is 100% free to you. Most prospective birth mothers are also eligible for adoption financial assistance.

All these changes that adoption has undergone have made it a much more appealing option for many people. If you’re wondering what to do with unexpected pregnancy, then adoption may be the best path for you. If you’d like more information about adoption, contact a licensed agency now.