Finding out you’re pregnant when you were not expecting it can feel very overwhelming. You may be facing a flood of emotions, including shock, fear, confusion and even joy. You may also be wondering what you should be doing next. While no one can make any decisions for you, you are not alone.
There are people, organisations and communities like Embrace Grace – Unplanned pregnancy support ready to walk alongside you no matter what your situation looks like. Let’s take a look at some steps that you can take to help navigate the unexpected pregnancy with strength.
- Take some time to breathe and process. So normal to feel like the world has stopped spinning. When you have an unexpected pregnancy fall into your lap, you’ve got to give yourself permission to take a moment to breathe and process the news. You don’t have to make every decision right now, but try journaling your thoughts, talking to a friend, or just allowing yourself to sit quietly and reflect on this life changing piece of news. This is a big moment in your life and it’s OK to feel unsure and to take time before choosing what you do next.
- Confirm the pregnancy and understand your options. First, make sure that you confirm the pregnancy with a medical provider. A doctor or local pregnancy center can provide accurate testing and an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. This confirmation is important for understanding your options and planning your next steps. There is parenting, adoption, abortion, and more, and you have choices in front of you. Education empowers you to make decisions that are right for your life and your circumstances, and nobody can tell you otherwise.
- Surround yourself with support. You do not have to go through this alone. Your hormones will be going crazy, so whether it’s family, friends, or a faith community or even a support group, surrounding yourself with people who care will make a difference. Support groups that are specifically designed for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies will give you a safe and non judgmental space to share and ask questions.
- Create a plan that fits your life. After you’ve had some time to process and gather all the information that you need, start thinking about what comes next. Think about your health, your finances, your living situation, your job, or your long term goals. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer here, but having a plan can really help you to regain a sense of control. This alone can help to calm that chaos going through you.
- Be kind to yourself. You can usually do everything possible and still an unplanned pregnancy can happen. You are strong, you are not alone and you are doing the best that you can with the information that you have, which is more than enough.
An unexpected pregnancy can feel like the end of a chapter, but it can also be the beginning of something new. Whatever you decide, know that you are worthy of support and a future filled with possibility.
