Figuring out what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy
Wondering what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy? First, take a deep breath. You don’t have to rush into any decisions right now. Take your time to learn about all of your pregnancy options before making any moves. If you find yourself with an unplanned pregnancy in Florida, we can help by listening to your concerns, answering your questions, and providing unbiased information and resources as you consider your next steps.
What are my pregnancy options?
When you are pregnant and didn’t plan to be, it’s natural if you feel worried and unsure of your next steps. If you’re wondering what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy, it can help to simplify your thought process by considering the two pregnancy options that many people choose: parenting the baby or making an adoption plan.
For some women, parenting turns out to be possible, even when it wasn’t the original plan. Raising a child is a great deal of responsibility and does require some sacrifices. The key to determining whether you are able to manage it right now is to slow down and realistically assess your circumstances.
- Do you have others in your life to help you? Reliable support from a partner, family or trusted friends may help make parenting feasible.
- What plans do you have that may need to be delayed? If your dreams include education, travel or a career, are you willing to put them on pause if necessary to focus on motherhood? Are you willing to make any necessary sacrifices to give your baby the time, love and attention they need to get a healthy start in life?
- What is your financial situation? Will you be able to financially provide for the safety, security and care that a child needs, through the newborn phase and beyond? If you need to work, what kind of childcare arrangements would be available to you?
- Are you in a secure living situation? If you do not feel safe or stable in your living environment, you need to consider if a baby would be safe and secure there as well.
- Do you feel that you are physically, mentally and emotionally able to be the parent you want to be? Be honest with yourself when you consider your maturity level, emotional stability, and mental and physical health. Not everyone is prepared to step into a parent role and provide the love, time commitment and care that a child needs. If you’re not at a point in your life where you feel ready to be a parent right now, that’s OK.
If you don’t think you can parent a child right now, making an adoption plan is a good way to ensure that your child has the abundant life that you want for them. There is no cost to explore adoption or place your child with adoptive parents, and you would be in control of all the important decisions. Modern adoption would allow you to choose your baby’s adoptive family, plan your hospital delivery experience, and determine what role you’ll play in your child’s life throughout the years ahead.
Need help with what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy?
If you’re unsure what to do when facing an unplanned pregnancy, you don’t have try to figure it all out alone. It can help to explore your pregnancy options with a trained professional. Legacy Adoption Services has compassionate options counselors standing by who can help you explore the realities of both parenting and adoption in your specific circumstances. Our pressure-free counseling approach can help you clarify your choices and gain peace of mind as you move forward with the option that feels like the right fit for you.
Contact or call us at (239) 703-8600 to get support for an unplanned pregnancy in Florida. We are here to support and care for you, no matter what path you choose.