Many emotions come with an unexpected pregnancy: fear, anxiety, confusion, sadness, and anger are all common. It is important to allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling. This is a big life change, and it is okay to need some time to adjust.
A Look At The Statistics
Although it’s not something we like to think about, the statistics on unplanned pregnancies are actually quite staggering. According to a report from the Guttmacher Institute, as many as 45% of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. And of those unexpected pregnancies, almost half end in abortion.
There are several reasons why someone might find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. These include contraceptive failure, forgetting to use contraception, not using contraception or rape/sexual assault.
Contraceptive Failure
Even with the best intentions, sometimes birth control just doesn’t work as it should. In fact, even condoms, which are about 85% effective when used correctly, can fail. This can be for a number of reasons, including human error (i.e., not using them correctly) or manufacturing defects.
Forgetting to Use Contraception
We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, people forget to use contraception or don’t have it readily available. This can be especially true for young people who are still experimenting with sex and may not have planned ahead.
Not Using Contraception
There are a number of reasons why someone might choose not to use contraception. They may be against it for personal or religious reasons, or they may simply not think they need to use it because they’re not ready to get pregnant. Whatever the reason, not using contraception is still a choice, and it comes with risks.
Rape/Sexual Assault
Unfortunately, rape and sexual assault are all too common. And while it’s not the victim’s fault, these crimes can often lead to unplanned pregnancies. This is because many rapists do not use condoms and/or because the victim may be forced to have unprotected sex.
All of these situations can be incredibly difficult to deal with, both emotionally and logistically. If you are in an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that resources are available to help you.
Let us share with you some helpful information on what to do if you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy. This way, you can be better prepared to make the best decision for you and your situation.
How To Cope With Unexpected Pregnancy
Even though you may be feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to try and stay positive. This is a big life change, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. Below are some things you can do if you’re unexpectedly pregnant:
1. Don’t panic.
The first thing you need to do if you find out you’re pregnant unexpectedly is to try not to panic. It’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of women have gone through this before and come out the other side just fine. Just take a deep breath and try to relax.
2. Talk to your partner.
If you’re in a relationship, you must talk to your partner about the pregnancy as soon as possible. You’ll need to make some decisions together about what to do next, and it’s important that both of you are on the same page. If you’re not in a relationship, there are still people you can talk to, like a close friend or family member.
3. Make an appointment with a doctor.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, you should make an appointment with a doctor or midwife. They can confirm the pregnancy and help you get started on prenatal care, which is important for your and the baby’s health.
4. Allow yourself to be emotional.
Pregnancy can be a very emotional time, even when it’s planned. So, it’s perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions when you’re unexpectedly pregnant. You may feel scared, sad, happy, or all of the above. Just give yourself time to process everything, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
5. Consider all your options.
Once you’ve had time to process the news, it’s important to consider all your options. This includes things like whether or not to keep the baby, whether or not to have an abortion, and whether or not to put the baby up for adoption. It’s a big decision, so take your time and think about what’s best for you and your circumstances.
6. Get support.
Whether you decide to keep the baby or not, getting support from people who understand what you’re going through is important. Many organizations offer counseling and support groups for women who are dealing with unexpected pregnancies. These can be great resources for information and emotional support.
7. Take care of yourself.
It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during this time. Eating right, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly will help you stay healthy during pregnancy. And don’t forget to give yourself some time to relax and de-stress—pregnancy can be a lot of work!
8. Be prepared for anything.
When you’re pregnant, it’s important to be prepared for anything that might come up—both good and bad. This includes things like saving up money in case of medical emergencies or unexpected expenses, making sure your insurance covers pregnancy and childbirth and having a plan in place in case something happens to you during pregnancy. Also, being sure of your due date (use a due date calculator if needed!) and having a list of emergency contacts on hand can be helpful. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you’ll feel.
Wrapping Up
Many practical considerations come with an unexpected pregnancy. You will need to make decisions about your health, finances, and living situation. These can be difficult decisions to make, but you don’t have to do them alone. People and resources are available to help you through every step of this process.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, know that you are not alone. There is help available, both emotionally and practically. Reach out to someone you trust for support, and take things one day at a time. You got this!
