To say that your pregnancy was unexpected would be an understatement. It’s unlikely that this is something you were ever prepared for. But, now that you’re looking down at those two little lines, it’s up to you to decide what to do next.

Before you can even think of making plans for your first step, you will first need to come to terms with the unexpected pregnancy itself. This won’t be an easy process, but with the right resources, it is more than possible. In this guide, find everything you need to know when it comes to handling an unexpected pregnancy, along with tips for how to cope with an unexpected pregnancy. We hope that these will help you start off on the right foot, but don’t forget that you can always reach out to a professional for additional comprehensive advice – no matter which unplanned pregnancy option you’re considering. Give Yourself Time to Breathe Frist things first: take a moment to catch your breath. The news of an unplanned pregnancy can come as a massive shock, and you’re probably feeling like your entire world has just turned upside down. If you’re feeling fear, anxiety, and disbelief, you’re not alone, and these feelings are more normal than you think.

It’s okay to take a moment to work through these feelings before you learn how to tackle an unwanted pregnancy and figure out your first course of action. This will be a lot to process, and you are not in a rush as you learn to accept the emotions you’re going through. Once you’ve accepted your unplanned pregnancy, then you can move into figuring out what to do next.

After that, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm your pregnancy and go over the next steps. And while you may think that you’re handling an unexpected pregnancy just fine on your own, it doesn’t hurt to reach out a counselor for unbiased information and advice.

Build a Support System

Coping with an unplanned pregnancy means that you’ll have a tough road ahead. As you begin to process what’s going on, you may start to feel lonely or like no one really gets what you’re going through. For that reason, it’s so important to have people you can count on.

Consider reaching out to family member who you know will be supportive of your pregnancy, close friends who you’ve come to rely on over the years, and even your baby’s father (depending on your relationship with him.) Anyone you can think of that might be a source of strength will always be a great person to reach out to.

Learn as Much as You Can About Your Unplanned Pregnancy Options

Like any other woman figuring out how to deal with an unexpected pregnancy, you have three options to consider:

1. Abortion
2. Adoption
3. Parenting

While we can’t tell you which one is right for your situation, we can provide a little bit of information on each to help you make your decision. If you’re trying to figure out tangible ways for how to deal with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, below is a basic overview of your options:

• Abortion: Abortion is your early unplanned pregnancy option. For many women, this path is their first choice after they find out that they’re unexpectedly pregnant. If you have any questions about whether it’s the right choice for you, please reach out to your doctor to learn which options are available for your situation.
• Adoption: Many women consider adoption to be the best choice they could have made for their babies. With this option, you can rest easier knowing that your child is safe and loved while focusing on your own goals for the future.
• Parenting: If you think that you’re ready to be a mother, then you might consider raising your baby. This is a great option, and you might find that having the chance to become a parent will be your way of finding joy in an unplanned pregnancy.

Don’t forget that you can speak with any adoption professional, doctor or an unplanned pregnancy counselor to learn more about each of your options as you try to determine which one is right for you. The most important thing is making sure that you’re picking the option that feels right for you — no matter what anyone else says. And, once again, you are in absolutely no rush to make a decision at this very moment as you learn the best way to deal with an unwanted pregnancy.

Reach Out to a Professional

One of the best places  to start looking for tips on how to overcome an unexpected pregnancy is through a licensed adoption agency. There, you’ll be able to receive helpful information on all of your options — not just adoption. Additionally, talking with a social worker can be a great resource when it comes to learning how to cope with an unexpected pregnancy. With their help, you’ll have an easier time working through your emotions.

You should also know that many adoption agencies have free, 24/7 hotlines. You won’t have to worry about waiting until Monday to get your questions answered or having to wait for someone to call you back. You are also under no obligation to choose adoption, and you will never be pressured into making an adoption plan for your baby.

If you haven’t had a chance to find an agency quite yet to talk about your unexpected pregnancy emotions, don’t worry. We’ve found a few that might be just what you’re looking for:

• American Adoptions
• Gladney Center for Adoption
• Bethany Christian Services

Reach out to Someone Who Knows What You’re Going Through

While your friends and family can be a great source of support, and an adoption professional can be an incredible resource, you might be hoping to talk to someone who’s been in your shoes. In this case, it might be helpful to reach out to a birth mother to talk about your options or turn to unplanned pregnancy support groups. There, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to other women who have learned how to emotionally deal with an unplanned pregnancy. You’ll have the opportunity to read their story, and it may give you some insight on what to do next.

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If you’re ready to learn more about how to manage an unplanned pregnancy, or if you just need someone to talk to about the next steps, don’t forget that you can reach out to any agency on this list. They would be more than happy to help. But if you’d to reach out to a professional today, please fill out our free information form to get in touch with an adoption agency immediately.