A Woman’s Guide To Handling An Unplanned Pregnancy

Even if you and your sexual partner(s) are being super safe, or you are the most pro-life person in the world, unplanned pregnancies can still occur. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you aren’t alone. There are tons of resources, organizations and individuals who can help you navigate your pregnancy. 

1) Tell anyone who might be involved in the pregnancy

First and foremost, you have to make sure that anybody who is involved in the pregnancy is aware of the situation. Especially if you are a minor, it’s important that your parents know they have a grandchild on the way. The father of the child and his parents should also be notified. It’s up to you if you tell these people in person, over the phone, through a letter or in any other way. 

2) See a medical professional

Pregnancy resource centers are a great next step. They can confirm your pregnancy, perform an ultrasound, determine how far along your pregnancy is, start you on prenatal vitamins and connect you to a wealth of other resources. Some of the resources they may be able to connect you to are mental health professionals, therapy, fetal and child development classes, and all kinds of free items like maternity clothes, diapers, baby clothes, car seats and strollers. They can also help you navigate the options you have, such as parenting your child yourself, or putting them up for either an open or closed adoption. You can locate a Pregnancy Resource Center near you here.

3) Decide what you will do

If you choose to parent the baby, you need to decide if you will parent alone or with the baby’s father. Are you married? If so, this choice is pretty obvious. If you aren’t, you will need to have a conversation with the baby’s father about this. Decide if you’re going to live with your parents, on your own, or with the baby’s father.

If you choose to put the baby up for adoption, you’ll want to decide first if you want an open adoption or a closed adoption. With an open adoption, you are able to interact with your baby and the adopted parents during set times of the week or month. With a closed adoption, you cannot meet the child until they are 18.

After you make this decision, you can start seeking out an adoptive family. The following resources can help you find a family to adopt your child, and provide you with support after the baby has been adopted. 

4) Seek additional resources 

Continue to visit your pregnancy resource center for counseling, classes, group therapy, etc. as you continue your pregnancy and after. Seek out a community, whether that’s a church, a club, or just a good group of friends, to support you. 

Lastly, there is a plethora of resources available at your finger tips whether you’re a pregnant student, struggling with postpartum depression, or recovering from an abortion. Here are some of those resources.

If you’re a pregnant student:

Pregnant on Campus

The Pregnant Scholar

National Women’s Law Center

The NCAA

If you are pregnant from rape: 

Save The 1

RAINN

Dinah’s Voice

Option Line

Jennifer Christie

If you’re considering adoption:

I Choose Adoption

Brave Love

Birth Mom Buds

First Hero

If you are experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence:

RAINN

The Hotline

If you need to safely surrender a newborn:

National Safe Haven Alliance

If you are recovering from a past abortion:

Abortion Recovery

Rachel’s Vineyard

Hope After Abortion

Silence No More Awareness

If you are recovering from a miscarriage:

Elizabeth Ministry

Through The Heart

If you are a single parent:

Single Mothers Grants

Embrace Grace

If you’re struggling with postpartum depression:

Postpartum

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you’re pregnant and struggling with substance abuse:

American Addiction Centers

If you have a high-risk pregnancy:

Sidelines

High Risk Hope

If your baby has health problems:

Perinatal Hospice

Be Not Afraid

Fetal Health Foundation

All That Love Can Do

NICU Helping Hands

SBSK

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

The Little Angels Gowns

If you’re looking for a support group:

Embrace Grace

Birth Mom Buds

Postpartum

Optionline

If you can’t afford diapers: 

National Diaper Bank Network

Optionline

Real alternatives

Gabriel Project

If you need assistance feeding yourself and your family: 

Feeding America

Food Pantries

National School Lunch Program

Project Bread

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children 

If you need housing assistance:

Catholic Charities USA

Bridge of Hope

HomeAid

National Housing Coalition 

If you need affordable childcare: 

Women Deserve Better

Child Care Centers 

Care.com

If you need transportation:

Free Charity Cars

If you are having trouble breastfeeding:

La Leche League International

United States Lactation Consultant Association

Once you have all of the logistics figured out, take your time and try to enjoy the journey of pregnancy and the blessing of a new life being created.