How to Cope with Unplanned Pregnancy
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with mixed emotions. On one hand, you may be overjoyed to have a new little one to share your life and love with. On the other hand, you may feel anxious or upset, especially if you’re facing life as a single mother. Concerns about finances, holding down a job, continuing studies, and finding the right doctor and hospital can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
At the same time, your body is boosting the production of key pregnancy hormones progesterone and estrogen, and these hormones, coupled with common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and cravings, can be exhausting on all levels.
If you’re wondering how to cope with unplanned pregnancy, check out the tips outlined below. They will help you not only manage but even thrive as you prepare for the birth of your new little one.
Process Your Emotions
Remember it’s OK to feel a range of emotions. Even women who have planned their pregnancy in advance experience mixed feelings. The key is to not let emotions overwhelm you. Taking time to process your feelings will help you understand yourself, give yourself grace, and make smart plans for the future.
One good way to process your emotions is to take time to write down what you’re feeling and then consider why you’re experiencing that particular emotion. If you’re happy and excited, for instance, consider what is fueling these feelings. Are you looking forward to shopping for baby clothes and decorating the nursery? If you’re feeling worried, write down what you’re worried about. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, make a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider. If you’re worried about finances, write down your concerns, so you can make a short and long-term financial plan.
Bear in mind that processing your emotions isn’t a one-time event. Pregnancy is an emotional experience. You’ll likely need to make time to relax, meditate, and process your emotions throughout your pregnancy and even after your baby is born. Doing so is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a healthy activity that empowers you to control your feelings and channel your energies in the right direction.
If you feel depressed, anxious, or suicidal, reach out for help right away. About 10% of all women have significant mental health concerns during pregnancy and after childbirth, so you’re not alone and there are medical professionals and licensed counselors who can help you during this trying time.
Financial Preparation
Pregnancy-related expenses can put a lot of stress on your budget. There are doctor visits and the delivery. You’ll need to purchase baby items such as clothes, blankets, formula, a crib, a stroller, etc. You’ll also need to set aside money for the first few weeks after the baby is born as you’ll need time to recover before going back to work.
There are things you can do to keep costs down. Buying baby items used instead of new can help you save a lot of money. Garage sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace are all good sources of gently used baby items. You may need to take a hard look at your budget and eliminate non-essential expenses.
There are also several government programs and community agencies that offer assistance for pregnant women. A few of these include WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), CHIP (The Children’s Health Insurance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and Medicaid. Additionally, Medicare can cover the cost of certain pregnancy and delivery-related services in some situations. Check out any local agencies that specialize in assisting pregnant women. Do some research to see which programs you are eligible for and take full advantage of all they have to offer.
Find Support
Every pregnant mother needs and deserves support. The child’s father should be the pregnant mother’s greatest cheerleader, supporting her throughout her pregnancy and preparing with her for the new life that will soon be part of their family. Other family members such as parents and siblings can also be great sources of support.
Unfortunately, a pregnant woman’s immediate family isn’t always willing or able to offer needed help and assistance. However, there are other members of the community who can step in and help an expecting mother during her pregnancy and even after she has given birth. The Caring Network, for instance, offers pregnant women many free services and forms of assistance, including consultations, pregnancy tests, medical referrals, and resources for ongoing support. We can help address your unique concerns and connect you with programs that will help meet your needs. .
Pregnancy is an amazing occurrence. A new life is growing inside you moment by moment. As an expecting mother, you have the privilege of feeling the baby move, kick, and grow as he or she prepares to enter the world. Even so, pregnancy isn’t easy, even if it’s planned in advance. As your body changes, physical symptoms can leave you feeling tired and sick. Your emotions can be difficult to manage as your hormonal levels change and the stress of planning your finances and preparing for the birth takes a toll on your mental resources.
The good news is that there are ways to cope with your pregnancy, even if it is unplanned. Give yourself time to process your emotions and plan financially so you are prepared to handle what comes next. Additionally, get help from those who are willing and able to provide practical assistance and the emotional support you need.
Contact us at your convenience; we work with women of all ages, walks of life, nationalities and income levels. We offer information in English, and Spanish, and our trained staff members provide a listening ear and personal support. Our team is honored to help women hold up to the challenge of carrying a baby to term and then experiencing the wonder of delivering a new life into the world.
