Unplanned Pregnancy
Unplanned Pregnancy – Dealing with the news
An unplanned pregnancy results in a variety of emotions. Every situation is different. You may be a young unmarried teen, a married couple who is just getting your career started, or an older mom with plans to have no more children. But here you are now, pregnant and not quite sure of what to do or even how to feel about it.
The emotional shock may produce feelings of being trapped, scared, excited, or numb. You may have all of these emotions, especially if you are facing motherhood alone. Your unplanned pregnancy is perhaps the worst thing you can imagine right now. Mistakes in judgment, failed birth control, and even failed tubal ligations or vasectomies can happen. But don’t feel guilty or frightened. After the initial surprise, you need to rationally make some personal decisions and look at your options. There are a variety of pregnancy resources available for you.
Unplanned Pregnancy – What Do I Do from Here?
If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the first thing to do is to remain calm and in control. Do not panic or make hasty decisions that you may regret later. Ask yourself questions that will lead to the best solution for you and your baby. Then give them each careful, even prayerful, consideration:
- Do I want to keep this baby?
- Is adoption a practical option?
- Is there financial assistance available?
- Who do I involve in my decisions?
- Is abortion a good solution?
- What if I’m all alone?
Then get input from people who are trust-worthy advisors. These would include people such as your doctor, pastor, your parents, or a reputable adoption agency. Your church can also provide guidance and support. As stated before, do your research. If you want to keep the baby and will be raising him or her alone, you might consider talking to other single mothers. Above all, do not blame yourself. Feelings of guilt will only add to your confusion about what to do.
Unplanned Pregnancy – What Kind of Support is Available?
When possible, family and friends are the first line of support for you in an unplanned pregnancy. This applies especially if you are an unmarried teenager. Unfortunately, there are times when family members are the most upset about your unplanned pregnancy. This is when other sources can be of tremendous help.
To find caring and confidential help in your area, please utilize Option Line's 24-hour Pregnancy Hotline. This non-profit agency will help you locate helpful resources in your local area.
There may also be support from a church in your area. Churches often provide counseling, mentors, and spiritual guidance.
When we suffer from guilt, fear, or feelings of being alone in this unplanned pregnancy, we need to remember, or maybe discover for the first time, that we have a Heavenly Father who is always there and ready to offer our greatest source of support. He offers us comfort, compassion, love, and forgiveness. Simply ask Him.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
What is your response?
