Although an unexpected pregnancy might be rather shocking, there’s no need to freak out. You’re not by yourself. In the United States, surprises account for over half of all pregnancies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in 2008 over 50% of persons reported experiencing an undesired gestation. The unwanted adolescent prenatal period stayed at almost 75% by 2011. While the general proportion fell to 45%.
Women in partnerships frequently become pregnant unintentionally. Pregnancy intention was divided into four categories in a study. We have planned, unplanned/happy, unplanned/ambivalent, and unplanned/unhappy.
According to the study, individuals who had unplanned/unhappy pregnancies had psychological discomfort. At a rate that was almost twice as high as those who had planned pregnancies at nine months after giving birth.
Several techniques can help you remain composed when faced with stress, worry, and uncertainty. Being aware that you are not alone may be helpful while coping with an unanticipated prenatal period.
Obtain confirmation.
Confirming your prenatal period with a doctor might not be harmful. Even while pregnancy tests performed at home are usually fairly accurate. A doctor can do ultrasound scans to determine the pregnancy’s stage. As well as affirm that it’s happening with a blood test.
Consulting a physician can also assist you in developing an unplanned pregnancy plan. This might make you feel a little more at peace. And assist you in arriving at choices about what you will do with your planned pregnancy right now.
Make an appointment by calling your OB/GYN or primary care physician.
Seeing your doctor is crucial so she can determine how far ahead you are in your prenatal period. According to obstetrics and gynecology at the majority of clinics and hospitals. It aids in determining your care and next actions.
Recognize that you’re in shock.
Being in shock is OK. Any abrupt, stressful changes in your life, such as an unintended prenatal period, might cause shock. Before deciding how you would like to react. You can—and most likely should—give yourself a few moments to think things through.
Make sure to let the doctor’s office know if you are unsure of how long it has been since your last menstruation. Additionally, inform them of any medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, that you are taking.
As well as any medical conditions you may have, such as depression or diabetes. If so, your healthcare provider could recommend that you visit a specialist or wish to see you immediately.
Take a prenatal vitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid immediately if you haven’t previously. Babies that take folic acid have a lower chance of developing spine, spinal cord, and brain abnormalities.
According to the majority of obstetrics, gynecologists, and women’s health experts. Folic acid must be in your body before and throughout the first few weeks of pregnancy for it to be effective. Check out https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/schs/pdf/schs126.pdf for further reading.
Allow your feelings to flow.
After a positive pregnancy test, you could experience a range of emotions as you come to terms with the situation. They might consist of:
- Fear
- A sense of exhilaration
- Anger
- Perplexity
Writing them down and attempting to comprehend them later could be beneficial. You may be able to ascertain your present feelings on the prenatal period. By going over the emotions you have experienced.
Let your mind wander as well.
Try to allow your ideas, regardless of what you might have been thinking, to flow freely alongside your feelings. Even your negative ideas won’t have an impact on the prenatal period. As well as your personality or your potential parenting style.
Until you’ve had time to completely analyze your thoughts and feelings. You might want to wait to take any action. And it’s all right.
Examine your choices for help.
Finding someone you can rely on for assistance could be a good idea right now. Your spouse, close companions, and members of the family. Or perhaps talking to a professional about your thoughts and feelings makes you feel better.
Support should always be objective and nonjudgmental, regardless of who you turn to. That is what you deserve. Going forward, no one should criticize you, your emotions, or any decisions you make about the prenatal period.
You could also think about looking for a midwife or doula in your area. She can support you throughout this time. You may read more about programs available in your locality so you won’t be in such a situation today.
Consider your alternatives.
You might find it helpful to think carefully about your alternatives while you work through your feelings. You may attempt to picture the following:
- Recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of living at home with a new baby. Of course, including routine adjustments and other changes
- How will you feel about the adoption procedure if you choose to go that route?
- What immediate and long-term effects will be terminating the gestation? Or have on your feelings after the procedure.
You should strive to be kind to yourself, just like you would with other procedures. All you’re doing is weighing your alternatives. As well as attempting to determine how each will make you feel.
You might also want to think about how each choice would impact any underlying medical conditions you may have. Such as anxiety and sadness.
Never hesitate to accept assistance.
During the first shock of your gestation. Your family members, friends, and even certain people in the community could be willing to assist you. Although support can take many forms, it may consist of the following:
- Providing a sympathetic ear to weep on
- Monetary assistance
- Food offers
- Assist with household tasks