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After finding out about an unplanned pregnancy, there are likely countless thoughts running through your head at once:
I’m pregnant and don’t know what to do.
What are my options?
How will I ever decide what to do with an unplanned pregnancy?
What are the first steps to take after finding out you’re pregnant?

What happens now?

Fortunately, you have a wide variety of resources to help you answer these questions, move forward, and determine which of your unplanned pregnancy choices is right for you. What to do if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy will ultimately always be up to you You are the only person who can decide how to handle an unexpected pregnancy and decide which of your choices is best for you and your baby.

This is a big decision, and you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re wondering who to talk to or where to go when you find out you are pregnant, you can always start by contacting Adoption Choices of Texas at 855-304-4673 (HOPE). Your call is free, confidential, and does not obligate you to pursue adoption. Our unbiased specialists will never tell you how to handle your unplanned pregnancy or what you should or should not do. Instead, we are here to provide guidance, support, and resources for any woman who is pregnant and not sure what to do next.

How to handle an unplanned pregnancy may be different for each individual woman based on her unique circumstances, so it is important to talk to a professional for guidance regarding your specific situation. In the meantime, we have outlined some of the general steps to take when pregnant. As you navigate this time in your life, these are some of the things you may need to consider to move forward with your unplanned pregnancy.

The First Steps When Finding Out You’re Pregnant

So, the results are in, and now you are thinking and feeling, “I’m pregnant; Help!” An unplanned pregnancy can affect women in many different ways, so some of your first steps after finding out you are pregnant should be to work through your own feelings and come to terms with this unexpected situation. In general, here are some of the first steps to take when unexpectedly pregnant:

Step 1: Confirm your pregnancy with a doctor.

The first step of pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned, should always be to consult with a doctor. Your doctor can confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are, which could impact the options that are available to you. He or she can also help you make a plan for prenatal care until you decide which pregnancy option is right for you.

Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you might have about pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion and refer you to additional resources as needed. From there, you can determine what your pregnancy next steps are.

Step 2: Sort through your feelings.

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, what to do will depend largely on how you feel about the pregnancy. For example, what to do with an unplanned pregnancy that you feel excited and hopeful about will obviously be different from what to do if you do not want to be pregnant and/or do not want a baby. But determining exactly how you feel about your unplanned pregnancy is not always that simple.

Know that feelings of shock, anger, denial and depression are common; an unexpected pregnancy can bring on a wide range of emotions, all of which are normal at this stage. As you cope with this sudden life change, give yourself time to process all of your thoughts and feelings. You can always reach out to a counselor for help determining how you feel about this pregnancy and, therefore, how to handle the pregnancy going forward.

Step 3: Explore your options.

Women wondering what to do if pregnant generally have three options: raise the child, end the pregnancy, or place the child for adoption. It is important to learn as much as you can about all of these options so you can make an informed decision you feel good about; you can read more about each of them below.

What to do if you accidentally get pregnant is a choice only you can make; this is your decision, and no one knows you, your baby or your situation like you do. However, if you need help deciding how to handle an unwanted pregnancy or unplanned pregnancy, there are many counselors available to provide guidance and support. You can always contact an adoption specialist with Adoption Choices for more information about your choices.

Step 4: Build a support system.

When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, what to do and who to tell will always be up to you. Telling loved ones about your unexpected pregnancy can be intimidating, and it is understandable why you may want to decide what to do with an unwanted pregnancy before you share your news.

But, while keeping your unwanted pregnancy a secret is an option, it is usually recommended that you share the information with those close to you when you feel comfortable. By hiding your pregnancy, you may deprive yourself of much-needed support from family or close friends. Having even one close friend or family member to walk with you through your first steps after getting pregnant can be incredibly helpful.

Step 5: Get professional support.

Finally, know that you do not have to go through any of pregnancy’s first steps alone. There are many places to go for support; you can find a variety of support groups and professionals to help you decide what to do if you have an unwanted pregnancy, including those at Adoption Choices of Texas. You can contact our adoption specialists any time at 855-304-4673 (HOPE) for free, unbiased counseling, and compassionate support.

In the meantime, read on for some things to know about each of your options for an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy and what to do to move forward.

 

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Serving Expectant Parents Statewide
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