For some women, getting pregnant may come as a shock.
But once you know you're expecting, it's time to focus on your own health and your family’s as well. Women who already feel fatigued and stressed during pregnancy are at an even higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other complications.
If you’re feeling worried or sad with this unexpected surprise, don’t worry! It’s natural and most women with unexpected pregnancies do not usually have a pleasant reaction to the news.
There are strategies for dealing with an unexpected pregnancy that can help you, your partner, or everyone involved feel ready for what comes ahead.
Talk to someone you trust
If you are in a relationship, talk to your partner. You can also talk to another family member or friend you trust. You don't have to do this alone! It's okay if you aren't ready yet, but it's important that someone knows what's going on with you.
Ask for help when needed. If talking about your feelings isn't helping, then maybe seeking professional help from a therapist will be helpful for dealing with the situation at hand.
Be aware of your partner's feelings and moods throughout the pregnancy
Your partner's perspective on the pregnancy and the circumstance is likely to shift as it develops. Seeking outside assistance, such as counselling, may be necessary if they do not feel supported and are unsure of their decision-making.
If they seem to be handling the news of an unplanned pregnancy well and are willing to collaborate with you in making decisions about next steps, then you should just trust the process and prepare for an exciting journey ahead.
Visit a Planned Parenthood center
Planned Parenthood is a great resource for information about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Did you know that women of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to the same high-quality, low-cost reproductive health care at Planned Parenthood, reducing their risk of death during childbirth, STIs, and cervical cancer?
By providing women with access to low-cost contraception and information on birth control, they can have more say in when they start a family. If you want to provide your child or children the best possible emotional, physical, and financial upbringing, you need to take charge of your parenthood, even if it was a complete shock.
Find a doctor to fit your needs
When choosing a doctor, you may want to ask friends and family for recommendations. Alternatively, you can do your own research online in order to find the right match. Once you've selected a few doctors that seem like good options, it's always smart to ask them about their experience with surprise pregnancies!
Find out what types of tests you need to do
If you're pregnant, it's not just a case of "Oh yeah, I'm pregnant,” then just go about your normal life until you deliver your baby.
You'll probably want to get a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. This will tell the doctor if your results are accurate. You may also need an ultrasound to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and check on fetal development; this can also help determine whether or not things are going as planned.
Take care of yourself and get enough sleep
Sleep is important for your health, and the health of your baby. As a new parent, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and forget that you need rest. But don’t worry! You can take care of yourself and your growing baby, even if it was an unexpected pregnancy.
Most new moms have trouble sleeping because of their changing bodies and hormones. Many moms have sworn a maternity pillow has helped them find the best sleeping position even as early as the first month of the second trimester.
Final Thoughts
Having taken some time to sort through your feelings, it's time to focus on your own wellbeing. Although you may be in disbelief or feel completely overwhelmed, keep in mind that adjusting to an unexpected pregnancy is not an easy process.
You might be surprised by how much support there is out there if you just reach out! Don't forget about the importance of sleep; try not to stay up all night worrying about what's going on with your body.