An unplanned pregnancy can bring some serious questions into focus. You may have thoughts like, “Am I ready to be a parent,” “I don’t know if I can do this,” and “Who will help support me through this pregnancy?” These are all natural reactions to an unplanned pregnancy. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone.

If you are pregnant or just feel overwhelmed about parenting a child, there are resources and professionals who can help you process your feelings and form a plan for your pregnancy.

If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, follow these steps:

1. Confirm that you are pregnant:

   • If you suspect you are pregnant, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy. If the test is positive, doctors will tell you exactly how far along you are in the pregnancy and normally give you a few “first steps” to keep the baby healthy while considering your options.

2. Find the support you need:

   • Being faced with an unplanned pregnancy can be very overwhelming, especially if you have no support. It is recommended to find a friend or family member that you can confide in that will give you honest, non-judgmental advice. This might even be a good time to reach out to a professional to get the emotional support you need. No, matter the decision you come to, a counselor at Hope Cottage would be happy to talk with you. You can receive counseling, parenting resources, and support at no cost. To speak with one of our pregnancy counselors confidentially, call or text 469-418-4518 This number is available 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

3. Consider your situation carefully.

   • When contemplating adoption, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:

     • Can I provide for my child? Financial instability is normally one of the main reasons that women with unplanned pregnancies are unsure if they are ready to parent.

     • Will my child have a father figure in their life? There are many benefits of raising a child in a two-parent home, but what if your child’s biological father is out of the picture? Being a single mother can have its fair share of challenges, but many moms have accepted and conquered that challenge. If you are considering parenting as a single parent, it will be important to have a solid support system in place. Take some time to think through the life you dream of for your child.

     • What are my personal goals, and how will a baby factor in? If you are a working parent, in school, or have a current full-time commitment, how will a baby factor in? You will need to determine how to balance life as a new mother as you choose to pursue your current interests and responsibilities. Try asking yourself these questions; “Will I have the energy and time to be the maternal figure in my baby’s life?” “Will my child be my top priority?” “If I decide to parent, am I ready to put my current plans on hold?”

     • Am I ready to be a parent? Not many can say that they are 100% ready to become a parent. As mentioned earlier, you may have current dreams and aspirations that you are not ready to give up on. You may not have the support you need right now. You may find that you are simply not ready to parent a child, and that’s okay. If you decide that adoption is the best decision for you and your child, know that there are families out there who are ready to adopt and give any child a loving and supportive home.

Just remember that this is your baby and the only person that can make this decision is you. No one can tell you what is best for you and your child. However, if you need help sorting through your thoughts and feelings, there is always support available. For more information on adoption or to contact a pregnancy counselor visit https://www.hopecottage.org/pregnant or call 469-418-4518