How to deal with unexpected news

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes, the unexpected sucker punches you in the gut. An unexpected pregnancy is one of those life events that can take anyone by surprise when they’ve not planned for it. In this post, we will explore tips for coping with an unplanned pregnancy.

You most likely came looking for advice and how to deal with your own feelings or the feelings of a family member. I have five children, and believe it or not, I did not plan one of them. However, they were all planned by God. After our third child, I thought I couldn’t have anymore. After several years had passed, I was sure I was going through early menopause, but it was baby #4, and we were shocked. It had been seven years since our last child.

That pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, but then about 14 months later, I found out I was pregnant again. At this point, after the miscarriage, I had already dealt with a myriad of emotions and knew that I wanted another child.

While there are several unplanned pregnancy options for an unwanted pregnancy, most people will want to keep the baby regardless of whether they want it or not. Coping with an unexpected pregnancy can be challenging, so with that in mind, here are some tips.

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Tips for Coping with an Unplanned Pregnancy

Get organized

The first step is to take some deep breaths. If you have just gotten a positive pregnancy test, you need some time to collect your thoughts.

It may be a shock initially, but my first tip for coping with an unplanned pregnancy is to get organized. Whether it’s a first pregnancy or a third, it’s good to take the scope of everything that needs doing in order to prepare for the baby’s arrival.

This could be saving money to help towards bringing up the baby and the existing household, to buying new clothes and creating a space for the baby’s nursery. 

Once the shock has passed, it can be helpful to get into the mindset of organizing life so that everyone is ready for when the baby arrives.

Find a support group for help

A support group for birth parents who find themselves in the same situation can be a major help for those who are going through the rollercoaster that is an unplanned pregnancy. This tip is helpful for coping with an unplanned pregnancy whether you view this as good news or are shocked beyond belief; unintended pregnancies involve big decisions.

Some people may be alone in their pregnancy with no partner around. Having support is essential when a baby is on its way, especially to help with the emotional stress of it all. Organizations like https://embracegrace.com/ are available to provide the support and care needed in a person’s time of need.

Allow yourself to be emotional

It’s important that you allow yourself to be emotional. Having a baby, let alone unexpectedly, can be a huge hit to the hormones. It’s something that can be hard to get the brain around, especially when it’s not a planned pregnancy.

Allow yourself to be emotional. Additionally, give yourself the time needed to get over that initial shock that comes with being pregnant. It’s a deserved emotional state to feel and be in for as long as it’s necessary. In fact, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended. That means you probably know lots of people who were/are in your shoes.

However, most people don’t talk about emotions. I remember my mother-in-law (who had six children) talking about how she felt. She found out she was pregnant with my husband when she was 41. I was shocked but realized that the most important thing was validating feelings instead of pretending they don’t exist.

Be mindful of finances

Finances are something that shouldn’t be a priority. However, they can be something that is thought about greatly when having a child. With another mouth to feed and be responsible for, finances are important to get in good shape.

With that in mind, be mindful of finances and what the current state of it may be. It might be that some saving needs to be made and debts need to be cleared quickly to cater to this new one in the family.

Also, be aware of thrift stores and garage sales to buy necessities for the new baby. This may be a great way to get baby clothes, maternity clothes, and even swings and a crib.

See the positives

More tips for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy is to look for the positives. And there can be many positives. As long as the baby is healthy, you’re healthy, and you’re in a stable home, these are positives to take away from the experience. Expectant mothers do have a wide range of emotions, whether the baby was planned or not. While it may not be the best news for some, there’s a lot in life currently that a person can be grateful for.

What if you decide to give the baby up for adoption

While I have never gone through an adoption, once you make the decision to give up the baby, you will want to craft an adoption plan.

Do you want to try to find adoptive parents yourself, have an open adoption, or go through an agency? The adoption process can be simple, or it can be very complicated. I know people who have done private adoptions or have close friends who have adopted their children. I also know people who have gone through agencies. Finding an adoption specialist is probably a good idea for the birth mother to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Another thing to consider is whether you need financial assistance with the adoption. If you are a single mother, you still will need to take time off work to care for yourself. You also need to consider the baby’s father. Maybe he or someone in his family will want to care for the child.

Remember, adoption could be the best decision you make for yourself and your child.

Unplanned Pregnancy and Your Health

Remember that you need to take care of your mental and physical health when pregnant. There are some great ways to ensure you stay physically healthy. Staying relaxed during pregnancy is important for your physical well-being and the well-being of the baby.

However, make sure you do not neglect your spiritual health too. Staying connected to trusted spiritual advisors and friends is a must, but if you don’t have those connections, finding a church can help you on that journey.

Coping with an unexpected baby is something that happens. So with that in mind, use these tips for coping with an unplanned pregnancy if it should ever happen to you.