How to deal with an unplanned pregnancy

No matter what a woman can get pregnant! Any time during childbearing years, a woman is able to become pregnant. A young girl prior to beginning her menstrual cycle can become pregnant. A woman just beginning menopause can become pregnant. Contraceptives can fail. Tubal ligations can grow back! Unwanted pregnancies can and do occur every day.

There are only three options if you find yourself faced with an unplanned pregnancy, which are:

•  Abortion

•  Adoption

•  Keep the baby

You probably already know these are your only options; however, you are more than likely wondering how you can make such a huge decision especially if you are a teenager. Each decision will make a change in your life and will need careful consideration prior to just picking one.

Tips for helping you make a decision concerning your unplanned pregnancy

•  Think about all three options. Is there one that you know for sure is not a possibility. If so, then you are down to making a decision between the two that are left.

•  Now, according to which options you have left; imagine yourself going through with your decision. Can you see yourself raising the baby? Imagine how you will feel if you have an abortion? Imagine how you will feel if you have an abortion?

•  Consider your goals with or without the baby. Will your new baby fit into the goals you have mapped out for yourself? If the baby will not fit into your goals, can you put them on hold?

•  Is taking to the father an option?

•  Talk to a counselor or a pregnancy center.

•  If you are underage, talk with an adult you trust such as a close family member

•  Research adoption and abortion. Learn what the laws are in your state.

•  Be sure to take care of yourself even if you plan to have an abortion. You may change your mind. If you want to give the baby up for adoption, you still want to have a healthy baby, so take care of yourself and the baby.

•  You have time to make this huge decision, but do not let someone else make it for you. If you do, then you will regret the decision for the rest of your life.