For some, becoming pregnant and starting a family is planned out meticulously. Ovulation cycles are tracked, parenting books are purchased and nursery color schemes have been chosen. But for some, it is a bit of a surprise. Starting a family wasn’t necessarily on the radar but then one day, a plus sign shows up on the pregnancy test and you are faced with the reality of an unplanned pregnancy.
Mixed emotions are normal when facing a big life change. Especially when it is one that you were not counting on happening. Try to be patient with yourself as you will probably feel an array of Nebraska Children Home Society provides pregnancy services for coping with an unexpected pregnancy and we want to help you to sort through your thoughts and options. Once you have been able to come to terms with the reality of this pregnancy, it is time to take some tangible actions.
Meet with Nebraska Children’s Home Society
Nebraska Children’s Home Society offers free and confidential pregnancy counseling. Our specialists provide information on your options for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. We discuss both the option of parenting your child and the option of adoption. We will help you determine what your current needs are as an expectant parent and connect you to resources in your community.
Make a Doctor’s Appointment.
Call your OBGYN and schedule an initial pregnancy appointment. Here they will confirm your pregnancy test results, calculate a due date and provide you with necessary medical advice for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Regular visits with your OBGYN to monitor your progress and the baby’s growth is vital during these nine months.
A doctor will advise what you should and should not consume for the health of the growing baby inside of you. You will receive the appropriate testing and ultrasounds to track the progress. Nothing sounds as sweet as hearing a baby’s heartbeat inside you.
Create a Support System.
If you are married or in a relationship, have a conversation with your significant other. Breaking the news to someone that they are going to be a parent may seem scary if it is not expected news, but it is necessary to get everyone on the same page. Try setting aside a specific time to talk in private and prepare for their emotions to be raw, much like yours were when you first found out. Be patient, try to answer questions, and know that they may need time to process.
If the father of your child is eager to support the raising of your child together, Nebraska Children’s Home Society provides support and access to resources to guide him towards being the best father he can be.
If you find yourself without the support of the father of the child, find a family member or close friend who is willing to walk through this journey with you. Grandparents can be a great support in raising a child. At NCHS, we also have services to support grandparents who are taking on a parenting role.
In the end, an unplanned pregnancy can seem scary at first, but with the services provided by NCHS – you do not have to face this alone. Our services are offered at no cost and are confidential. We will be here every step of the way – before, during and after the birth of your child.
Contact Us Today
To schedule your free and confidential pregnancy counseling, call 877-420-4747 or visit our website at https://nchs.org/contact. We are here to support you!