Where You Can Look For Support During Your Pregnancy

Facing a pregnancy, whether unexpected or expected, can shake up your life and the lives around you. It can span the entire emotional spectrum from fear to unbridled joy. However, it’s important to realize that you are not alone, and innumerable women have been in similar circumstances and sought unplanned pregnancy counseling.

While everyone’s emotions surrounding their pregnancy can vary, there is no shortage of support available for any step in your pregnancy journey. It might be challenging to figure out precisely what you need, but the outpouring of pregnancy support in many different avenues is sure to help you on your journey. 

Keep reading to see what the most valuable resources for pregnancy support are and where you can get access to them.

Mental Health Support

Approximately one in five mothers experience mental health issues during pregnancy. Knowing this, it’s even more important to check in with professionals, monitor your mental wellness as your pregnancy progresses, and touch base with existing support systems. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, and it should be treated as such.

Local Unplanned Pregnancy Counseling

Finding someone who can empathize with your struggles in a way that makes you feel seen and heard is no easy feat. However, in today’s counseling world, the opportunities to find the right person to help you through your pregnancy journey can be easier to find now than ever. 

With the expansion of counseling services into the telehealth realm, location isn’t necessarily a deal breaker anymore when trying to find the mental health assistance you need. You can easily find mental health professionals in your area (or via telehealth) with expertise in pregnancy.

While the convenience of online counseling cannot be argued, it’s simply not the best-case scenario for every person seeking help. Check out these lists from Psychology Today featuring qualified experts who are equipped to help with your pregnancy in person and in your area:

• Bellevue
• Elkhorn
• Fremont
• Grand Island
• Gretna   
• La Vista
• Lincoln
• Norfolk
• North Platte
• Nebraska City
• Omaha
• Scottsbluff

Emotional Support

It’s incredibly important for expectant parents to take care of their emotional needs as well as physical and mental needs. You need to have family, friends, or a support group you can rely on, as well as a shoulder to lean on in times of need.

Support from Friends and Family

During your pregnancy, having a strong support system, including unplanned pregnancy counseling, is invaluable. Your friends and family provide a unique perspective into your life before, during, and after your pregnancy. They’re here for the long haul, and they’ve known you long before and will know you long after your pregnancy. 

Establish a weekly or monthly routine of checking in with your support system, whether that be running errands together, going over your birth plan, or just visiting in a casual setting. Open yourself up for the help that is likely already available to you, and let the people that love you help you in the process.

Online Support Communities

Again, the Internet has created an opportunity for people to come together and support each other no matter where they may be located. Online support communities for pregnancy have skyrocketed in popularity in the last few years and are only continuing to grow.

These groups serve as a pillar of support and even education as many of them include mothers, other pregnant women, and professionals in the maternal support world. Take a look at some of the most popular groups or platforms pregnant women and parents are flocking to:

For Pregnant Women

• The Motherhood Center
• MOPS International
• The Bump
• BabyCenter
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting (app and website)
• Sprout App

For Moms

Pregnancy support doesn’t stop at birth, and the benefits of unplanned pregnancy counseling extend much longer as well. Once your child is born, there are still many avenues for support and advice. Below are a few options that mothers can tap into after their pregnancy ends.

• National Parent Helpline
• Blossoming Mothers Online Support Group
• Motherly
• Postpartum Stress Center

For Dads

We can’t forget fathers in this situation, as their experiences also deserve support and guidance. Here are some popular platforms expecting fathers look to for encouragement: 

• Life of Dad
• Dad 2.0
• City Dads Group
• The National At-Home Dad Network
• Postpartum Dads 

Financial Support

Many expectant parents experience stress and pressure regarding their financial situation. Added costs of prenatal care, healthcare, and childcare items can overwhelm anyone. Luckily, there are many options for financial support for individuals who are expecting. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services lists common assistance programs that are available for pregnant women and mothers on their website; learn more about them here.

• iServe
• The Nebraska Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Nebraska Medicaid Program
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

How NCHS Can Help

There's no need to go it alone. You have decisions to make, and we can walk you through your pregnancy options. Allow us to assist you during one of the most important times of your life and guide you to an outcome that works for you and your loved ones. NCHS provides free and confidential pregnancy support for you and your family, including referrals to unplanned pregnancy counseling.

We’ll be here every step of the way — before, during, and after your child's birth.

In NCHS’ Pregnancy Services program, we provide: 

• Assistance Accessing Prenatal Care
• Connections to Community Resources
• Guidance and Legal Information
• Information on Parenting and Adoption
• Temporary Newborn Care
• One-on-One Ongoing Support Services

At NCHS, we aim to demystify the struggles that new mothers and fathers face. It is not easy undergoing such a significant change in your life, and with the connections we can provide to certified specialists, you can find the support you need as you manage this transition. You’re never alone. Together, we can find your network of support and build healthy strategies for adjusting to postpartum life.

NCHS has helped thousands of women and men navigate unexpected pregnancies and get the resources to plan their family’s future. We’ve created a supportive community and safe space for you to voice your concerns and educate yourself on the options available.

To learn more about NCHS’ Pregnancy Services program, reach out to our team today.