Pregnancy can be a stressful time, even when it’s planned. Add to that the shock and uncertainty that comes with an unplanned pregnancy and you’ve got a recipe for some serious anxiety. Effectively dealing with that stress is a vital part of clearing your mind so you can make smart choices for you and your baby. Through that lens, we offer the following five tips…
1. Make Sure You’re Really Pregnant
Until you’ve had a medical pregnancy test with a follow up ultrasound, it’s possible you’re stressing without cause. Home pregnancy tests can deliver false positive results, leading you to believe you’re pregnant when you’re really not. They can also give false negative results, allowing you to think you’re not pregnant when you really are. If you have solid reason to suspect you’re pregnant, a medical pregnancy test from a physician or a local women’s clinic like Sira in Gainesville can help you know for sure.
2. Talk with People Who Love You
Carrying the emotional weight of an unplanned pregnancy all on your own is too much for anyone. Talking about it and sharing your feelings with people you love can help you work through those feelings. While it’s not always easy, telling your partner you’re pregnant, or sharing the news with your parents, can almost immediately relieve much of the stress you’re feeling. Talking with a supportive friend can also be a great way to get your thoughts and emotions out there so you can effectively deal with them.
3. Learn About ALL of Your Options
You may think you already understand the pregnancy options available to you. You may have even jumped to a decision the moment you suspected you were pregnant. Truth is, with more programs available to pregnant women all the time, there are likely options you haven’t yet considered, or at least not seriously considered. Look into what being a mom would really mean for you, and what resources could make it possible for you to give your baby a happy, healthy environment while also giving you every chance to pursue your dreams. A trained pregnancy counselor can help you truly consider all of the options available to you.
4. Develop a Plan
Equipped with a full understanding of your pregnancy options, make a plan. Planning returns your sense of control over your circumstances and offers peace of mind. But a plan is more than just intent, it’s a set of specific steps you will follow. Depending on the pregnancy options you choose, your steps may include things like getting prenatal medical care, discontinuing drugs or alcohol, finding referrals to community resources and/or talking to an adoption counselor. A pregnancy options counselor can also help you organize your needs and connect with the right people and organizations.
5. Treat Yourself with Love
You are a beautiful person, and an unplanned pregnancy doesn’t change that. In fact, that baby you’re carrying means you have that much more beauty to share with the world. Celebrate yourself for the strong woman you are, and treat yourself right for the empowering choices you make. Keep your body strong with proper diet and exercise. Relax and unwind with a spa day or massage. And keep your mind clear with meditation and prayer. You are worthy of love from everyone around you…especially yourself.
Whether you need free medical pregnancy testing, compassionate pregnancy counseling or just a safe place to share your story, Sira is here with help for today and hope for tomorrow. Contact Sira in Gainesville today at 352-377-4947.