unplanned pregnancy
So you've just found out your pregnant...
An unexpected pregnancy can come as a shock.
Pregnancy is a time when hormone levels increase significantly and can cause different extremes in emotion. When combined with external pressures from a partner, parent or from being in a complicated situation, it can be a very difficult time to make a choice that will impact the rest of your life.
The worst thing you can do is to rush into a decision.
You have time.
Don’t be pressured.
Give your emotions time to settle.
Give your mind time to think calmly.
Talking to someone will really help sort through your feelings and options and help you make an informed decision that is right for you.
Discerning the problem
It’s tempting right now to think that ‘being pregnant’ IS the problem.
This thought can be overwhelming and possibly confuse your thinking, making it difficult to work out how you really feel about being pregnant and possibly becoming a mum.
If you were in different circumstances, with a supportive partner, enough money, family and friends to encourage and support you…..Would being pregnant still be the problem that it seems to be right now? If not, then this may suggest that being pregnant is not the primary ‘problem’, but rather the circumstances you find yourself in, or the lack of support or encouragement you are experiencing.
Often circumstances around you can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
Partner, friends and family opinions can also change.
So, whatever your situation, it is very important with this life changing decision ahead of you …. that you ask yourself some very important questions so that you can focus on the REAL issues:
-
‘If things were different, would I still be so worried about being pregnant?’
-
‘Is his opinion or others influencing my feelings and my choices?’
-
‘Given all the support that I may need, what would my decision be?’
-
‘How will I feel about my choice in 1 month, 9 months, years from now?’
This is YOUR decision and YOUR choice, and you alone will live with it.
So, it is crucial right now to try to put all other influencing voices aside.
It is also important to take the opportunity to really explore your thoughts and feelings about being pregnant.
We strongly recommend that you take time to chat about your situation objectively and confidentially. Do not rush into anything.