Common myths about unplanned pregnancy may make you feel afraid and anxious. You may feel undeserved shame about your situation and struggle to make a decision you feel good about.
These myths could also lead to more unplanned pregnancies in the future.
You deserve to feel confident about your fertility and the decision you make for your pregnancy. This blog will debunk common myths about unexpected pregnancies to help you feel more prepared.
Common myths about unplanned pregnancy
1. Myth: Only teenagers have unplanned pregnancies
According to most movies and TV shows, teens are the only ones who experience unplanned pregnancy. In reality, nearly 42% of all pregnancies in the U.S. in 2019 weren’t planned. And unplanned pregnancy facts show that most women who found themselves pregnant unexpectedly were 20-34 years old.
At our clinic, we regularly see patients of all ages and backgrounds. Some women are career-driven, in their thirties, and didn’t think they could get pregnant. We also see college students in long-term relationships who are regularly using birth control. Some patients are single, while others are married. Many women have children already, and some are experiencing their first pregnancy.
Any woman can get pregnant before menopause, often when she least expects it. Though the situations differ, there’s one common truth: Every woman is strong enough and capable of making any decision she wants to choose. And she isn’t alone. We are here to help with any needs, including the first step of learning about your pregnancy, options, and health.
2. Myth: Surprise pregnancies happen because people are careless
Another way to phrase this myth is “you can’t get pregnant while using contraception.” And that is not true at all.
Our patients regularly tell us that they have been taking birth control for years, they always use a condom, or that they took Plan B after unprotected sex. These careful actions might lower your chances of getting pregnant, but they don’t fully prevent pregnancy.
The truth is that there are many causes of unplanned pregnancy, and you may never know what led to yours. Pointing fingers will only hurt your relationship. Instead, commit to handling this situation together. Talk to your partner, research all your options, and reach out for support. You are not to blame for your pregnancy, but you do have control over what happens next. Make sure you are informed and confident about your next steps.
3. Myth: An unexpected pregnancy will ruin your life
This is one of the most common and dangerous myths about unplanned pregnancies. Many women come to our clinic feeling hopeless and powerless. They believe that this pregnancy means all of their plans are over. Common pregnancy fears we hear include:
- I will never finish school
- I can’t get or keep a job
- This pregnancy will ruin my relationship
- I won’t be able to pay my bills/take care of my kids
- I’m afraid of how this pregnancy will affect my health
But there is hope. As we tell our patients, this is not the end of your dreams. Your pregnancy is simply a surprising twist that requires a new approach.
During your appointment, you will learn about all your options and about resources that can help you overcome your challenges. We can help you find services that offer educational help, financial assistance, emotional support, and more. You aren’t alone in this.
Remember the stats on unplanned pregnancies? Millions of women have been in your same situation, and many have positive unplanned pregnancy stories to share.
It’s also important to note the difference between unplanned vs. unwanted pregnancy. It’s okay to want a pregnancy that changes your plans. And it’s okay to change your mind after the initial panic fades. What you truly feel and want are all that matter.
4. Myth: There’s nothing you can do after an unplanned pregnancy
You probably have more pregnancy options in Florida than you think. And you can find the unplanned pregnancy support you need to choose the option that is best for you.
For every pregnancy, there are three basic options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. But there are even more options within these three choices.
In Florida, you can choose either the abortion pill or a suction abortion. But you should never order the abortion pill online, as doing so is illegal and may lead to dangerous complications.
There are several different types of adoption plans you can choose from. All give you full control over the family you choose and the type of relationship you will have with them after the adoption. You can also change your mind at any point before the adoption is finalized.
Parenting also gives you numerous choices. You get to decide how to raise your child and what you want life to look like.
No matter what you choose, you can always find the support you need. Make a free appointment at our clinic to confirm your pregnancy and find the information you need to make an informed, confident decision.