“How do I emotionally deal with an unplanned pregnancy?”
It’s a question every woman asks when she learns she’s unexpectedly pregnant. Life is stressful enough. Dealing with a pregnancy too often feels overwhelming and impossible.
If this is how you feel, you aren’t alone. More importantly, you are more than capable of handling this curveball. With the tips below, you can sort through your emotions and find relief from your anxiety.
How do I emotionally deal with an unplanned pregnancy?
1. Don’t fight your emotions
Fighting your emotions never works. Worse, you’ll likely feel ashamed and angry when you can’t control your feelings the way you want to.
Instead, accept that your unexpected pregnancy is a major life change. It’s normal, and even healthy, to feel strongly about your situation. Give yourself permission to feel sad, angry, or afraid.
Your emotions will likely change without warning or reason, so find ways to cope throughout the day. Breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and meditation are great options. They can help you connect with your body while sorting through your emotions.
Additionally, remember that pregnancy affects your hormones. You may experience hormonal mood swings. If you are ever frustrated or confused by your emotions, remember that it might just be hormones.
2. Identify the reasons for your feelings
Often, our emotions are caused by specific challenges or stressors in our lives. Identifying these problems can help you process your feelings about them.
One great way to start processing your emotions is to journal about them.
First, it always helps to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. When your fears are circling constantly in your mind, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by them. Writing them down might show that your situation isn’t as bad as it seems.
Journaling your feelings also means that you have to put them into words. This process helps you understand exactly what you’re feeling. More importantly, it can help you realize what is driving your emotions.
Maybe you’re worried about telling your parents or telling your partner about the pregnancy. You might fear that you won’t be able to finish school or keep your job. Perhaps you are feeling pregnancy shame.
Once you know why you’re feeling a certain way, you can address the cause.
3. Brainstorm solutions to your challenges
When you feel like you aren’t in control of your life, it’s easier to be overwhelmed by your feelings. Finding answers to these problems can help you feel more in control of your emotions too.
For instance, you may feel like you are forced to make a certain decision about your pregnancy. Worse, you may not want to make this choice at all.
In this case, learning about all of your pregnancy options can help. You can determine which option is best for your situation and needs. You can replace your fear with confidence as you move forward with your choice.
You may be able to find solutions for some problems by yourself, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many organizations serve women facing unintended pregnancies. At Thrive Orlando, for example, we’ll help you figure out your best next steps. We can also help you find resources to solve your immediate needs.
You aren’t in this situation alone. Help is just a click away.
4. Prioritize your needs
Many women say they faced pressure or coercion during their unplanned pregnancies. If your partner, parents, or friends are pushing their opinions on you, you may feel like you have to do what they want.
But your desires are more important.
Take some time to understand what you want from your pregnancy and future. Dream big. This pregnancy isn’t the end of your goals. It’s just a surprising turn in the road.
As you consider what you want, make sure you care for your mind, body, and soul. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat foods that give you energy. If you need a break from other people, take a day or two for yourself. Try to journal for a few minutes every day so your emotions don’t become overwhelming.
Finally, don’t rush your decision. You don’t want to make a choice that you’ll regret. More importantly, your future is worth careful consideration.
Take the time to be sure about your decision.
Find answers and support at Thrive Orlando
Our clinic is the perfect starting point for your surprise pregnancy. We’ll confirm that you’re pregnant and walk you through all your options. You may also qualify for a free ultrasound and STD testing and treatment to protect your health.
You can also speak with your Patient Advocate about your fears, hopes, and concerns. No matter your circumstances, you aren’t alone. We’re here for you.
Make an appointment for our free services below.
