Unexpected pregnancy support is not always easy to find. Many of our patients share that they feel trapped because they can’t find the help they need. Even if they want to continue their pregnancies, it seems impossible.
If this is how you are feeling, we have great news: You have access to many resources that can help solve almost any challenge. Better yet, we can help you find the support you need!
This blog covers some of the organizations and options that serve pregnant women in Florida. For more info about your options and solutions for your specific situation, schedule an appointment for a free pregnancy test and options counseling.
Where can I find unexpected pregnancy support?
1. Healthcare support
It’s no secret that healthcare in the U.S. is expensive. Just the thought of affording care for your pregnancy, birth, and child may feel overwhelming.
Thankfully, there are several ways to get free or low-cost healthcare in Florida.
First, you can come to Thrive Orlando to get free healthcare services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment. We will confirm that you have a viable (healthy) pregnancy. You will also learn exactly how far along you are and whether you should see a doctor for immediate health concerns. All of our services are completely free. You can access our no-cost options counseling and join our pregnancy program as well.
For further help with your health, you may qualify for government assistance. Medicaid covers healthcare costs during pregnancy, delivery, and two months after birth. Many babies born under Medicaid also qualify for healthcare coverage until they are one year old.
Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PEPW) is another government program. It offers temporary coverage until your Medicaid benefits are available.
Florida also offers the Healthy Start program. This program serves pregnant women, infants, and children up to three years old. Qualifying participants receive healthcare and social support. It can help you find a prenatal care provider and counseling services. You can access pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding education, along with newborn care support.
2. Financial support
Today, most people struggle to cover the cost of living. The costs of keeping your pregnancy may seem impossible to meet, but there is help available.
For instance, you may qualify to receive Temporary Cash Assistance. It is available to pregnant women in Florida who are in their ninth month of pregnancy or who can’t work during their third trimester.
The state of Florida also offers the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. This assistance focuses on nutrition needs. Participants receive monthly financial assistance to cover the cost of food for both mothers and children. The program also provides formula for infants. If you qualify for the program, you can access breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals for additional help.
Let Them Live is another organization that offers financial support for pregnant women. It works with women facing unplanned pregnancies, helping meet their individual needs. You may be able to get help with car payments, rent, food, baby supplies, utilities, counseling, and more. Let Them Live also offers financial literacy training and help finding a full-time job, ensuring long-term financial stability.
3. Community support
Everyone needs social and emotional support, especially when experiencing a big life change like a pregnancy. Thankfully, you can find and/or build this community from several places.
First, we always encourage women to find support from the people they love and trust. Pregnancy shame often causes women to hide their pregnancies from their loved ones. After they share this news, however, most of these women find acceptance and help, not condemnation and disgust.
Start by telling the person you trust the most about your pregnancy. This might be your mom, sister, best friend, or a mentor. Once this person is in your corner, you can lean on them as you tell others in your life. Your loved ones can then support you through the rest of your journey.
If you face judgment or lack a social support system, you can find a community at Thrive Orlando and similar organizations. At our clinic, you’ll always find compassion and a listening ear. We’ll also give you a beautiful Love Box, full of gifts from an organization called Embrace Grace.
Along with these goodies, Embrace Grace offers support groups for women who have surprise pregnancies. You can find love, help, and relationships with people who understand what you’re going through.
You are not alone in your pregnancy
You are strong and capable of anything you put your mind to. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a decision about your pregnancy alone. You deserve support today and through every step of this journey.