Five options to consider if you’re pregnant and worried how you’ll cope with a baby
Being pregnant can be one of the most difficult times of your life. And things can be even more difficult when dealing with a surprise pregnancy.
While unplanned pregnancies can be shocking, you have no reason to panic. If you have decided you don’t wish to terminate your pregnancy, and are worried about coping with the baby, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind.
1) Get counseling
This is the first thing to do when you start feeling anxious. A professional will help you put things in perspective. They may give you tips to deal with your feelings, especially if it was an unplanned pregnancy.
Your counselor will help you come up with practical tips to support your pregnancy and the baby after delivery. They may connect you with organizations that support women in your situation.
2) Give up your baby for adoption
Find a Utah adoption agency if you think the baby would be better off with someone else. While giving your baby up for adoption can be difficult, it may be for the best. Infant adoption gives your baby the chance to grow up in a home where they are wanted.
If giving your baby up for adoption is your best choice, the Act of Love Adoption Agency may help. The agency will ensure that your baby ends up in the best home. Depending on your situation, you can choose an open or closed adoption.
With open adoptions, you can maintain contact with the child and their adoptive parents. The extent of communication depends on your case. Closed adoptions do not allow you to maintain contact with the child.
3) Be realistic and ask for help
Be realistic about your situation. This means that you must pay attention to your financial, social, physical, and mental position. How much can you take on?
Speak with loved ones and ask for help as often as you need it. Your family and friends can offer emotional support. They can run errands on your behalf and help you make a decision.
Your loved ones can help care for the baby until you are ready to stand on your own. If you allow them to raise your child, you can negotiate your involvement in the child’s life.
You can also negotiate on whether you’ll eventually regain guardianship. This move requires excellent communication on both parts.
4) Seek support on online forums
New parents and other expectant mothers can offer much-needed advice when feeling worried. Meet them at online forums and in your local groups. Use other people’s experiences to make an informed decision. Talking about your situation could reduce the feeling of isolation.
5) Consider co-parenting
Co-parenting is about sharing your parental responsibilities and rights with someone else. Usually, it is with the other parent, even if you are no longer involved romantically. It works best if:
- You are committed to being good parents
- You can come up with an arrangement that works for both of you.
- You have a civil relationship.
Co-parenting may not be your best option if:
- One of you doesn’t want to be a parent
- The relationship is physically or emotionally abusive
- You are unsure of the other parent’s commitment to the baby.
Have an open conversation with the other parent before getting into a co-parenting arrangement. Communication prevents issues down the line.
If you are pregnant and unprepared to cope with a baby, there are a few options to explore. Counseling will help you put things in perspective. Adoption, co-parenting, and seeking help from your loved ones are great ideas. They protect the interests of your child and give you peace of mind. Take time to think of the best option for your situation.
Photo by Guillaume de Germain
