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Pregnancy is no doubt a life-changing event, which can produce countless emotions. While some women are excited about being pregnant, other women tend to feel overwhelmed or shocked, especially if it’s an unplanned pregnancy. Whether you’re not ready about being a parent or looking forward to having a family, there are some tips for couples navigating an unplanned pregnancy and these include the following: Know Your Options One of the first things you should know after learning about an unplanned pregnancy is that you have various options you can consider. As a couple, you don’t need to make a decision immediately or rush everything. By knowing the different options below, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision and deal with unplanned pregnancy successfully. Adoption – If you’re not ready to become parents, you can place your baby for adoption. This is a great option if you don’t want to consider abortion. If you’re not married or under 18 years of age, you don’t need parental consent. To know more details about the parental roles and rights of a father, you can check this info for fathers. Abortion – It’s a personal decision. Most people feel it’s acceptable to terminate a pregnancy while some don’t even consider the option as it's against their beliefs or principles. Regardless of your stance, always keep in mind that abortion can be an emotional process. It may affect you in the long run, so think everything through before making the final decision. Parenting – It can be a challenging and rewarding experience at the same time. Parents make sacrifices for their kids daily since babies require more energy, resources, and time. Also, think of how parenting can impact your future and daily life to determine if it’s a good option for you and your partner. Trust Your Guts There’s nothing wrong with being practical. Once you’ve learned about your unplanned pregnancy, you should know how to analyze your financial situation, plans for the future, housing accommodations, and more. But, it’s also crucial to trust your guts and never let finances be your only determining factor in deciding about the baby. In the meantime, set aside what other people think and other issues you’re dealing with like your job or education. Besides, it’s important to relax and have a better sleep while pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Also, imagine your life with your future baby and picture yourself being a parent. Deep down, you and your partner are the only people who know what’s best for the baby. Maintain A Positive Outlook An unplanned pregnancy isn’t the end of the world even if it may seem that way. In fact, this event in your life may even help you discover that you’re more resourceful and stronger than you’ve ever imagined. It may also strengthen your relationship as a couple or reveal your weaknesses. You should also remember that pregnancy is neither a crime nor a bad thing, and you shouldn't allow people to make you feel ashamed. Do Not Panic Another thing to remember when navigating an unplanned pregnancy is to avoid panicking. It’s easy to imagine terrible outcomes, but do your best to stay calm and take some deep breaths. Take note that you’re not out of options as there are many ways to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. Check Your Health Once you know you’re pregnant, you also have to ensure that your pregnancy is healthy. With this in mind, it’s best to consider an ultrasound examination, which will give you more information on the baby's health and yours. It is especially important to be aware of any health issues you might have, particularly those that can directly impact your pregnancy or post-delivery. For example, a condition called pudendal nerve neuralgia causes pain or numbness in the pelvis and surrounding area. This occurs when the pudendal nerve, responsible for providing sensation to the genital area, anus, and perineum, gets entrapped. The pudendal nerve is stretched during vaginal birth. This condition goes away within a couple of weeks of delivery. However, in some women, particularly those who have had difficult labor, the pudendal nerve becomes damaged or inflamed. Simply having a baby in the belly also hosts many other risks. There’s gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is another serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. Getting early and regular prenatal care is crucial to ensure the health of both the mother and baby. Schedule regular checkups with a healthcare provider to monitor the progress of the pregnancy, detect any potential problems, and provide necessary treatment. Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can also help minimize the risk of complications. It may also tell your baby’s estimated gestational age as well as your estimated due date. This information will help you plan and determine the available pregnancy options. Have A Support System When it comes to navigating an unexpected pregnancy, going through it alone isn't a good idea. During this time, it’s essential to have someone or anyone in your corner. Your support system can be composed of your close friends or family members. But, it’s essential to remember that nobody else can tell you how to deal with being pregnant. Know that if someone is unsupportive of your decisions and demoralizing, that person should not be included in your journey. Look For A Healthy Coping Strategy An unplanned pregnancy can be a shocking experience. But, if you have a healthy coping strategy, you can deal with your overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Depending on your preferences as a couple, you can either seek the solace of meditation or any physical activities that will help you cope with an unplanned pregnancy. Just make sure that it’s something recommended by professionals. Dealing with an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can be a big challenge for any couple. You may either grieve the loss of your old and independent lifestyle or be concerned about your increased sense of responsibility. However, if you and your partner don’t know what to do or where to get started, it’s always wise to get help from professionals or trusted family members to clear your mind and figure out the best solution for you and your family.