Creating A Support System
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Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, scary and confusing all at once. That is why it is important for you to have a solid support system when you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Having adequate pregnancy support may be the difference between you having a happy, healthy pregnancy and a miserable one. The following advice will help you find that support during your pregnancy.
Family and Friends
Naturally, the first place you will turn for help during pregnancy will be your family and friends. These are the people who are in your life on a daily basis, so it is natural that you would seek their support first. That said, don't be surprised if not everyone backs you up. Everyone is going to have their opinions about your unplanned pregnancy and the choices that you make.
To build a pregnancy support system from your family and friends you need to be selective. If there is person in your life who is being negative, you will need to tune them out and limit your exposure to them. Surround yourself with the people in your life who are supportive and helpful as you consider your options. It is important to avoid emotional conflict and stress where you can because you will have enough of that on your own.
Charities and Professional Services
There are many charitable and professional organizations that offer pregnancy support. Places like crisis pregnancy centers offer women experiencing unplanned pregnancy a number of valuable resources for free. You can get pregnancy counseling, material items like clothes, baby items and food, but you can also connect with people in a similar situation.
If you are having difficulty emotionally during an unplanned pregnancy, you may seek professional support. Many mental health counselors offer professional therapy to pregnant women. This can be an excellent addition to your pregnancy support system. Therapy can teach you a lot about yourself, and it can also help prepare you emotionally to handle the decision you have made about your pregnancy be that becoming a mother, having an abortion or placing your baby for adoption.
Support Groups and Peers
One of the greatest additions to your pregnancy support system is other pregnant peers. There are many different pregnancy support groups available to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. These can be found through your local crisis pregnancy center, women's center or a social worker. Oftentimes, they even have groups that are demographic specific. For example a group may be established for pregnant teens or adult single pregnant women.
You may also be able to find online pregnancy support groups. The internet is a great place to connect with people all over the world in your same situation. You can often find listings for support groups that meet in person as well.
If you don't know anyone in your situation ask a social worker or contact a pregnancy center about connecting with someone who has been or is in your situation. Additionally, if you are considering adoption, the agency you are working with may be able to connect you with willing peers looking for a support system or another woman who has walked in your shoes. This can be particularly useful because very few people have given a child up for adoption and coping with that aspect of unplanned pregnancy requires a unique support system.
