Few situations are more frightening than being alone in the world and pregnant. The truth of the matter is, though, that you don't need to be alone as you face the future. Consider the following ways in which you can keep control over your world and guide yourself to where you want to be:
1. Put Health First
No matter what the future holds for you, you want to keep every option open and take the best possible care of your body at this time. If you're tempted to have a drink to relax, don't; certainly, if you have any other habits which could be harmful to the baby, resist the temptation. Even though you may feel like you're life is on the verge of some unknown abyss or your head is about to implode, don't reach for the substances that could do irreparable harm to your unborn baby--that's not fair to either of you.
2. Breathe
Just because you're alone, doesn't mean you should allow your mind to slip into a state of panic. Find a quiet, safe place where you can be alone for a few minutes and just take a few deep breaths. Don't think and don't worry at all, if only for a short time. Try and get hold of your racing thoughts, so you can feel calm and face the decisions in front of you with a clear and focused mind.
3. Think Safety
If, for any reason, you don't feel safe in your life, whether it be because the financial floor has fallen out from under your feet or somebody in your life is less than respectful, consider getting out of the situation and into a safe place. There may be shelters in your area for women, pregnant women or people who are otherwise at their wit's end in terms of a stable place to call home. Don't make a rash decision regarding your pregnancy based on the fact that your home life is in shambles.
4. Find Someone To Talk To
If you just think you're pregnant, find out for sure. There are organizations in place to help you make that determination and many of them will work with you thereafter, helping to facilitate the decisions you make for yourself. Health care clinics don't all require insurance or a detailed life history, so you could even give them a ring and discuss your situation anonymously, in the beginning. Once you've found a place you feel comfortable visiting in person, consider how they can help you and the baby and how best to proceed in either cutting ties to negative influences in your life or bringing everyone together, based on the choices you make for you and your child. No matter what you're going to do, you need help doing it, especially if you don't have a lot of resources at your fingertips.
5. Look Further Into The Future
Right now, the world may look very overwhelming. If you're torn about what to do, unsure about how to turn your life around or feel pressured or trapped by anyone directly around you, including the baby's biological father, look down the road a little. The decisions you make now can lead to a completely different way of life if you want them to and if you're willing to work at it. Don't feel your present circumstances mandate you do one thing over another; no matter what you're looking at today, tomorrow can be transformed completely.
6. Make An Informed Decision
There are thousands of adoptions all around the world each year and if that's what you're considering, investigate the various agencies you could turn to thoroughly. They should tell you all about a potential adoptive family and might even allow you to check in on your child periodically. Many women also choose to terminate their pregnancies and if that possibility is running through your mind, be sure and give yourself plenty of time to be certain about your decision. While most adoptions are permanent and legally binding, there's a finality to pregnancy termination that's quite unlike signing a baby over to other people.
The decision is entirely yours and should be made based on your conclusions, all things considered. Keeping and raising a child involves an enormous life-change for you; thus, there will be plenty of matters to take care of, if that's your ultimate choice. No matter what, though, make sure you think it all over and avail yourself to as much help as possible from outside sources and any personal relations you trust.
7. Know That You Matter, Too
People will look at you differently when you're pregnant, particularly if you're coming out of a negative life situation. They may seem so much more understanding and willing to help, but that doesn't mean it's just about the baby. Understand that your worth, your future and your well-being are independent of any decision you make right now and that you deserve to feel valued as a human being. Whatever decision you make, you can find help, including the pregnancy counseling you might need to bolster your self-confidence and empower the decision-making process before you.
Being alone and pregnant is more overwhelming than anyone who hasn't been through it can comprehend. Reach out to those resources, such as All Women's Clinic, that will help you help yourself and make tomorrow a lot less frightening.
