You don’t know how you ended up here, but you’re afraid. A relationship you thought would last forever has come to an end, and you just found out you’re expecting. Unfortunately, lots of women find themselves in your very shoes. Concerned with how they’ll deal with pregnancy and raising a child with little to no support from a partner. You didn’t plan it this way and now you’re left to deal with some serious decisions on your own. Though this next chapter in your life is bound to have its ups and downs, there are ways to get help with it all.
Weight Your Options
Whether you are 8 weeks or 4 months along you have choices on how to proceed with your pregnancy. Even if abortion isn’t something you want to consider (or you’re too far along), you can opt to place your baby for adoption. If you don’t believe you’re in a place to give your child what it needs to thrive, try locating an adoption agency for birth mothers. Not only will they help you find your baby the perfect home, but they can provide financial, healthcare, and transportation assistance until the baby arrives.
Get Support
Pregnancy is a journey that’s a lot easier to experience when you have someone supporting you along the way. Though you don’t have a significant other, there are lots of other people you could turn to for support. Build a network of people you trust and who care about you like relatives and friends. If you can’t find support within your family, there are plenty of online and community support groups for single mothers that you can reach out to. Whether it’s holding your hand at an ultrasound or being a listening ear when you want to vent, it’s great to have people in your corner who care during this time.
Look for Assistance Programs
Believe it or not, single pregnant women have a lot of support through government-funded and private programs. If you’re worried about health insurance, housing, transportation, food, money, schooling, etc. there are ways you can receive assistance. Find out how to qualify for these programs so that you can afford the best of care for you and your unborn child. Most of these programs will also extend help once your child arrives as well.
Maintain Your Health
Going through a pregnancy is already going to be taxing on you emotionally and physically. Though you’re stressed about being single and pregnant, it is imperative that you’re taking care of yourself. This means drinking adequate amounts of water, taking prenatal vitamins, staying active (with discretion and as advised), and eating a well-balanced diet. If you’re stressed, talking with a therapist is ideal to cope with unresolved emotions.
You may be frightened by the fact that you’re expecting and no longer in the relationship you thought would last, but it’s not the end of the world. What’s important right now is the well-being and safety of you and your unborn child. So, review your options and make a decision on whether single parenting is for you. Then, build a network of support, look for ways to get help throughout your pregnancy, and most importantly maintain a healthy lifestyle. The road won’t always be easy, but with a plan in place, you will come out much better in the end.
