1. Decide Whether You Want to Keep the Child
When you find yourself coping with an unplanned pregnancy, you may experience a wide range of emotions. It's not uncommon to feel both scared and excited at the same time. You may be wondering whether you are financially and emotionally prepared to raise a child, especially if you find yourself facing the prospect of single parenthood. If you decide you do want to keep the child, but feel as if you'll need some help coping with the practical realities this will entail, there are a number of programs and options that are available to help you. Check with your local social services agency to see whether you may qualify for free or low-cost medical care and food vouchers. Churches are also a good source for help, as many offer free maternity and baby clothing, food, and even emotional support for the parents-to-be.
2. Consider Terminating the Pregnancy
If you are unable or unwilling to care for a child at this point, you may consider having the pregnancy terminated. You may, if you act early enough, have the pregnancy terminated non-surgically through the use of RU486, also known as Mifepristone, or the abortion pill. This pill may only be administered in early pregnancy, up to 63 days (about 2 months) from the date of your last period. Even if you opt for a surgical termination, you are advised to act as quickly as possible. Terminations performed after 12 weeks are significantly more painful and can result in excessive cramping, bleeding, and may even impact a woman's fertility later in life. Terminations performed after 24 weeks are actually illegal in 13 states, and even if your state isn't one of them, you may have trouble finding a medical practitioner who is willing to administer such a late-term procedure. Terminations may be performed by OB/GYNs (often the safest, most discreet option), but if you do not have medical insurance coverage for such a procedure, you'll find that an organization like Planned Parenthood will offer more affordable rates.
3. Adoption Is Another Option
Terminating a pregnancy can be very emotionally wrenching, and it is also in violation of many people's religious principles. If you do not wish to have a child at this point, but are unwilling to opt for a termination, you can always look into having your baby adopted. Be forewarned, though, that adoption can be just as emotionally upsetting as having an abortion. After spending 9 months carrying a child, you may well find it incredibly difficult to give her up to the adoptive parents. If you would like to remain in your child's life, explore the option of an open adoption, where the birth parent maintains contact with the child and the adoptive family after the birth. You should also decide whether you'd like your child's birth records to be open so your child can contact you later in life. You can also opt to have them remain sealed so you can maintain privacy.
