Unplanned Pregnancy Help

Staring down at a positive pregnancy test is an intense experience for any woman, whether the pregnancy has been planned for a long time or comes as a complete surprise. If your pregnancy is unplanned, it is very natural to feel a deep sense of fear -- of the unknown, of telling your family and friends, and most importantly, of what to do next.

Take a deep breath and consider the following steps after learning of an unplanned pregnancy:

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the test results.
Make a list of whom you can share your news with. It is ideal to have a good support system, but keep the news to a select few until you decide what is best for you and your baby.
Discontinue any alcohol or drug consumption immediately.
If you are considering adoption or just wondering about your options, speak with an Adoption Specialist at 1-800-ADOPTION or request free adoption information.

Please read the following articles for more advice about dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.

Unplanned Pregnancy Help Articles

Considering Adoption: Are You Ready to Parent?

Many women facing an unplanned pregnancy are unsure of what to do next: Is parenting the right choice, or is adoption? Every woman’s situation is different, and only you know the right decision – not the father of the baby, your parents, your sister, or your best friend.

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Answering Your Adoption Questions

Very few women in your position feel 100 percent confident about their decision of either parneting or adoption. For those women who choose adoption, this uncertainty begins to fade away as they being to learn more about the adoption process, and later, get to know the adoptive family.

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Thinking About Parenting?

Choosing to parent either as a single parent, with the help of a father or with from family and friends are all options you may be considering. It is not an easy decision.

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Deciding Between Abortion or Adoption

Read one woman's story about her struggle between choosing abortion or adoption.

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Things to Consider

Learn the reasons why some pregnant women choose adoption.

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Frequently Asked Adoption Questions

It is perfectly normal to have many questions throughout your decision-making process to adopt. Read through some questions many others have had here, or call American Adoptions at 1-800-ADOPTION. We are here to answer any questions, any time!

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Adoption? The Five Phases of Deciding

There are five common feelings pregnant women go through when considering adoption or parenting. Understanding the five phases will help you decide if adoption is the best choice.

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Is it Normal to Not Know What to Do When Finding Out You Are Pregnant?

Finding out you're pregnant is a major life change, regardless of your individual circumstance. Unexpectedly staring down at a positive pregnancy test brings about a whole different spectrum of emotions.

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Teen Pregnancy

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Is Always an Option

Did you know the adoption process can begin at any time during pregnancy, whether that is one month into pregnancy, eight months into pregnancy, hours before the baby is born or days after the baby is born?

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Unplanned Pregnancy Support with No Obligation

American Adoptions is one of the best sources for pregnant women to contact to discuss their options at any time during their pregnancy, with no obligation whatsoever.

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The Adoption process: Step by Step
There are seven basic steps of the adoption process - call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn more.
What if the birth father doesn't agree?
Learn more about what happens if the birth father is not supportive of adoption.
Birth Mother Stories
Adoption stories from mothers who placed their baby for adoption. Learn more about adoption from the unique perspective of mothers who have lovingly chosen to create an adoption plan.

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?
American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. We work with thousands of women each year facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to women in need. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you 7 days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and the options available to you.
How much information about the family will be shared with me?
You can share however much or little information about yourself as you feel comfortable sharing. The adoptive family will know your first name, your last name (but only once the child is placed in their care), your medical history and the state that you live in.
How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?
This is a question that can only be answered by the individual family. Each family has their own style of how to introduce the adoption to the child. When you are matched with your adoptive family, you can ask this question to them. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it with them for you, just let her know.

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Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women
While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.
Adoption Glossary
Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.
Adoption Videos
View videos of real women who choose adoption for their baby as they discuss why they chose adoption and how they feel about their choice today.

What About My Responsibilities as the Father?

“This was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life.”

Shawn, Birth Father

When it comes to dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, much of the compassion, sympathy and focus is placed on the woman. But what about the father?

As the father of the baby, you too are more than likely dealing with a rollercoaster of emotions. Much like the emotions being experienced by the mother, you are also likely to experience shock, denial, anger, sadness and other feelings. Many fathers express there is often a state of confusion on how to put into words what they are truly feeling. Much of the time feelings of embarrassment and a loss of control are expressed by the birth father.

However, many men also feel that by agreeing to place the baby for adoption that they are somehow not living up to their responsibilities, or are not being “man enough.” Many men also have a strong sense of pride and struggle accepting the fact that they cannot give their baby the life that an adoptive family can. Many find it difficult to understand the reasons the birth mother is choosing an adoption plan. Others incorrectly believe the birth mother is choosing adoption to get back at them if the relationship is not a friendly one. Many fear others are looking at them as somehow failing their child, family and friends, or that they are taking the “easy way out.”

No matter what your reasons are for struggling with an adoption decision for your child, the truth is that adoption is anything but the “easy way out,” nor is it a choice made by a man who is not living up to his responsibilities. Rather, it is very much the opposite. Supporting the adoption of your child is one of the most responsible, unselfish things a father can do. It is a choice that means you care so much for your child that you are willing to give them a better life than you and the birth mother can give them right now.

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Unplanned Pregnancy Help

Unplanned Pregnancy Help Articles

What About My Responsibilities as the Father?