If you took Plan B and still got pregnant, you are likely understandably overwhelmed or confused.
For many women in this position, choosing adoption is a way to create a plan that provides a stable future for a child and clarity for themselves.
I Took Plan B and Still Got Pregnant—What Now?
The moments immediately following a positive test can feel like a blur. If you took Plan B and still got pregnant, the first thing you need to do is breathe. You are not “at fault,” and your life is not over.
Your immediate next steps should focus on gathering information:
- Confirm the Pregnancy: Use a clinical-grade test or visit a provider for a free ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is viable and determine how far along you are.
- Process Your Emotions: It is normal to feel angry at the medication or overwhelmed by the situation. Seek out a safe, non-judgmental space, like our 24/7 counseling line, to talk through these feelings.
- Explore Your Options: You still have the same three choices you had before: parenting, abortion, or adoption.
Finding out you are pregnant after taking Plan B is a significant life event, but it is one you can navigate with the right support system behind you.
How to Know if Plan B Failed: Timing and Testing
Because Plan B is a high dose of hormones, it can cause your next period to be late, early, or heavier than usual. This makes it difficult to rely on your cycle alone.
To get an accurate result:
- Wait three weeks: For the most reliable result, take a pregnancy test three weeks after the unprotected encounter.
- Check for symptoms: Early signs like breast tenderness, nausea, or fatigue can occur, but these are also side effects of the pill itself.
- Confirm with a professional: Many local clinics and adoption agencies can help you find free or low-cost medical confirmation.
Your Pregnancy Options After Emergency Contraception Fails
Finding out you are pregnant after taking Plan B means you are now facing a decision you tried to avoid. You generally have three paths:
- Parenting: If your circumstances allow or you feel ready to take on the responsibility, parenting is an option.
- Adoption: A choice that allows you to choose a prepared, loving family for your baby while receiving financial and emotional support.
- Abortion: A medical or surgical procedure to end the pregnancy.
If you are concerned because you lack the resources to parent, adoption offers a unique middle ground. You can ensure your baby has a life of opportunity while you receive help with medical bills and living expenses.
Learn more about how you can receive financial help for rent, bills, groceries, and medical expenses during your pregnancy
Is Adoption Right for Me?
If you took Plan B but still got pregnant, you might feel like your situation is out of your control. Adoption can help you regain a sense of agency.
It is a proactive choice to provide a child with a stable home and specific opportunities, such as a college fund or a two-parent household.
Many women find that choosing an adoptive family gives them relief, knowing their child will be raised by people who are eager and prepared to become parents.
How Does Adoption Work Through American Adoptions?
If you want to find out if adoption is the right path for you, the process is designed to be as stress-free as possible:
- Step 1: Reach Out. Connect with a specialist who understands the unique stress of being pregnant after taking Plan B.
- Step 2: Create Your Plan. You decide every detail, from the hospital experience to the type of family you want.
- Step 3: Choose a Family. Browse profiles of waiting families who are ready to provide a stable home.
- Step 4: Financial Support. We help you receive legal financial assistance for rent, groceries, and medical care.
- Step 5: Placement and Beyond. You choose the level of contact you wish to maintain after the birth.
Emotional Aftershocks: Coping With Pregnancy After Plan B
You took the responsible steps to prevent this, and facing a positive test anyway can feel like a “crisis of agency”—the feeling that your choices were taken away by a failed pill.
Reclaiming your power starts with giving yourself grace. This outcome was a matter of biological timing, not a lack of responsibility on your part.
At American Adoptions, we offer 24/7 free, confidential counseling to help you process these feelings without any pressure.
While we are here to provide professional guidance, there are other external resources for peer support:
- Postpartum Support International Offers a specialized support group for those experiencing unwanted or unplanned pregnancies, as well as resources for birth mothers.
- BraveLove: A media advocacy organization that fosters a supportive community for birth mothers and shares real stories to change the perception of adoption.
- r/Adoption: A forum to connect with others who have been in your shoes and hear direct experiences from birth parents and adoptees.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Finding out you are pregnant after taking Plan B is a life-altering moment, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis you face alone.
When you work with American Adoptions, you have access to:
- Financial assistance for living expenses during your pregnancy
- Profiles of pre-screened families waiting to adopt
- Professional counseling available 24/7
- Ongoing support after the adoption is complete
You made a responsible choice with Plan B, and you can make a proactive choice now. Our specialists can help you build a personalized plan that ensures your baby has everything they need while you get the support you deserve.
Connect with an adoption specialist today to learn more about what adoption could look like for you.
