Unplanned pregnancies don’t just happen to women who have never had children before. If you are pregnant with a second child and not excited about the prospect of becoming a mother again (or even experiencing an unexpected third pregnancy, an unplanned fourth pregnancy, etc.), there is absolutely nothing wrong with exploring your options. You know the realities of pregnancy and parenting, and now you’re asking yourself: What do I do?

It’s important to remember that an unexpected second or third pregnancy doesn’t mean you are no longer qualified to make a decision about whether or not you want to parent your child. You have the same unplanned pregnancy options as every other pregnant woman, whether this is an unwanted second pregnancy, an unplanned third pregnancy, or even an unintended fourth, fifth or sixth pregnancy.

What are my options if I’m experiencing an unexpected second pregnancy or third pregnancy?

If you are facing an unplanned second pregnancy or don’t want to be pregnant a third time, you can choose any of the following three unplanned pregnancy options, just like any other woman:

Parenting           

The first question you should ask yourself when considering your unwanted second pregnancy options is, “Am I ready to be a parent again?” If you already have a child, you know exactly how much time, energy and resources parenting requires. Are you ready to add another child to your household? Consider the following:

• Raising a child until the age of 18 costs an average of $245,000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is a lot to add on to a household that’s already providing for other children.

• The average cost for the necessary prenatal care and a baby’s delivery is around $8,800, according to the March of Dimes. This may be a financial strain on top of caring for other children.

• Will adding another child to your household detract from the limited time and energy you can spend with your other child/children?

• Do you wish to add another child to your household? Practicalities aside, it’s okay to feel that you don’t want to become a mother again.

If you feel ready and able to parent your child, no one should ever attempt to tell you otherwise. But if you are thinking, “I’m pregnant with a second child — and I don’t want it," you may want to consider your other options.

Abortion

Abortion is easily the most controversial of the three unplanned pregnancy options. For this reason, remember to stick with trusted sources like the Guttmacher Institute and Planned Parenthood when doing any research regarding this topic. If you are considering abortion, you’ll want to do the following:

• Speak with your doctor about your abortion options and any potential health concerns or risks you may have based on your individual medical history.

• Research the laws in your state regarding abortion. As they vary greatly in every state, it’s possible that you may need to undergo mandatory counseling or a waiting period.

• If you are a minor, it’s possible that you may need parental permission.

• It is unlikely that you will be able to receive public funding or help from your insurance, but these are options you will want to research as well.

If you don’t feel that abortion is the right choice for you but don’t wish to parent, there is still one additional option for an unplanned second pregnancy or unexpected third pregnancy.

Adoption

Adoption is frequently forgotten about when women are pregnant with a second child and not excited about it, but it’s absolutely an option for you. Regardless of whether or not you have other children, American Adoptions can work with you to pursue an adoption plan for your baby. If this is something you’re hesitant about, here are some things to consider:

• Adoption allows you to develop a relationship with your child without parenting. How? By choosing an open adoption, you can watch your child grow up to be happy and healthy and develop a bond with his or her adoptive parents as well. The children you are raising will get to know their biological sister or brother.

• You get to choose your child’s adoptive family. This means that you can place your child in exactly the home environment you envision him or her growing up in.

• You will have access to free pregnancy counseling during each step of the way. If you need help talking to your other children about your adoption decision, we’re there. If you need help with adoption financial assistance, we’re there. And if you just need a listening ear to work through your emotions regarding your unwanted second pregnancy? You guessed it. We’re there.

Becoming pregnant when you aren’t planning for it can be terrifying, regardless of whether or not you already have children. Our recommendation is to breathe, to research your options, and to contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION to learn about what any of the above unwanted second pregnancy options could look like for you and your family.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. America Adoptions, Inc. provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.