Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can produce a wide range of emotions and raise many questions. Unplanned pregnancies are not uncommon, in fact, some surveys suggest that over 40% of women aged 18-32 years old have experienced this. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed! Although every woman’s circumstance is unique, many have experienced the shock of discovering a pregnancy. You are not alone! Here are three truths to consider as you navigate a way forward.
1.You May Feel Everything All at Once… or Nothing at All!
An unexpected pregnancy can cause many different emotions; including fear, shock, panic, worry, and sometimes joy. Or you might feel completely numb. Some women find that they experience a whole rollercoaster of emotions within a very short space of time: despairing one minute, hopeful the next. All of this is normal. Give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel, and don’t beat yourself up! There is no right or wrong way to feel in this moment.
2. Breathe… You Have Time
You may feel anxious because of the uncertainty of the situation and not know what to do next. Or you may feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. An unexpected pregnancy is a significant life event and there is much to consider. But you don’t have to have all the answers right away! It’s okay to not know what you want to do. Don’t rush the decision-making process. Take some slow deep breaths and weigh your options when you feel ready. You have time.
3. It’s OK to Ask for Help
Many women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy feel reluctant to ask for help. But this is one of the best things you could do! You could seek support from trusted people in your life such as family and friends, and you could contact Eva’s Place to help you work out what you are feeling. Talking through your unique situation with a trained Consultant at Eva’s Place in a safe, caring, confidential place will help you to slow down, process and come to a decision that is not made out of fear or confusion. Eva’s Place exists to hold space for you and aims to provide what you need to help you make an informed choice about what you want to do.
While the discovery of an unplanned pregnancy can feel like an upheaval, remember that you are not alone. Give yourself permission to feel all the emotions. Breathe and take the time that you need to process this unexpected circumstance. And reach out for help when needed.
Remember that while this feels hard, you can do hard things.
Just like a storm makes way for the beauty of a rainbow, this journey could be your path to discovering a new facet of life and yourself.
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