5 Ways To Cope With An Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancy can happen to anyone. Many women in South Africa face unplanned pregnancy, and those that decide to continue their pregnancies deserve to know that they are not alone and that motherhood is not a dead end.  It is possible cope with an unplanned pregnancy and to not only survive it, but to thrive in the role of unexpected motherhood.

The following are tips on how to cope with an unplanned pregnancy…

1. Focus on the positives. In the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, fear and misgivings can threaten to  completely overwhelm you and your thoughts.

2. Give yourself time to deal with everything. Honestly, it really is ok if you aren’t in love with the idea of being pregnant and another baby right away. It is a lot to take in and it does change your life forever. It’s ok to give yourself time to grieve the life you thought you were heading for and to give yourself time to adjust to your new life.

3. Understand shock. It’s normal to feel everything from being excited and deliriously happy to negative emotions such as worry or confusion, even if your pregnancy is planned.‘Shock can leave us feeling and doing things we wouldn’t normally,’ says Mia. ‘This is to be expected, so give yourself a few days, then readdress how you’re feeling.’

4. Build your support system. It also helps to have someone rooting for you. You’re not alone – estimates put the number of unplanned pregnancies in South Africa at around six out of 10. So draw on the collective wisdom of those who’ve faced an unplanned pregnancy, and build a support system – from families and friends to online motherhood groups, websites, and various state and private counselling facilities.

5. Accept everything and Move forward. The key is to give yourself time to get your head around this. ‘Adjusting takes time and you may still feel anxious or nervous, but rest assured you will start to feel excited and this feeling will grow,’ says Mia.  And when you feel ready to connect, start bonding with your baby by talking and singing to your bump– research shows it’s really beneficial for your growing baby.