Patient Information

Facing an Unplanned Pregnancy?

An unplanned pregnancy is one of life's most difficult experiences. Thoughts and feelings are often confusing. It is hard to know what to do and where to turn for help and support.

When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, a woman has three choices.

• Parent the baby
• Make a plan for adoption
• Terminate the pregnancy (abortion).

The following list of questions is meant to raise ideas you may not have thought about. You may want to share these questions with your partner. There are no right or wrong answers. They are not meant to sway you toward a particular option. They are just to help you think through your feelings about the choices available to you.

• "How do I feel about this pregnancy?"
• "How does the father of this baby feel about the pregnancy?"
• "Do I want to be a parent now?"
• "Am I ready to take care of a child 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, etc.?"
• "Where will we live?"
• "Will I be raising my child alone?"
• "Who will be there to help and support me?"
• "Is the baby's father able or willing to help with the baby's needs?"
• "Can I provide for my baby's needs financially?"

• "How would having a child fit into my future goals (school, work, etc.)?"
• "How would having this baby affect the care I give to my other children or family members?"
• "How would I react to a baby/child who was making me angry or upset?"
• "How would I feel about someone else raising my child?"
• "What are my beliefs about abortion?"
• "What will my life be like as a parent in 1 year? 5 years?"
• "If I choose an abortion, how will I feel about my choice in 1 year? 5 years?"
• "Would someone close to me be against my choice of parenting? Adoption? Abortion?"
• "How would I feel about directly conflicting with someone that close to me?"

It may help to list each option and write down the pros and cons under each choice. You may need the help of an objective person in weighing these pros and cons. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for you to talk with a social worker or counselor. The purpose of this session would be to help you figure out the best choice for you and your partner. A friend or parent would be welcome to participate. You may call 319-356-2294 to schedule an appointment for options counseling.

Remember, your decision is a personal one. Do not be pressured into a choice that does not feel right to you. Whatever choice you make, it is very important to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible (preferably in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy).

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004