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Home › Articles › Life Circumstances and Challenges During Pregnancy › Embracing an Unplanned Pregnancy

Embracing an Unplanned Pregnancy

A Real-life Guide to Overcoming the Unexpected

By Jacqueline Rupp

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  • Locate a good pediatrician and childcare facility.
  • Look into what maternity leave and maternal support is available from your job.
  • If you are considering working from home, take this time to lay the foundation for your business, so when Baby arrives the business will be well established.

    • 3. Start saving money – now! "Many women I have talked to had to take off of work more than expected and were not paid for that time off and found themselves in a financial crunch," Wheeler says. "So plan for the unexpected." Even if you have a secure job, it is always a good idea to have an emergency fund of half a year's income.

    4. Begin to accumulate the necessities. There's a lot of gear that goes along with babies. Prepare a list first off to determine what items are really necessary, and which items can wait.

    5. Find local resources. If you are in a tight financial situation it is definitely worth checking into the help that is available. "There are many pregnancy centers and programs that will help a woman with baby clothes, car seats and baby furniture," Wheeler says. "I would suggest contacting one's local social services department. WIC is a wonderful food program."

    In addition, create a list of programs and groups that provide emotional support. Even if you don't need it now, the resources might be priceless after the baby arrives. "There are many postpartum resources available and I urge women to take advantage of them," Gault says. "Understand that you will have negative feelings, but it is incredibly reassuring to know that others share those feelings. Support is definitely key. Connect with other moms i your area or join a single parent's support group. It is helpful to see that other parents are dealing with the same issues." These contacts can also be a great way to solve problems and locate additional resources. "Be willing to reach out; even if it is on an online chat room for parents, any positive connection will help," Gault says.


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