Finding out that you’re pregnant when you had no intention of trying to conceive can knock you sideways. When you see those two little lines appear on your pregnancy test, you might have felt a mixture of fear, confusion, and uncertainty about what to do next, or you might have turned white and vomited. Whatever you feel, we want you to know it’s completely normal. You are not alone. 45% of pregnancies in the UK are unplanned, and it’s important to remember that you have options and support available to help you navigate this situation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to stay calm and make a plan when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.
1. Take a deep breath and stay calm
When you first found out you are pregnant unexpectedly, there’s a good chance you felt anything but calm! It’s ok not to be ok with it and to feel overwhelmed, but you should also take time to breathe and collect your thoughts. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions, but panicking or making rash decisions may not be in your best interest. Instead, give yourself time to process the news and allow your emotions to settle before moving forward.
2. Reach out to someone you trust
Finding out you are pregnant is huge news. Although you might not want to for many reasons, we advise reaching out to someone you can trust, whether it’s a good friend, partner or family member. Sharing your feelings and concerns with a supportive person can help you gain clarity and provide you with emotional support as well as a sounding board for the million thoughts going through your head. Remember, you don’t have to face this situation alone.
3. Educate yourself about your options
Once you’ve had a chance to process your emotions and confide in someone, if you are still unsure about what you should do, it’s time to educate yourself about your options. The three main options for an unplanned pregnancy are parenting, adoption, and abortion. Each choice comes with its own considerations and implications, but it’s a choice only you can make, so it’s one worth carefully considering what is best for you and your situation.
4. Seek professional guidance
If you choose to proceed with your unplanned pregnancy, contact your GP as soon as possible. Remember, almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and they will be able to offer you access to resources and support. There are a range of online communities you can connect with to meet other women who are where you are right now. Many people find it easier to open up to strangers about how they are feeling, and in doing so, you might find your new bestie.
5. Take care of yourself
Through everything, remember to take care of yourself. Do things that make you happy, surround yourself with love, and if you are planning on continuing the pregnancy, cut down on caffeine and eliminate alcohol and start taking prenatal vitamins that will support you and the baby throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
How reliable are pregnancy test results?
It’s not unusual to feel a sense of denial when you see that positive result appears on your pregnancy test unexpectedly. However, false positives are extremely rare. All pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG human chorionic gonadotrophin in your urine. This is a hormone your body typically only produces when you are pregnant. Pregnancy tests like the Hoopsy eco pregnancy test are 99% accurate, meaning a false positive is extremely unlikely.
Many women like to take two pregnancy tests to be absolutely sure of the result, so if in doubt after one positive test, consider taking another to confirm the news.
Conclusion
Finding out you are pregnant unexpectedly can be scary and overwhelming. But remember, just because it wasn’t planned doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. No one is judging you or your choices. If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy, don’t forget to check out our blog section, which covers what to do after your pregnancy test results. Remember, you are stronger and braver than you’ll ever know!
