9 Ways to Care For Your Mental Health During an Unexpected Pregnancy

An unexpected pregnancy can be a life-changing event. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many women experience unexpected pregnancies each year, and there are many resources available to support you.

Here’s 9 ways you can care for your mental health during an unexpected pregnancy.

1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including shock, anger, fear, and sadness. It’s important to allow yourself to feel these emotions and to not judge yourself for them.
2. Talk to someone you trust. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, pastor or counselor can help you to process your emotions and to make decisions about your pregnancy.
3. Find support groups or online communities for women with unexpected pregnancies. There are many resources available to support women who are facing this situation. Talking to other women who are going through the same thing can be very helpful.
4. Take care of yourself physically. This includes eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical health can also help to improve your mental health.
5. Seek professional help if needed. If you are struggling to cope with your emotions or if you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
6. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to the idea of an unexpected pregnancy. Don’t expect to have all the answers right away. Give yourself time before making important decisions about the pregnancy.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many people who care about you and want to support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you know for help when you need it.
8. Take breaks when you need them. It’s important to take breaks from thinking about your pregnancy and to focus on other things. Do things that you enjoy like exercising, taking walks, painting or a similar creative activity.
9. Be kind to yourself. You are going through a difficult time. Be patient and understanding with yourself. Don’t let your inner dialogue become negative or condescending.

Available Resources

There are many resources available to help women with unexpected pregnancies. Here are a few:

• Option Line is a hotline that provides confidential information and support to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Call 1-800-712-4357 for immediate help.
• Pregnancy Resource Centers are nonprofit organizations that provide support and services to women with unexpected pregnancies. Click here to find a pregnancy resource center near you.
• If you’re in or near Las Vegas, NV, contact us here at the Women’s Resource Medical Centers of Southern Nevada. We have free and confidential services available to women who are unexpectedly pregnant including pregnancy testing, ultrasound, prenatal care, peer counseling and more.

Federal Assistance Programs

In addition to these organizations, there are several public programs to help you with specific needs you may have for you and your baby.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, low-income women with infants, and children under the age of 5.
• Medicaid is a government health insurance program that covers low-income individuals and families. Medicaid can cover prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores and other participating retailers.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income families with children. TANF can be used to pay for basic needs such as food, housing, and childcare.

You can also find information and support from other women who have experienced unexpected pregnancies by joining online communities or support groups.

Please remember that you are not alone. There are many people who care about you and want to support you. Please reach out for help if you need it.