By Mariel Uyquiengco
Babies are a blessing – unless you are not prepared to be pregnant just yet. For whatever reason, your unexpected pregnancy might be a source of fear and anxiety the moment you see those two pink lines on the pregnancy kit.
You may be ambivalent about a new baby because you have not had enough of your carefree days, or you probably just gave birth a few months ago and haven’t enjoyed your first baby yet. Perhaps, too, your career is just about to take off and you can’t see how you will be able to pursue it now that you are pregnant.
If you find yourself with an unexpected pregnancy, here are some of the things that you can do.
Have a good cry
You might be caught by surprise and are confused about how this pregnancy will change your life. Feel free to have a good cry and be honest about your feelings with your partner or family. Sometimes, a good cry can clear your head, preparing you for some thinking and planning.
Unwind with your support group – your partner, family, or friends – and get used to the idea of your pregnancy.
Take care of yourself
A healthy mother is more likely to have a healthy baby. As soon as you suspect that you are pregnant, start to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and other harmful substances. Review the medications that you have if any, and ask for medical advice on whether you should continue with them. Most importantly, start taking folic acid right away.
Visit an obstetrician
It is important to be under the care of a physician. If you are a first time mum, an obstetrician can answer all your questions about being pregnant and giving birth. Ask family and friends for an obstetrician that they recommend and schedule a visit soon.
If this isn’t your first pregnancy, try to go to the same obstetrician you went to before, so that she will already be familiar with your case and family history.
Consider how you will take care of your baby
A new baby changes a mother’s life in more ways than one. If you are single and living with your family, you have to consider and consult them on whether you can still stay with them even after the baby comes. Now might also be the time to explore if marrying the baby’s father is an option and a possibility.
If you have older kids, your finances might be challenged too. You will have to find, and more often than not, pay someone who will take care of your baby when you go back to work.
An unexpected pregnancy can still bring you joy. If you are feeling anxious or afraid, believe that things will turn out better eventually. Babies are a blessing, no matter how they come into our lives. A pregnancy is not the end of the world as you know it, but the beginning of a new one.
Mariel Uyquiengco hopes to inspire parents to be their children’s first and best teacher. She does this through her blog and online children’s book shop www.thelearningbasket.com and by giving parenting seminars about early childhood development, preschool homeschool, and raising children to be readers.
