Unplanned Pregnancy: What to Do

An unplanned pregnancy may have brought your life to a halt. If you’re not sure what to do if you have an unplanned pregnancy, we’re here for you. Call us right now at 1-800-ADOPTION to get unbiased support.

Reaching out to us for support does not mean you have chosen adoption. We’ll give you free pregnancy advice and information about all your options so you can make the choice that’s best for you.

Contact us online or call 1-800-ADOPTION anytime to learn more about the support we can provide.

What are the Options for Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa?

You have three options for unplanned pregnancy. Those options are adoption, parenting and abortion. Keep in mind that when it comes to abortion in Iowa, abortion is banned after 21 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy and those 18 or younger must inform a parent or guardian.

What to Do About Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa [5 Steps]

You are not the first to experience an unplanned pregnancy and you won’t be the last. Accidental pregnancies are common; in fact, almost half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned.

No matter if your pregnancy was unplanned or unintended, you have options. Here are five steps you can take to help figure out what to do about your unplanned pregnancy:

Step 1: Confirm Your Pregnancy with a Doctor

Confirming your pregnancy is a key first step if you think you are going through an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know what to do. This allows you to:

• Figure out if you are pregnant or not

• Determine how far along you are

• Help you make a plan for prenatal care while you decide how to proceed

Step 2: Sort Through Your Feelings

To know how to decide what to do with an unplanned pregnancy in Iowa, you’ll need to sort through how you feel about it first.

Whatever emotions you are feeling are valid and our pregnancy counselors can help you determine how you feel about it and what you want to do moving forward.

Step 3: Explore Your Options

This is your decision to make as no one knows your situation better than you do. There are three options for your unplanned pregnancy:

• Adoption

• Parenting

• Abortion

Step 4: Build a Support System

No matter what you decide to do with your unplanned pregnancy, having a support system for your journey can be incredibly helpful. Whether it’s family or close friends, they can provide you with much-needed support no matter what choice you make.

Step 5: Get Professional Support for Your Choice

You do not have to go through this pregnancy alone. From support groups to professionals like us who can help you with the entire adoption process, we’re here for you.

Reach out to us to get immediate support for what to do if you have an unplanned pregnancy. You can also call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak to someone right away.

What to Do If You Have an Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa

If you have an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know what to do in Iowa, know that adoption might be an option for you.

Choosing adoption means:

• A loving family for your baby

• Help with rent and bills

• A brighter future for everyone involved

“Giving up” your baby for adoption is a commonly used phrase when talking about adoption. But it’s the furthest thing from what you are doing.

Choosing adoption is a brave, selfless decision that puts the best interests of your baby first.

As a full-service, national adoption agency, we’ve got everything you need once you know what you want to do about your unplanned pregnancy. With decades of experience creating families, you’ll be in charge of every aspect of your adoption journey while we do the heavy lifting for you.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Financial assistance that makes adoption 100% free for you

• 24/7 counseling and support

• Help to create a personalized adoption plan

• Variety of adoptive families to choose from

• References to legal representation and additional professionals

• And much more

Use our form to get more free information about adoption and what to do about your unplanned pregnancy.

How to Decide What to Do With an Unplanned Pregnancy in Iowa

When it comes to your unplanned pregnancy, knowing what to do may not be an easy answer. That’s OK. It’s your decision to make, as only you can know what’s best for your situation.

Of your three choices, adoption, parenting and abortion, here’s what can help you decide what to do with your unplanned pregnancy in Iowa:

Cost Differences

Cost is a common concern for women facing unplanned pregnancy; you might not have the money ready for certain expenses that go with your preferred choice.

• Abortion: Cost will be determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. The cost can range from $500-$2,000 in addition to other needed treatments and medication.

• Parenting: Parenting is the most expensive option of your three choices. In 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture said that a married couple will spend approximately $233,610 to raise a baby to adulthood.

• Adoption: Adoption is always an option and it’s free for you. All of your pregnancy- and adoption-related expenses will be paid for by the adoptive family you choose. Finances will be the least of your concerns for this life-changing option.

Effect on Your Life

• Abortion: Abortion will require a medical procedure to terminate the pregnancy; this could require time away from work and other responsibilities.

• Parenting: Parenting means putting your interests and goals on pause to raise your baby. Your main responsibility is to provide for their safety and well-being by giving them the life you want for them and all the opportunities they deserve.

• Adoption: First, you’ll need to complete the pregnancy. For nine months, every decision is made around your baby’s well-being. Adoption does not end after placement. Thanks to open adoption, you can have as much, or little, contact as you want with your baby.

Emotional Considerations

• Abortion: Although it’s about doing whatever is best for you, some women feel various emotions after completing an abortion. These emotions can come in the months or years after the procedure.

• Parenting: A journey in and of itself, parenting comes with ups and downs, patience, love and sacrifice. You need to determine if you’re ready to put your dreams and goals on hold while you raise your baby.

• Adoption: This is a brave, selfless decision, but women have reported feeling a wide range of emotions. It’s common for women who place their baby for adoption to feel grief and loss, similar to the seven stages of grief felt after a failed relationship or the death of a loved one. We provide 24/7 support to help handle these emotions whether it’s one day or one year after placement.

Figuring out how to decide what to do with an unplanned pregnancy can be daunting at first glance but we're here for you. Fill out our form to get the support you deserve or call us at 1-800-ADOPTION to get immediate assistance.

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