Problems With an Unwanted Pregnancy

Health Care

• One of the most important and most powerful indicators of a successful pregnancy is prenatal care. When a woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, that leaves little time to plan for the care she will need. The further along in pregnancy you are before you find out, the more likely it is that the fetus as well as yourself will experience health problems during and after pregnancy. Health care should be sought immediately when the pregnancy is discovered. If you do not have insurance, there are many programs available for pregnant women. Medicaid and Medicare can provide free or low-cost health care for you; however, eligibility requirements vary state by state and county by county. Contact a local social services office and make an appointment to meet with the appropriate person and discuss your options.

Finances

• Pregnancy and childrearing are two of the most expensive life changes you will encounter. Aside from health care costs, mothers need to factor in maternity and infant clothing, higher food consumption, bedding, toys and other baby-care items. Before the baby arrives, there must be adequate space for it in the home, so larger or different living accommodations may also come into play. Look to your friends and neighbors for mothers who would be willing to donate hand-me-downs to you. Garage sales and flea markets are also low-cost choices for buying all the new things you will need for yourself and the baby.

Psychological Problems

• Psychologically, an unwanted pregnancy can be very taxing. According to a longitudinal study, started in 1961, pregnancies that are unwanted often lead to children who have much greater psychological and social disorders. A large part of this may be because of the lack of mental and emotional preparation the mothers and other family members have undergone before the pregnancy. Unwanted pregnancies also worsen poor situations these mothers may already be in. Studies have shown that most unwanted pregnancies are experienced by young, poor women. After becoming pregnant, access to education and employment decrease, making it more difficult to rise above the situation. Seeking out counseling and therapy is strongly recommended to women facing an unwanted pregnancy. Social welfare organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, are able to offer you information about counseling.