The Pregnancy Resource Center is here for you if you think you might be pregnant or have an unexpected pregnancy.

Pregnancies are not always planned. If you are not expecting a positive result on that pregnancy test, but you get one, your first reaction might be one of shock. For some, it might be panic. But, despite all that fear and uncertainty, there are things you can do to process this new information and learn more about your choices.

Are Accidental Pregnancies Common?

Accidental pregnancies are common and probably happen more than you think. In fact, almost half of pregnancies come as a surprise. It could happen because birth control failed or maybe wasn't used consistently. No birth control is 100 percent effective. Even if you do everything “right,” you might still get pregnant.

How to Process an Accidental Pregnancy

An unplanned pregnancy is a shock. It comes with a bunch of unknowns, like can I stay in school? Will I be able to work? Take a few days to allow yourself time to get over the initial shock and process the information.

Give yourself time to feel the wide range of emotions. You might be scared, joyful, confused, angry. These are all common responses to finding out you are pregnant. Once that intensity subsides, you’ll have a clearer head. Take a deep breath, one day at a time.

Self-Doubt?

Every stage of processing this change will be infiltrated with this sense of self-doubt, even if you feel excited or planned the pregnancy. Visualize some time in your life when you have overcome the odds or made yourself proud. This will help you remind yourself that you can handle challenges when they come your way.

Use Visualization to Help You Make Choices

As you think through the different options, try to visualize yourself in the possible situations in the future. For example, if you decide to keep your baby, what will that life look like for you both? Can you see yourself nursing your baby? How about playing in the park together? What would life look like getting pictures on their birthday each year from an adoptive family?

Consider Your Readiness

As you consider your readiness for the possible situations, don’t just think in financial terms. Where are you at in your life? Could you make the changes necessary to support a child? What resources are available to you to make that happen?

Consider your emotional readiness, too. How is your mental health? What support do you need in order to make plans for your future?

No one is ready 100%, but there are tools to help you process and become confident in your plans for the future.

Don’t Panic. Make a Plan.

Panic may be the first feeling you experience, but making a plan and learning about your options can help you gain clarity. All decisions need time. Allow yourself time to process. Your decision does not need to be made right now.

Start With a Confirmation

Before you get too far in planning, get confirmation of your pregnancy. Although home pregnancy tests have a solid accuracy rate, there are many variables to consider. Some tests are more sensitive than others. That’s why it is critical that you get a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm the results.

If the lab test also shows that you are pregnant, the next step is to get an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides valuable information about your pregnancy, including how far along your pregnancy is, where it is located (in the uterus or ectopic), and if it is viable (if the baby has a heartbeat).

The information provided via ultrasound will help you decide what your next steps are.

Think About Your Options

Unknowns can be scary, but you have options. You just might need to learn a bit more, ask some questions, and talk with people who care about you.

Your choices are not limited to whether you want to keep the baby or not. The more information you have, the more confident you will be in your decision. For example, what community services are available to you right now? What happens if you have the baby and create an adoption plan?

Develop a Support System

Everybody’s situation is unique, so talking to someone will help you better understand your choices.

Think about those you trust and who are in your life right now. Do you have family? Friends? Coworkers? Classmates or teachers? Talking to others is vital in remembering that you are not alone and in helping you make decisions that align with your values and goals.

The Pregnancy Resource Center exists to create a space for your in this time of processing, learning about your options, and giving you support. Our trained consultants and nurses are ready to listen and help you.

Now Take Some Time to Consider Your Decision

This is a decision that will be with you one way or another for the rest of your life. It’s not something you should rush into or make alone.

Wherever you are in this process, the Pregnancy Resource Center is here for you. We can share with you community programs, decision-making tools, a safe space to share your emotions and questions, lab-grade pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and a people who will walk alongside you.

You're Pregnant. Now What Are Your Next Steps?

ABOUT THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER

The Pregnancy Resource Center of Salt Lake provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Patient Consultants offer a safe, confidential space to process emotions and explore options. Equipping patients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. To learn more or to meet with a consultant or nurse, click here.

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