Unplanned Pregnancy: How to Make the Right Decision for You

Making a decision on how to take the next steps regarding an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s important to focus on what is right for you. This article aims to provide you with important information to keep in mind when making this decision.  

Note: Before getting into the tips, it’s important to take time to understand and process what you are feeling. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions or conflicting feelings when deciding about a pregnancy. Don’t be hard on yourself; recognize that all feelings are valid.  

Find Non-Judgmental Support 

Once you are ready, begin to gather information to inform you of the options available. We have created a blog to help you understand the 3 main options for your pregnancy (parenting, adoption, and abortion) to best set you up to make the decision. You can access this article here Pregnancy Options: Understanding Your Choices – Student Wellness Centre. When looking for information, ensure it is factual and unbiased.  You might also want to reach out for support to individuals or services to discuss options, logistics, and emotional needs.  

It is important to think about who can provide meaningful support, such as trusted family members, partners, or close friends, who understand your needs and priorities. At the same time, it’s equally valuable to identify situations where the involvement of certain individuals could create tension, hinder objectivity, or negatively impact the process. Spend some time evaluating your supportive and potentially unsupportive influences so that you can ensure a decision-making environment that will allow you to make the best decision for yourself. 

There may be people who want to be involved in the decision-making process, and it could be something that is helpful to you. Considering who and how much you would like someone to be involved in the process can be helpful to ensure you are able to set reasonable expectations and ensure your own needs are being met. If you would like support while navigating the impact of relationships on your decisions, there are supports available through counselling, doctors and other healthcare professionals.  

Note: The Student Wellness Centre offers non-judgemental counselling support, as well as a dedicated pregnancy page with a variety of resources available both online and in the Hamilton area.  

Don’t Let Fear Make your Choice 

It is okay to be scared, nervous, and overwhelmed at what the future may look like. These emotions are a natural part of navigating uncertainty and change. When making this choice, consider your thoughts, feelings and beliefs about each option, including how they align with your current values and future goals. While changes in your plan are okay, take time to reflect on how each choice could impact significant areas of your life, including finances, relationships, and long-term plans. It is important to take some time to envision how each option might impact your future.  

Many people experience conflicting emotions when faced with important decisions. It’s possible that no choice will feel entirely perfect, and even after making the best decision for yourself, you might still feel sadness, anger, or fear about certain aspects of it. Having mixed feelings is a natural part of the decision-making process. 

Consider Your Values and Goals  

Taking time to visualize your options and process the practical and emotional sides, short- and long-term impact on your health, relationships, support systems or goals.  Finally, try to place yourself in future scenarios. Take some time to work through your days to envision what they would look like regarding each option you are considering. Record your thoughts, compare experiences, and determine which option feels most aligned with your needs and values. 

Making this decision can be an emotional journey, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are people ready to support and help you through every step. At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a link to the Student Wellness Centre’s pregnancy resources page, which includes services available in Hamilton, at McMaster, and beyond. Additionally, we’ve included helpful articles to guide you as you navigate this process. Knowing that support and resources are available can make this journey feel less overwhelming and ensure you feel cared for every step of the way. 

Resources  

Action Canada Sexual Health & Rights, Finding Pro-Choice Pregnancy Supports Finding Pro-Choice Pregnancy Supports | Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights 

Planned Parenthood Toronto: Pregnancy Decision Making – Planned Parenthood Toronto 

To find more information, visit SWC’s unexpectingU page https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/program/unexpectingu/  

Action Canada Sexual Health & Rights, Making a Decision on Pregnancy https://www.actioncanadashr.org/sexual-health-hub/making-decision-about-pregnancy