Thoughts About Adoption and Your Unplanned Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption, it’s normal to have some concerns about the process. For example:
- Many birth parents have had the same thoughts about their unplanned pregnancy.
- Understanding how the adoption process works can help you process these feelings.
- You can contact an adoption professional to help you navigate through the emotions of adoption.
Whatever thoughts you may have, we’re here to help you process some common concerns people have when pregnant and thinking about adoption.
If you have any questions about the adoption process, then you can get free information here from an experienced adoption professional.
Pregnant Thinking and about Adoption: 5 Common Concerns
If you find yourself pregnant and considering adoption, then chances are there are many thoughts going through your head about adoption and how the process works. One thing to remember about adoption is that, as the birth parent, it will always be free for you.
Whatever is on your mind, we’ll help you sort out your thoughts and determine what your next steps might be. Below are five common concerns you might have when you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption.
1. “I’m pregnant and considering adoption – is it too late?”
When you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption, it is never too late. Adoption is a choice you can make whether you just found out about your pregnancy, are going into labor or even after you’ve left the hospital. One of the most important things to do when you’re considering adoption is to reach out to an adoption professional as soon as you can.
Although you can always choose adoption, getting started early will give you more time to:
- Receive financial assistance to help cover any pregnancy-related expenses
- Find the perfect adoptive family based on your preferences
- Get free adoption counseling to help you cope with complex emotions
- Create an adoption plan that’s accounts for your needs
- And much more
2. “I’m pregnant and thinking about adoption – who can help me?”
If you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption, then there are generally two types of adoption agencies you can choose from:
- National adoption agencies: These adoption agencies are state-licensed child adoption organizations that work across all 50 states. A state license ensures that the adoption organization is following proper procedures and is providing reliable services for their clients. Being licensed in multiple states creates an added layer of protection for you and your baby.
- Local adoption agencies: These agencies are adoption professionals who work within the state to place children with adoptive families. Local adoption agencies typically have smaller staffs and, depending on the size of the agency, may or may not be “full-service.” This means that these agencies may need other adoption professionals to complete parts of the process.
Choosing an adoption professional is one of the first and most important steps you’ll take throughout the adoption process. Remember, when you’re pregnant and considering adoption for your baby, it’s always free for you no matter which agency you choose.
3. “I’m pregnant and thinking about adoption for my baby –what will my friends and family think?”
One of the most common thoughts birth parents face when they’re pregnant and thinking about adoption is how they’re going to tell their loved ones. Some of this stems from the language society uses when talking about adoption. It’s common to use phrases like “giving a baby up for adoption,” but choosing adoption isn’t “giving up.”
When you’re pregnant and considering adoption for your baby, it is a brave and loving choice. “Giving your baby up” for adoption shows that you are putting your child’s needs before your own – and before what anyone else might think.
Although these thoughts about friends and family are normal, it’s important to make a decision that’s best for you and your child. Asking for advice from people you trust is always a good idea. But, remember this decision is ultimately up to you.
4. “I’m pregnant and thinking about putting my baby up for adoption – what will my child think of me?”
If you’re pregnant and thinking about adoption for your baby, then it’s normal to wonder what your baby might think of you when they grow up. You might wonder if they will resent you for making this decision. Although these are common thoughts, adoption is much different than it was a few decades ago.
You won’t ever have to wonder about your baby’s well-being because you’ll be able to talk to your child yourself.
In the past, closed adoption relationships were the norm, so there was often no contact between adopted children and their birth parents. They also never gave the child information about their race, family background and many other items essential to a child’s identity.
This would almost always lead to a void left in the child’s and birth parents’ lives. Today, most adoption professionals encourage adoptive families to be open and honest about their child’s adoption from a very young age. This eliminates the possibility of any surprises or shock later down the line.
Whether you’re interested in an open or closed adoption, your child will usually know:
- Their cultural heritage
- Family origins
- Medical background
5. “I’m pregnant and thinking about adoption – but what about my future?”
Many birth parents find themselves wondering about their future when they discover their unplanned pregnancy. Choosing adoption helps you pursue the future you’ve always wanted for yourself and opens the door to many opportunities.
Adoption for your unplanned pregnancy can help you reclaim stability and look toward the future. That’s one of the beautiful things about adoption. It can help you become the person you want to be. Whether you have goals of finishing school, beginning a career or getting married, adoption will allow you to make those goals a reality.
“As soon as my baby was given to the adoptive parents and they left, I went back home and was more determined than ever to get my life back on track,” birth mother Chauniece said about choosing adoption. “Going to school and finding stability in my life became my top priority.”
If you are pregnant thinking about adoption for your baby and still have questions, then you can get free adoption information now. An adoption professional will be happy to help with your unplanned pregnancy.