Unplanned Pregnancy during Quarantine

If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s that it’s hard to deal with the unexpected. Unexpected changes in the world have interrupted our daily lives and caught us off guard. With all that’s already going on, it can be especially frightening to have to face another big change in your life: an unexpected pregnancy.

It may be scary, but just like we’ll adapt and get through 2020, you can get through this newest life change. One of the best ways to feel more confident and comfortable with unexpected changes is to learn about them. Learn about what changes are happening and start to use that information to make a plan for yourself. 

What are My Options?

The general options, for the most part, are going to be the same: raise the child, terminate the pregnancy or choose adoption. Depending on the current status of COVID in your specific area, hospitals may not be doing any nonessential procedures, so that may limit your options. At Adoption Choices of New York, we respect a woman’s right to choose and will discuss all of your options with you; but, we cannot control government regulations that may limit those options. Even if your options are limited: adoption is always an option. It may look a little different during quarantine, but here are a few tips to help you manage your unplanned pregnancy during quarantine.

Considering Adoption during Quarantine

• Staying healthy during quarantine: pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, so it is especially important that you take CDC and state guidelines into account if you are pregnant. Only go out for necessary trips, like groceries, and when you do go out follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask. Wash your hands and avoid touching your face when you go out.

Make sure you talk to your doctor! You still want to have regular check ups to ensure your pregnancy is going well and that you and the baby are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Depending on how COVID is affecting your specific area, doctors may have different practices with virtual vs in-person visits. Check with them about what you should do to stay healthy during this time.

• Staying sane during quarantine: It’s been a long time. We’ve been dealing with this stuff since at least March. With a pandemic comes a lot of stress, and a lot of people have been operating at high stress levels for most of this quarantine. Many have lost jobs and are having difficulty financially supporting themselves. If you are worried about or in need of financial assistance, know that there are resources available to you.

If you are lucky enough to have financial needs taken care of and have been able to quarantine effectively at home, you’ve probably gotten a case of cabin fever. Probably more than once. We aren’t used to having so much time by ourselves (or time with those we’re living with), and it can be taxing. You may have even gone through everything you wanted to watch on Netflix. Even with Disney+, there are only so many times you can watch Hamilton. Social media can be toxic if you aren’t taking breaks from it every now and then, but can be necessary in order to stay up to date on what’s going on in the outside world and stay connected while you’re staying inside and social distancing.

Take this time to reflect. What do you want your future to look like, and how do you want this baby to be a part of it, if at all? Do you want to create new routines like starting a morning yoga practice? Do you want to get rid of distractions in your life? Learn some new skills you didn’t have the time to learn before? There are plenty of ways to achieve your goals online from YouTube playlists to productivity apps you can put on your phone.

But it’s also important to realize that this time that the world is full of crisis doesn’t have to be productive. It’s okay to take breaks when you need them. If you’re taking this time to just cope with all this change and stress, you’re doing well!

• Staying supported during quarantine: During this pandemic it’s become abundantly clear how important social interaction is in people’s daily lives. Social support is one of the keys to living well. Especially in situations that require change, having support can make it a little easier to accept, adapt to, and cope with change. Make sure you have someone in your life or some outlet that you can talk about the stresses you’re experiencing. There are several resources like Facebook support groups for birth parents that would be able to connect you with people who will understand what you’re going through and may be able to offer advice and other support for you. Don’t forget — Adoption Choices of New York has many ways to support you as well!

Unplanned Pregnancy during Quarantine

When considering adoption, Adoption Choices of New York can help — even during quarantine! Adoption specialists can meet with you virtually to discuss your options, connect you with resources and help you plan for what’s to come over the adoption journey. You also have access to any of our online resources and other blog posts. Though we are putting more information about how COVID impacts adoption and pregnancy as much as we can, online resources will mostly reflect the general adoption process. 

To get the most up to date information and advice tailored to you, we recommend contacting us to start the conversation with one of our Adoption specialists today.

Adoption Choices of New York is available to assist with your adoption plan. Call us, text us, email us; we are here for you!
Contact Us 24/7: 800-505-8592 (Phone) | 518-478-8420 | Click to Email

Meet the Author: Darby Summers is an avid fan of fantasy and sci-fi stories in all mediums, and aspires to share a story of her own to add to the genres she has adored her entire life. Raised in a house with the rule: “You can stay up as late as you want, as long as you’re reading”, Darby’s passion for reading, literature, and language was inspired at a young age, and continued through her achievement of a Bachelor’s in English from Allegheny College in 2017.

When she isn’t absorbed in the latest series to capture her attention, Darby enjoys working on cosplays and going to cons with friends. Her perfect night consists of staying in playing games (of the video, board or card varieties), making some delicious homemade pizza, and settling in on the couch for a movie with her husband, Adam, and cat, Sylvie. (187)