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Unplanned Pregnancy in the First Month [What are My Options?]

One, Two, Three or Four Weeks Pregnant and Don’t Want the Baby

Finding out about an unplanned pregnancy can be a life-altering moment because you most likely weren’t prepared for this to happen. You can get immediate help and support by calling 1-800-ADOPTION.

At one month pregnant, you have three unplanned pregnancy options:

  • Adoption

  • Abortion

  • Parenting

Even though American Adoptions specializes in adoption, we are more than happy to review all your unplanned pregnancy options with you so that you can make an informed decision. We want you to be aware of all your options so that you can choose the one that is a perfect fit for you.

  • If you are one, two or even three weeks pregnant and don’t want the baby, there are several options you can choose to deal with this unplanned pregnancy, including adoption, abortion and parenting.

  • First things first: breathe. This is surely a stressful moment.

  • There are ways for your life to move forward and for you to do something wonderful for the baby.

Whether you are two weeks pregnant and don’t want a baby or four weeks pregnant and don’t want it, this guide to your options in the first month of an unplanned pregnancy will give you the guidance you need to get started.

To get more support and guidance during your first month of pregnancy, click here to get free information today.

First Steps: Confirm Your Pregnancy

Before you do anything else, you should confirm your pregnancy with a doctor.

  • They'll give you a test to make sure you're actually pregnant. While store-bought tests are reliable, they aren’t perfect. At this early stage of the pregnancy, verifying with a medical professional is the place to begin.

  • They'll let you know how far along you are. Additionally, the timing of pregnancy this early can be confusing and difficult to self-diagnose. You may think you are one week pregnant and don’t want the baby, but are actually 4 weeks pregnant and don’t want it. In fact, if you already know you are pregnant at four weeks, you found out about your pregnancy earlier than most women do.

  • They'll answer any questions that you have. This can be an overwhelming time, and it's normal to have questions. A doctor can answer many of them and help you find the information and resources you need. 

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, take your time. If you need to spend the next couple weeks considering your unplanned pregnancy options, you can do that.

  • You have plenty of time to make this decision, so there is no need to rush into it. 

  • Whatever choice you make, it’s going to make a big impact in your life.

  • Considering all the options thoroughly is worth the patience.

Early Unplanned Pregnancy Options

An unplanned pregnancy, especially if it happens at the worst time possible, can feel devastating. Thankfully, you do have options to choose from, and the earlier you are in your pregnancy, the more of those options you have.

Taking advice from friends and family members can be helpful, but this is ultimately your decision. Only you can know what is best for your life, and you have the right to make the choice that is best for you.

When you are one or two weeks into pregnancy and don’t want the baby, you have three basic options.

  • Parenting: Of the nearly 2 million women who experience an unplanned pregnancy each year, the vast majority decide to parent. If parenting is a possibility for you, this unplanned pregnancy could turn from an accident to a beautiful surprise.

  • Abortion: Every woman in America has the right to choose abortion. Some states have more restrictions on abortion than others, so it is important to learn your state’s laws. In stricter states, you may have to choose abortion earlier in your pregnancy than others. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing abortion.

  • Adoption: Adoption is a selfless, brave act. It is an opportunity to give your baby a chance at a wonderful life while also giving yourself the chance to move forward with your own life. Adoption is always free to you, and you will almost certainly receive adoption financial assistance during the process. While it is not always easy, many birth mothers say it is the best choice they could’ve made.

One to Four Weeks Pregnant and Don’t Want the Baby: Choosing Adoption

You may know immediately that parenting this baby isn’t possible for you. That leaves you with a choice: abortion or adoption. Each year, thousands of women choose both. Adoption is a beautiful act of love made by a caring mother, and it could be the best option for your unplanned pregnancy.

When you are two or three weeks pregnant and don’t want the baby, or know that you can’t raise a baby right now, adoption has several significant advantages.

  • Adoption is always free to you, as the birth parent you will never have to pay a dime.

  • It is a chance to continue pursuing your own dreams.

  • It gives your baby a chance to grow up in a loving family.

  • You may be eligible for adoption financial assistance. Our financial assistance will cover your pregnancy costs and living expenses so that you have one less thing to worry about.

  • 24/7 counseling. Unplanned pregnancy comes with a lot of complex emotions. Our adoption counselors are available 24/7 to help you cope with these emotions.

“Adoption has changed my life for the better. I’m able to be a part of my son’s life, while also gaining new family in Katie and Andy. We hit it off instantly and they became a huge support in any choice I made. I chose to place my son to a family through adoption, but adoption truly chose me,” said Rebecca, a birth mom who chose adoption.

When you go through the adoption process with American Adoptions, you are in charge. You get to make decisions, like: 

Choosing adoption is taking charge of your unplanned pregnancy in a proactive way.

Speak With a Professional Today

This is all probably overwhelming. The emotions of an unplanned pregnancy alone can be too much, and now there is all of this information. The big point, though, is that you don’t have to make your choice right away if you are three weeks pregnant and don’t want the baby. You have time to decide, no matter which option is best for you.

At this early point, the best thing you can do is gather more information. Speaking to a qualified professional can be very helpful. You can call 1-800-ADOPTION now to connect with an adoption specialist or you can always get more free information online

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

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