Accidentally Pregnant? Here Are Your Options

She Might Staff

5/1/2025

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re sitting in the bathroom with a positive pregnancy test next to you. Maybe you’ve been down this road before, or maybe this is your first time.

Before you make a decision about your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to take the time to process your situation. You may find you’re experiencing any number of mixed emotions. Or maybe you don’t feel much at all.

Whatever your emotions are toward that little piece of plastic, keep in mind that there is no shame in whatever you are feeling. An unexpected pregnancy brings big emotions and yields big decisions.

This article gives a comprehensive overview of your three pregnancy options, so you can discern what will be the best choice for you, your situation, and your pregnancy.

Processing Your Decision

Before we start, take a deep breath.

No, really. Do it.

We understand this is a really hard decision to make. That’s why we collaborated with women who’ve experienced unexpected pregnancies to create the practical tools they wanted when making their pregnancy decisions.

1. If you have no idea where to start, begin by reading these 9 things you should think through when making this decision.

2. If you just need to compare which option fits your situation best, download our Pregnancy Options Processing Worksheet. This therapist-approved guide will help you sort through the pros and cons of each decision.

Using this holistic approach will help clarify your thinking and give you back control. It will also liberate you to reach for the identity and future you want rather than escape the negative outcome you fear.

Parenting

First Time Parents

Parenting is something that so many people do every day, but when deciding if you are going to take on that role, you may all of a sudden have no idea where to begin.

You may be thinking, Am I ready for a Baby?

Or maybe you have hundreds of thoughts and questions when you consider being a first-time parent. This is a typical response to a pregnancy. In 7 Fears About Being a First Time Mom, we explore the realities and myths of becoming a parent.

No one can ever be totally ready for the life changes a child brings, but you can decide to be open to the possibility.

Having Another Child

If you are already a parent and have become pregnant again, here’s a word to the mom who’s pregnant again too soon.

Whether you have had a challenging pregnancy before or you simply weren’t planning on having a child in this season, we want you to know that you’re not alone in this experience.

Parenting Concerns

Are you considering single motherhood but aren’t sure if you have what it takes? Alice shares what she thought single parenting would be like and how it turned out in reality.

You may have financial concerns, career goals, or relationships issues among many others. It may be helpful to list out your concerns, so you can determine how you might work through the obstacles you see to raising a child. Can you apply for assistance? Are you able to get creative with co-parenting, if your baby’s father is in the picture?

If you choose to parent, keep in mind that your parenting journey is unique to you. There’s no such thing as a parenting blueprint that you have to follow exactly. You get to decide what motherhood looks like for you!

Abortion

Discerning whether or not abortion is in your best interest is not an easy process. 

If you are wondering whether you should get an abortion or not, read this article. It provides 6 questions to help you discern if abortion is the best decision for you.

As a preliminary step, be sure to book an appointment with an OBGYN to find out how far along are you in your pregnancy. This step is essential because it will help you determine which abortion method is safe for you to pursue. In most states, if you are under 12 weeks pregnant, you can receive a medical abortion via abortion pills. If you are over the 12 week limit, you may require a surgical abortion.

Research the cost and whether or not your insurance will cover the procedure.

Most medical procedures have some recovery time, including abortions. After you go to your appointment, be sure to read up on Post Abortion Dos and Don’ts, so you can give your body the care it needs to heal well.

Adoption

You may consider placing your baby for adoption. If you’re leaning toward this option but don’t know much about it, you may be surprised that there are actually many paths available to women who become birthmothers. Understanding the adoption process, as well as your rights as a birthmother is crucial for directing the adoption process toward the right placement for their child.

If you explore adoption, remember that you deserve to be supported and seen through the adoption process. Be sure to educate yourself on your rights and find an excellent adoption professional to support you and advocate for you. To read more about what it’s like to be a birth mother here.

Next Steps

As you begin to sort out your thoughts and emotions surrounding this pregnancy, remember that you are ultimately the one in control of your situation and your future. Check out our tools page as you think through your decision.

Whatever you choose to do with your pregnancy, be sure your path is true to who you are. This is not a decision to be made lightly, nor is it one to be made under pressure from anyone else. Only you can make this choice, but you don’t have to do it quickly or in isolation. 

Consider who you are, who you want to be, and where you are going in life. No matter what you decide, those of us at She Might are here to be a reference and a support! And if you are looking for a safe space to process your decision, we have coaches available to walk beside you.

Join the 12,000+ women who've found clarity

Discover the transformative power of our Pregnancy Clarity Quiz — a quick, 10-minute investment that offers personalized insights and equips you with tools for confident decision-making. Uncover your strengths, connect with your authentic self, and stride forward with newfound confidence on this deeply personal journey. Your clarity awaits — take the quiz and empower your decision today.

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