How To Get Excited About An Unplanned Pregnancy In College

Some women wonder how to feel happier about their unplanned pregnancy. It’s possible to get excited about your pregnancy - without pretending that you’re OK when you’re not.

Finding yourself unexpectedly pregnant can be a jarring experience, especially for college students. Facing an unplanned pregnancy is often a very emotional experience filled with surprise, fear, uncertainty, and many other difficult feelings. Even women who have decided to keep an unplanned pregnancy may struggle to fully accept the pregnancy and to navigate negative emotions, wondering - will I ever feel ok about this? Will I ever feel ok again?

If you’re one of these women, you should know that there’s hope. But you should also know that you don’t have to feel excited about an unplanned pregnancy - and you don’t have to feel ashamed that you’re not happy about it. Taking the time to understand your feelings and to be honest with yourself about the difficulty of your situation can help you cope in a healthy way.

If there’s a part of you that wishes you could be excited about your unplanned pregnancy, you should also know that it is possible. It may take time, and it may be a slow process, but eventually this anxiety and overwhelm will subside. As you create a plan for your future, build your support system, and ensure that you have access to all necessary medical care and financial assistance, you also make space to look forward to your future.

The Avi Project can help you do that. We help college students facing unplanned pregnancies get the support they need - emotional, financial, medical, and so much more - so they can pursue their education and look forward to successful careers. To learn more about tuition assistance, housing, career counseling, access to licensed counselors, and other resources, just call or text us at 720-386-6009. One of our clients shared this about their own experience with The Avi Project:

"Our baby was unplanned but I was given information about this wonderful organization called the Avi Project. I was hesitant about everything at first even if it seemed like I was really put together. The Avi Project helped me realize that people really do care and want the best for you! I have received nothing but support and praise throughout this entire process so far. Because of the Avi Project I am starting to feel more excited about my pregnancy than I am scared.”
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Please reach out today (720-386-6009) for confidential, no-obligation, 24/7 support. If you’re not ready to talk yet, here are a few tips to help you mindfully notice the positives when you’re feeling trapped by the negatives:

1. Give yourself time to sit with your feelings and process all your emotions.
2. Get support and talk to someone you can trust with your feelings to help alleviate the burden.
3. Educate yourself about your options so you can make informed decisions.
4. Explore your options, and consider the challenges and rewards of each.
5. Create a support system by surrounding yourself with people who can offer encouragement, practical help, and emotional support.
6. Focus on any positive aspects of the situation, which might include the potential for personal growth, the support of loved ones, or the chance to build a family that aligns with your values and goals.
7. Set realistic short-term and long-term goals to create a sense of purpose and focus on positive outcomes.
8. Prioritize self-care and support your physical and emotional well-being.
9. Connect with others in support groups or even online communities who have been in similar situations to hear how they navigated it.
10. Consider working with a mental health professional who can help you find coping strategies for your specific situation.

Remember, it's normal to experience a range of emotions, and everyone's journey is unique. Taking proactive steps to care for yourself and seeking support can contribute to a more positive outlook during this challenging time.

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