Where You Can Find Unplanned Pregnancy Support Groups
Facing an unplanned pregnancy alone is tough. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this journey on your own.
But, if you can’t turn to your friends and family, how do you find the support you need?
There are many unplanned pregnancy support groups — in-person or on the internet — that can connect you to women who are in or have been in similar situations as yours. Sometimes the best advice comes from those who know what you are going through, and it can be a relief to find support for your unplanned pregnancy from those who truly understand.
Below, find the information you need to locate the proper unplanned pregnancy support group for you.
Where to Find Unplanned Pregnancy Support Groups
When you first discover that you are unexpectedly pregnant, you may feel alone — but you are not. More than 45 percent of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, which means millions of women are feeling the exact same emotions you are. Like you, they look for unplanned pregnancy support from others who know what they are feeling and can empathize.
There are a few different places to find support for unplanned pregnancy, including:
- In-Person Support Groups: Many organizations, especially churches and women’s assistance programs, may host free support groups for expectant mothers. Pregnant women can gather at these groups for discussions among members and a chance to air their concerns with those who have been through this journey. Usually, a professional experienced in these issues will moderate the group. Know that some support groups may have an emphasis on a particular unplanned pregnancy option, like parenting or adoption.
- Online Forums and Message Boards: It can be difficult to talk with strangers about unplanned pregnancy. Many pregnant women choose to share their concerns and stories on anonymous unplanned pregnancy forums and unplanned pregnancy message boards to retain a sense of privacy when searching for support.
While both of these options can be helpful for women facing unplanned pregnancies, the best option is always an experienced pregnancy counselor. You can find unbiased, objective pregnancy counselors through adoption agencies, pregnancy centers and health clinics, and these professionals will discuss your unplanned pregnancy options for free and in a completely confidential manner.
If you wish to find an unplanned pregnancy support group in addition to professional counseling, consider these unexpected pregnancy forums:
- AfterAbortion.com: a site that offers unwanted pregnancy forums and person-to-person discussion
- Adoption.com: offers forums and threads on all three unplanned pregnancy options, not just adoption
- JustMommies.com: offers an “unplanned pregnancy” forum specifically for this topic
In addition, you can contact a local pregnancy center to find an in-person support group mediated by a trained professional.
What to Consider About Unplanned Pregnancy Support Forums
While unplanned pregnancy support groups online can help connect you to women who have been in a similar situation, they also hold the potential for connecting you to other biased, unhelpful parties. Everyone in an unwanted pregnancy forum has an opinion about what pregnancy option you should choose. They may try to persuade you one way or another in offering you advice.
An unplanned pregnancy forum should not be your only method of determining which pregnancy path is best for you. Information in these groups has no guarantee of being accurate or objective, and you should not make a decision solely based on what the members say.
As long as you keep this in mind, it can be helpful to speak with other women in unplanned pregnancy forums you find online. However, if you ever feel belittled, disrespected or in danger as part of an online pregnancy support forum, always disengage and seek professional options counseling.