When the choice is to continue the pregnancy Prepare yourself mentally to face the pregnancy
“Because an unplanned pregnancyis different from a typical pregnancy”
Women with unplanned pregnancies need to learn and prepare to face the challenges. They should stay calm, seek information from reliable sources, and not try to find solutions alone. They may seek advice from various support organizations to help alleviate problems one by one to find a way out.
Many women believe that the only solution is to terminate the pregnancy. Without sufficient information, many end up having unsafe abortions, which risk infection and death. Some are afraid to tell anyone, causing the pregnancy to progress beyond the point where it can be terminated. Even if the pregnancy cannot be terminated, there are always solutions.
6 Things to Do When the Choice is to Continue the Pregnancy
- Brace yourself for what you will face in the near future. We may have made mistakes in the past, but that is behind us. We have challenges in the future waiting for us.
- Ask yourself what you want and how you will continue your life. What are the problems and obstacles? To gradually find solutions one by one.
- Find a way to inform those involved about the truth, such as parents, guardians, partners, teachers, etc., so that someone knows and understands what is happening to us and can provide help when needed, such as when it’s time to give birth, during labor pains, assisting with hospital transport, and postnatal care.
- When deciding to continue the pregnancy, think positively about the future. Do not act or think alone with emotions that may negatively affect yourself, as pregnancy progresses with gestational age.
- If you are still a student, plan for taking a break from studies and exams to align with the due date. Try to complete your studies at each level to make it easier to return to education.
- If you are working, plan for maternity leave. According to the Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541, female employees can take 90 days of maternity leave (including holidays). During this time, employees are entitled to receive wages for no less than 45 working days. The law prohibits dismissing female employees due to pregnancy.
Source: Book from the Network Supporting Women’s Choices with Unplanned Pregnancies