Unplanned Pregnancy? Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Depending on whether you want children, seeing positive results on a pregnancy test can either be a joyful experience or a terrifying nightmare. Maybe you never wanted kids at all. Maybe you want them one day, but right now, you’re unable to provide for them. Maybe you want to be a parent, but you're not sure if you're healthy enough for a pregnancy. No matter what your circumstances are, if you’re dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, life as you know it is going to change for a little while.

Before you panic, you need to make sure you have the best health insurance and visit a doctor in your network to confirm the pregnancy. Determining how far along you are and asking the right questions will guide you in making a choice.

Am I Healthy Enough to Carry a Baby?

Your overall health and fitness levels will affect your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. This isn’t to say that if you’re overweight, out of shape or currently eating a poor diet that you can’t turn things around. If you want this baby, then making changes now will have a substantial effect on the outcome. However, there might be certain conditions that will make pregnancy, delivery or parenting more difficult. It’s wise to talk to your doctor to gain a realistic view of what the future might look like before you make a decision.

Am I On Any Medications that Could Prevent a Healthy Pregnancy?

Studies show that millennials are having fewer children, and one reason for that is mental health. A lot of people suffer from depression and anxiety these days, and the medications for these disorders are often dangerous for a developing fetus. Some people have decided to skip parenthood because it would be too difficult or dangerous to go off of their medications.

Other types of medications can be dangerous during pregnancy as well. If you are on opioids such as Percocet or Vicodin, or others like Thalomid, Codeine, Accutane, Ultram, or Prozac, speak with your doctor immediately. If you’re thinking about having the baby, be sure to ask your doctor if anything in your medication regimen needs to change. If it does, you can discuss alternative medications or therapies that may help during the pregnancy.

What if I Don’t Want to Keep the Baby?

Even if you think you’re against having kids, you should allow yourself some time to get over the shock and think about it. You don’t want to make a choice you’ll regret one day.

That being said, if you know with certainty that parenthood isn’t for you, that’s okay. It isn’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about that. Once you’ve made up your mind, you can ask your doctor about your options.

Adoption

The benefit of adoption is knowing that you’ve done a wonderful, selfless thing for both your baby and their adoptive parents. The negatives include having to go through the pregnancy and having to suffer the pain of giving up your child.

Adoption also comes with the possibility of regret. However, an open adoption, which allows the birth parent visits with the child, makes this option more appealing. You'll get to see the child and have some form of a relationship if you choose. This relationship may continue after the child reaches adulthood.

If you decide to proceed with the pregnancy, it is essential to contact an OB within your insurance network to schedule a first appointment. To get health insurance today, contact George Beach Insurance Services.


References:
https://www.webmd.com/baby/managing-a-high-risk-pregnancy#1
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/healthy-pregnancy
https://aguardianangel.com/
https://prevailintervention.com/percocet-addiction-signs/

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