A warm hello to all you Womaniyas!

Pregnancy is joyous and exciting news for a woman. But, not always! The reason, it might be an unplanned pregnancy. At such times, it becomes more a matter of worry than a pleasant surprise. Whether you are married or unmarried, an unplanned pregnancy can put anyone in a fix.

Some of the queries that we have recently received on OoWomaniya.com from our registered users are based one of the most compelling and grave concerns, that is, regarding pregnancy and fear or ambiguity of an unintended/unplanned pregnancy. So, we talked to our Experts regarding the emotional trauma and unpreparedness an unintended pregnancy can bring along and how a woman in such situation should deal with them?

Our Family and Relationship Counselor at OoWomaniya.com,  Ms. Reupah Philips, gives her take on the emotional impact and repercussions of Unintended Pregnancy and ways to manage it:

”Pregnancy is the most unique phase of a woman’s life which is to be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest for the happiness of expected baby and as it is beginning of a different commitment with your partner. The life growing inside her and the biological status of woman during pregnancy results in various hormonal and psychological changes in her which is why how she feels during this period must be respected.

Although, when the pregnancy is unplanned there is ought to be some fear and panic. The most important thing is to confirm your pregnancy and be sure about it before setting yourself to panic mode. Skipping periods does not mean that you are pregnant. Unfortunately, many women keep lingering in confusion of whether they are pregnant or not, and harbor a fear.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I causing this fear?
• Have I invited myself to this?
• Can I do something for myself to come out of this fear or situation?
• Can I be free from this fear?

Of course, it is easier said than done, but once the pregnancy is confirmed, try to be calm and think rationally. If you are underage or financially dependent, then parental guidance is essential. Go to someone whom you can trust for support and assistance. Talk to your partner and discuss your options. Married women, who already have children, need to be sure if they are prepared for another child. At the end, it is your life and your decision.

Each Woman is and should be aware of what can make her pregnant. You can’t walk into forest without arming yourself with necessary protection, right? Similarly, indulging in unprotected sex can always bring along the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy or at some circumstances, the risk of getting contracted by Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections. It should be understood that a momentary act of pleasure may bring some serious consequences in future and a long term impact on your life and if you still wish to proceed it is a life choice for which one needs to be mentally prepared to deal with and accept the responsibility.

For many women, the next step to get out of an unintended pregnancy is to opt for termination of pregnancy/ abortion. Opting for it is a matter of choice and the decision should completely lie with the woman and her belief system. Abortion can be physically painful and emotionally traumatic. There are various aspects like feeling guilty for ending a life or grieving loss of the child and to withstand such upheavals emotional support from partner, family and other peers or a support group therapy with women/couples facing similar situation would help a lot to recover.

After having withstood the dilemma of an unplanned pregnancy it is important to adapt to life as a fresh slate. Evaluate how you got into that unwanted situation at first; what were those circumstances, what was your role in it, what was your partner’s role in it. Understand what happened in the past, stays in the past. Decide and try not to repeat those circumstances. Choose pregnancy where there is no fear of one, when you and your partner feel are ready for it and preferably when there is the enthusiasm to accept the long term involvement that comes with raising a baby, a new life.”