I Just Found Out I’m Pregnant. What Are My Options?
I Just Found Out I’m Pregnant. What Are My Options?
Finding out you’re pregnant can bring up a lot of emotions, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned. You might feel scared, confused, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next. Just know that you don’t have to decide right away. Take your time when considering your options. Below are the three routes most women follow, as well as common questions about each option.
Adoption
- What are some reasons people consider adoption?
They might not be ready to parent a child. They might be finishing school, working on becoming financially stable, or lacking support. The baby could have health concerns that the parents or mother are not prepared to handle. They might already have their hands full with other children. There are many reasons people consider adoption for their child.
- Will I be judged for choosing adoption?
There is absolutely no judgment if you decide to go the adoption route. As mentioned above, many people choose adoption for many different reasons. Thinking about adoption? The staff at Alpha Women’s Center would love to meet with you and talk about your options, offer helpful resources, and explain the process.
- Can I choose how involved to be in my child’s life if I choose adoption?
Yes, with agencies like Many Hearts and Graceful Adoptions, you can choose how involved to be. The options range all the way from annual visits with regular updates, to a completely closed, anonymous adoption.
Parenting
- Can I still reach my goals as a parent?
Becoming a parent can change your life, but you can still reach your goals. Many women have gone on to finish school, enter the workplace, and reach their goals, all while parenting children.
- What kind of help can I get?
Alpha Women’s Center can provide many resources to help, such as a resource closet, parenting classes, and more. The resource closet offers maternity clothes, hygiene products, baby items like diapers, wipes, clothing and other items to help with pregnancy and the early years of raising a child. Feel free to visit either the Ankeny or Des Moines location for a tour or to join the program.
- How can I tell my partner I want to raise the child?
We understand that this can be a hard conversation, depending on how your partner feels about the pregnancy. The staff at Alpha Women’s Center can help you understand your own feelings on the situation, and help you make a plan on how to speak to your partner.
Abortion
- Is an abortion a simple medical procedure?
No, it can actually be quite complicated and put you in danger of bleeding and infection. If done before week 7, a long, thin tube is inserted and used to suction out the baby.
After week 7 up until week 14, the neck of the womb must be widened, through either medicine or other ways, to remove the fetus. Once it is wide enough, the doctors will insert a plastic tube and vacuum the body apart and out. They may also insert a sharp tool that is used to scrape the remaining parts out of the uterus.
At 15 weeks, the vacuum is not enough to remove the baby. Doctors must insert clamps to tear and pull out parts. An abortion at this time in the pregnancy holds more danger for the woman.
- How safe is the abortion pill?
Medication abortions are actually 4 times as risky as a surgical abortion. Abortions caused by the abortion pill hold a higher risk of heavy bleeding that may require medical attention, as well as an incomplete abortion. Some women who use the abortion pill die from infection, or continuous bleeding.
- Will an abortion risk future pregnancies?
Yes, having an abortion can hurt your chances of getting pregnant later in life. If you do not receive the correct medicine after an abortion, your body will resist future pregnancies.
A surgical abortion also raises the odds that a woman will later give birth prematurely. A premature birth can cause the child to have many different complications, such as cerebral palsy. With each surgical abortion, the chances of a premature birth raise higher and higher.
Find Support
It’s okay to not have everything planned out; you are not alone. Our team at Alpha Women’s Center is here to listen, support you, and provide more information on the options above. We also offer free, limited OB ultrasounds to confirm positive pregnancy tests. If you are interested in confirming your pregnancy or speaking with someone about the steps above, visit our website or call one of our centers 515-285-5700 (Des Moines) 515-965-7885 (Ankeny) to schedule an appointment.
References
Many Hearts. (2026, June 15). Adoption – Unplanned Pregnancy Support. Retrieved from https://many-hearts.com/adoption/
Care Net. (2025). Before You Decide [Brochure].
Ford, Amy. (2020). Braver Than You Think [PDF]. Focus on the Family. Retrieved from https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Braver-Than-You-Think-FOTF.pdf
Graceful Adoptions. (2026, June 16). Newborn & Infant Adoption Nationwide. Retrieved from https://gracefuladoptions.com/