Different women find out about their pregnancies in different ways. It might be a missed period, morning nausea, or unexplained extra pounds. In any of these cases, she might wait and see — after all, she’s not sure she’s pregnant. Even once she knows she’s expecting, an expectant mom might not take any action. It can be a shock to see a positive pregnancy test when that just wasn’t on your list of goals for this year. The relationship that led to the pregnancy might be uncertain or it might just feel hard to bring the subject up. Some women may feel worried about telling their parents, or afraid of losing their jobs or having to drop out of school. Sometimes there’s a bit of magical thinking — maybe it won’t be true after all — or even denial. But a wait and see attitude doesn’t actually help you toward the best outcome.
A big decision
If you’re considering adoption, you know this is a very important decision. It will affect your life and the life of the child. Adoption is a brave and loving choice. It’s also a permanent choice. In Arkansas adoptions, a birth mother has 10 days after signing consent forms to change her mind. After that, she is no longer the child’s legal mother and cannot take it back. Naturally, she needs to be very sure of her decision.
But that is not a good reason to wait and see. The final decision doesn’t take place until the child is born. During your pregnancy, the most important job is to take care of your health and the baby’s health. An early decision to plan for adoption doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind. It does mean that you can have access to more support than the woman who decides to wait and see.
Benefits of an early decision
One very basic advantage of choosing adoption early in your pregnancy is that you can get more help and support than you otherwise would. Early medical care means a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby. Deciding on adoption allows you to shed the stress of not knowing what you’re going to do. Then you can see a doctor and get the care you need. You’ll also have a lawyer looking out for your rights and guiding you through the process. In many cases, you may have a counselor, too. These professionals provide their services at no cost to you.
Adoptive parents in Arkansas are allowed to provide financial support for expectant moms who have chosen them. Adoption professionals can also connect you with support groups, government benefits, and other resources that provide help and support. Some women facing unplanned pregnancies may feel alone, unsure whether the baby’s father or even their own families will support them. Expectant moms preparing for adoption don’t need to feel alone.
Things will be okay
No matter what decision you make, things will work out in the long run. As the saying goes, if it’s not a happy ending, it’s not the ending yet. It’s worth recognizing, though, if you are considering adoption, that making your mind up early is less stressful than going through months of worry and uncertainty.
Call Heimer Law or fill out the form below. Justin Heimer is an experienced adoption lawyer and a trained therapist. He’ll be glad to talk with you and answer your questions with no obligation to you.
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