What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re in the second trimester and are still undecided about what to do. The second trimester refers to when you are 13 to 26 weeks pregnant.

By this time, the abortion pill is not an option, as it is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks.

While you may be eligible for a surgical abortion, Kentucky law bans all abortions unless performed to save the mother’s life or prevent her serious injury. You would have to travel out of state for elective abortion, which would be more costly.

Your other two options are parenting and adoption. Each requires careful consideration and comes with its own unique set of emotions, challenges, and rewards.

Parenting

Parenting may seem daunting and even impossible. However, this is a familiar feeling for many new parents. If you have a heart to parent, you deserve the chance to explore this option thoroughly.

Ask yourself a series of questions to gauge your readiness for parenting, such as:

Am I financially prepared to support a child?
Do I have a support system of family and friends to help me?
Am I ready to prioritize my child’s needs above my own?
Do I understand the emotional and physical demands of parenting?
How will becoming a parent affect my personal and professional goals?
Am I prepared to adapt to the challenges and unpredictability of parenting?

You may not have a perfect answer to one or any of these questions. Keep in mind that you don’t have to know everything from the beginning. You can educate yourself with online resources or parenting classes to guide you before and after birth.

Crossroads is also here to support you by answering questions and common concerns about pregnancy and parenting.

Adoption

Perhaps your current situation or circumstances make parenting something you can’t do right now. That’s okay. Adoption is another choice you can make if you want to carry your pregnancy to term but not have the responsibilities of parenting.

Adoption allows you to place your child with a loving and supportive family, offering them opportunities and stability that you might not be able to provide at this time. This option allows you to pursue your personal goals and future while ensuring your child is raised in a nurturing environment.

You have more control over the process than in past decades. You can make an adoption plan with compassionate professionals who can help you navigate each step, from choosing a family to understanding the legal aspects.

You have the option to maintain some level of contact with your child through open or semi-open adoption arrangements or a closed adoption if complete confidentiality is something you desire.

Crossroads is not an adoption agency, but we can equip you with adoption referrals and the resources to explore this option.

Talk One-On-One

Crossroads is here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to review all your options regarding your pregnancy. Let us help you discuss your questions and concerns so you can get the information you need.

You can make a confidential, no-cost appointment with our team. Contact us to schedule yours today.

We’re here to provide you with the critical support you need during this time.

Sources:

Fetal development: The 2nd trimester. (2022, June 3). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151
FDA. (n.d.). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
Human Life Protection Act. (n.d.). Office of the Attorney General. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.