I Want to Continue My Pregnancy, but I Don’t Have Support

Maybe your partner left, your family isn’t on your side, or you simply don’t know anyone who can help. Wanting to continue a pregnancy while feeling alone can be frightening. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Many women start out with less support than they hoped for and find more along the way. This guide walks through where to begin.

Where do I start?

• Confirm the pregnancy. A free, lab-quality pregnancy test can confirm a home result.
• Find out how far along you are. Pregnancy is counted in weeks from the first day of your last period. An early ultrasound is the most accurate way to date it. Here is how pregnancy dating works.
• Make sure the pregnancy is in the right place. A pregnancy that grows outside the uterus, called an ectopic pregnancy, can’t continue and can be life-threatening. Severe, sudden pain low in your belly, pain in your shoulder, heavy bleeding or feeling faint all need emergency care right away.
• Start taking folic acid. The CDC recommends 400 micrograms a day, because the baby’s brain and spine begin forming in the first few weeks.

How do I get prenatal care without insurance?

Regular prenatal visits help your provider spot health problems early, when many can be treated or prevented. You don’t need insurance or a partner to start.

• Florida Medicaid for pregnancy. A pregnant woman may qualify if her family’s income is within the program’s limits. Once she qualifies, coverage lasts through the pregnancy and 12 months after the birth, even if her income changes. Some providers can start temporary prenatal coverage, called presumptive eligibility, while your full application is processed.
• Community health centers. You can search for one near you with the federal Find a Health Center tool.

Read more about getting prenatal care without insurance.

Where can I get help with food and money?

• WIC. Florida’s WIC program gives pregnant women free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals. It’s for low- and moderate-income families, and you don’t have to be on other programs to qualify. Call your county health department’s WIC office to set up an appointment.
• Food assistance and cash assistance. Florida uses one application, through the state’s MyACCESS website, for food assistance (SNAP), temporary cash assistance and Medicaid.
• Healthy Start. This free Florida home visiting program offers prenatal and parenting education and helps connect families with resources in the community.

Here is a fuller list of financial resources for pregnant women in Florida.

What if the father won’t help?

Even if you were never married, you don’t have to carry the full cost of raising your child alone. Florida’s Child Support Program can help establish who the legal father is, which may include a genetic test, and can set up a child support order. An order can also cover the child’s health insurance and medical costs.

If the father, or anyone else, is threatening you or trying to control what you do, your safety comes first. Call 911 if you are in danger.

What if my family won’t support me?

Some families need time to take in the news. It may help to plan what you’ll say and to have someone with you. Here are some tips on how to tell your parents you’re pregnant.

If your family still won’t help, look for support elsewhere: a friend, a mentor, a counselor or a pregnancy support group. One steady person can make a real difference.

What if I feel overwhelmed?

Feeling scared, sad or alone during pregnancy is common, and it’s worth telling someone, including your doctor or nurse. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

It can also help to take things one step at a time: this week, the test and a first appointment; next week, the applications. You don’t have to solve everything at once.

How can First Coast help?

First Coast offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound services subject to eligibility and scheduling, and pregnancy and parenting support, including education and community referrals. We don’t provide prenatal care, but we can help you find it. If you’re raising a child on your own, you may also find this guide for single moms helpful.

Visits are free and confidential. Find a center near you, or book a free visit.

Sources

1. Florida Department of Children and Families: Medicaid
2. Florida Department of Children and Families: Public benefits and services
3. Florida Department of Health: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
4. Florida Department of Health: Healthy Start
5. Florida Department of Revenue: Child Support Program
6. MedlinePlus: Prenatal care
7. MedlinePlus: Ectopic pregnancy
8. CDC: About folic acid
9. SAMHSA: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline