Pregnancy is often thought of as an exciting time full of anticipation and wonder. While this is true for many women, it's not true for all. In fact, some pregnancies feel like nothing to celebrate at all. If you've recently found out that you are expecting, and you're not prepared or equipped to raise a child, you might be weighing your options. While most people know that abortion is a possible solution, it's not the only one. If you're looking for abortion alternatives, you're not alone. Here's a look at some of the other options to consider.

Family Care

Perhaps the simplest solution for many is to have a family member take the child in and raise them. If you have someone in your family who is fit to raise the child, you should consider this as an option. You can either sign over temporary guardianship or terminate your rights and allow them to adopt the child. 

In either case, with a family member, you'll have the opportunity to see your child grow up and be a part of your child's life. Some family members will even allow you to maintain your relationship as the child's mother and provide you with visitation and other benefits. Consider talking with your family about this possibility if you want the chance to keep your child close even if you aren't fit to raise a child on your own.

Open Adoption

If you don't have any family to place the baby with, but you still want to be able to maintain a relationship, you should consider pursuing an open adoption. During an open adoption, both the birth mother and the adopting parents are given each other's information. 

In most cases, birth parents are allowed to visit the child, and they are provided with pictures and other information routinely to keep them informed and connected to their child.  When adoption is your only solution, open adoption can allow you to maintain a relationship if that's what you want to do.

Closed Adoption

Sometimes, maintaining any connection to the child can be emotionally difficult. If you believe that it will be easier for you to make a clean break, and you feel comfortable with the family that your child will be placed with, you may decide to opt for a closed adoption instead. 

With a closed adoption, neither the birth mother nor the adopting parents are provided with any information about each other. There's no open communication between you. A closed adoption is intended to keep everyone's information private and allow you both to go your separate ways once the paperwork is finished.

You don't need to feel as though abortion is your only solution for an unwanted pregnancy. Consider these options, and talk with a family planning specialist today for more help.