Pregnancy Help Support and Resources When You Need Them Most
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn. It is common to have questions about money, housing, relationships, health care, and what happens next.
You do not have to handle everything alone.
Pregnancy help includes emotional support, financial assistance, medical guidance, and practical resources. Whether you are still deciding what to do or already know your next step, support is available.
If you would like to review all your options first, you can return to our Unplanned Pregnancy information. This page focuses on finding help and building stability.
Teen Pregnancy Issues and Challenges
Teenage Pregnancy
WIC Eligibility
Financial Help for Pregnant Women
Help for Unplanned Pregnancy
Do you need help with an unplanned pregnancy? Rest assured. There are many resources and organizations that help women with unplanned pregnancies. You have many options including choosing parents through adoption and choosing to parent.
Financial Help for Unplanned Pregnancy
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, provides supplemental nutritious foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income:
- Pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends).
- Breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1st birthday)
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends)
- Infants (up to 1st birthday). WIC serves 53 percent of all infants born in the United States.
- Children up to their 5th birthday.
Affordable Housing Help for Unplanned Pregnancy
Public housing is state-owned, affordable rental houses or apartments. It’s intended for families with low incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. Found nationwide, public housing comes in all sizes and types, from single-family houses to high-rise apartments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers several programs: subsidized housing, public housing, and housing choice vouchers.
Maternity Homes
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services operates the Maternity Group Homes for Pregnant and Parenting Youth (MGH) Program tosupport homeless pregnant and/or parenting young people, as well as their dependent children. Youth must be between the ages of 16 and 22 to enter the program.
The National Maternity Housing Coalition (NMHC) of over 400 maternity housing programs can help you find a residential maternity home that is able to meet your needs.
Healthcare Help for Unplanned Pregnancy
Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income pregnant women during pregnancy and up to two months after the birth of the baby. Medicaid differs from state to state so be sure to apply in your state.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women. Each state offers CHIP coverage, and works closely with its state Medicaid program. Services include hospitalizations, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. If you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, your coverage can start right away, any time of year.
Learn more about Medicaid and CHIP coverage
Emotional Support for Unplanned Pregnancy
We recommend Embrace Grace because they know what it’s like to have an unexpected pregnancy. These support communities are judgement free and want to provide spiritual, emotional and physical support to both partners. When you join, they will love on you with Love Boxes, a baby shower, and so much more. Check out their website and find a support group near you.
Pregnancy Help Centers are local clinics that provide just that – help with your pregnancy. That may include prenatal care, parenting education, adoption assistance and guidance to local resources and programs, such as food banks. Our locator will help you find the center nearest you.
Our Pregnancy Educators are available everyday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST to talk with you, encourage and support you. Click chat below, or call toll-free 800-672-2296help
Child Support
What is Child Support?
In the eyes of the law, the raising of children and providing financial support for their wellbeing is the responsibility of both parents. Usually child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent.
Support payments are intended to help cover the costs of housing, food, clothing, and other basic needs, as well as school expenses, and other normal expenses of raising children. How much child support should be paid is calculated based on a formula set by the laws of each state. Support may be ordered to be paid by either parent, or in a situation in which the children are living with a third party or agency, both parents may be ordered to pay support.
Child support basics
A custodial parent is defined as the parent who has primary custody of a child for the majority of the time. The non-custodial parent is usually the parent who does not have physical custody of a child, though they may have or share legal custody.
While fathers are most often associated with being the non-custodial parent, this is not always the case and many mothers are responsible for paying child support too. Likewise, a non-custodial parent may remain very involved in their child’s life and parents may choose to co-parent. It’s important to know that child support is not dependent on the parents having ever been married.
How child support is calculated
Each state has specific guidelines based on the federal law.
The income shares model combines both parents’ income, determines the basic level of support, then adds expenses, and then an obligation is prorated between the parents based on their percentage of the combined income. Forty states use the income share model.
The percentage of income model determines the non-custodial parent’s income, determines the percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income that will be applied, applies the percentage to the income, and finalizes the obligation by making adjustments for add-ons and deductions. Seven states use the percentage income model, four of which use the flat percentage model.
The Melson Formula is a more complicated version of the Income Shares model, which incorporates public policy judgments to unsure each parent’s basic needs are met in addition to the children. Only Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana use the Melson Formula.
The District of Columbia uses a hybrid model that starts as a varying percentage of income model and is then reduced by a formula based on the custodial parent’s income.
Search the Internet for your state’s online child support calculator to get an idea of how much support could be ordered in your case.
Once this calculation is made, the family court judge will consider other factors, such as disparity in the parents’ incomes and any other issues that would suggest a support order should depart from the federal guidelines. If a non-guideline amount of child support is ordered, the judge must document that the order is in the children’s best interest.
Child Support Add-Ons
In addition to a monthly support payment amount, many states make specific orders regarding the parents’ responsibility to share other expenses such as healthcare costs, medical insurance, and childcare expenses, plus educational costs and extracurricular activities. Because these costs vary, a set amount cannot be ordered and added to the child support payment. Usually, the parents are ordered to share these costs equally, one parent being required to provide the other parent with receipts or proof of payment or anticipated charges.
Uses for child support
While the custodial parent often receives the child support payment, it should not be used for their personal expenses that are unrelated to their children. Misuse of funds includes things like clothing, salon services, or entertainment and vacations that don’t involve the child. Even if money is left over in any given month, it should be saved for future expenses related to the children.
In the parent’s agreement, many of these expenses will be defined so both parties have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and what the money will be used for. It may also include a way of dealing with and sharing the costs of unexpected expenses.
Actions to take when in financial distress
Situations change, individuals experience medical emergencies, loss of income, or other issues causing economic hardship. If financial problems create difficulties making full child support payments, it is important that the paying parent notify the other parent, and the child support enforcement agency. In many cases a temporary payment plan can be entered into to prevent more serious consequences of non-payment.
It is also possible for the support order to be modified by the court. The paying parent must request such a modification of child support payments, showing there has been a change in circumstances, such as a decrease in income, change in the custody and visitation schedule, or unexpected expenses that caused economic hardship. If the court agrees that the change in circumstance warrants a change in support, the amount will be re-calculated using the standard formula which takes into account both parents’ incomes and other considerations.
Tax consequences of child support
Child support payments are outside the tax system for both parties. The parent making support payments cannot deduct them for tax purposes, and the party receiving payments does not have to list them as income for tax purposes.
How to file for child support
A child support order may be requested even if the parents have never been married or lived together. While the exact procedure for obtaining a support order, or a modification to an existing order, varies by jurisdiction, certain basic steps are common.
- File a motion, complaint, or application for child support order with the local family court. A parent can hire an attorney to help with this, or use the standardized forms provided by the court to do it themselves. When the documents are filed, the court will issue a hearing date.
- Serve the motion on the other parent. This service of process may be done by a local sheriff, constable, process server, or another adult who is not a party to the case.
- Attend a hearing, where both parents will be required to provide information on their income, tax status, and expenses, as well as information on the children, custody schedule, and parentage if applicable.
- The court charges a fee to both parents for the initial filing, though parents with a very low income, or who are receiving public assistance, may obtain a fee waiver. This requires the filing of an application for fee waiver with the court, and provision of detailed income information.
Legal help for child support
Child Support law can be complex, more so if one parent lives in a different state or country. If possible, it may be a good idea to consult with a local family law attorney. For a fee, they will be able to explain how the procedure for filing and paying support and guide you through the process. Legal aid for people with low incomes is available. Search “legal aid services” for you state, or click here: How to find a lawyer and affordable Legal Aid.
For questions about child support payments from or to someone in another country, search The Office of Child Support Enforcement’s international resources. There may be a state or national agreement to provide support services with the country in question. If you need further help, submit your international questions through the OCSE online form.
How to establish paternity
Child support cannot be enforced until paternity is established.
If you are single and do not plan to marry the father of your child before the baby is born, ask him to voluntarily establish paternity, either at the hospital when the baby is born or through a prenatal paternity test. This will provide the basis of financial support for the child and visitation rights for the father.
Consider contacting an attorney to protect your child’s rights, or call your local Office of Child Support Enforcement and your local Legal Aid organization.
When child support ends
In most cases, the obligation to pay child support ends when the child reaches the age of majority, which varies in some states, from age 16 to 21, or until the child graduates from high school. In some states, support may be ordered to continue after the age of majority if the child is attending college full time. Certain circumstances allow for early termination of child support, including the child’s legal emancipation, the child’s marriage, or death of the child. In the event support payments fell behind at some point, and the payments have not been caught up by the time the order terminates, the paying parent must continue to make payments until the arrears have been satisfied.
Sources
- net/child-support
- World Population Review: Child Support Percentage by State
- gov/legal-aid
Pregnancy Support Group
Immediate Support and Confidential Help
Sometimes the first step is simply talking to someone who will listen without judgment.
Support may include:
- Confidential helplines
- Community pregnancy resource centers
- Counseling services
- Faith-based or nonprofit support programs
If you would like to speak with someone directly, come visit our Support Helpline page.
Speaking with a trained support person can help you sort through your thoughts and reduce feelings of isolation.
Financial Help for Pregnant Women
Financial stress is one of the most common concerns during an unplanned pregnancy. You may wonder how you will afford medical care, housing, food, or baby supplies.
There are programs designed to help.
Possible sources of financial assistance include:
- Medicaid for pregnancy coverage¹
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) nutrition assistance²
- SNAP benefits³
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)⁴
- Local nonprofit support organizations
You are welcome to explore financial assistance for pregnancy information here. Understanding what you qualify for can ease pressure and help you make informed decisions.
WIC and Nutritional Support
WIC provides support for eligible pregnant individuals and families with young children². It may include:
- Nutritional guidance
- Healthy food benefits
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to healthcare services
Access to proper nutrition supports both your health and your baby’s development⁵.
WIC eligibility is based on income guidelines and pregnancy status². Learn more about WIC eligibility here.
Child Support and Legal Considerations
If you are pregnant and not in a stable partnership, you may have questions about legal responsibilities and child support⁶.
Understanding your rights and options can help you plan ahead.
Topics you may want to consider:
- Establishing paternity
- Financial support from the other parent
- Custody considerations
If you are exploring the topic of Child Support or seeking general information, you can find it on this website.
Also, if needed, a legal aid organization in your area may provide low-cost or free guidance.
Help for Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy can bring additional emotional and practical challenges⁷. Concerns about school, family reactions, and future plans are common.
Support for teens may include:
- Counseling
- School continuation programs
- Community parenting support groups
- Family mediation services
No matter your age, you deserve respect, safety, and accurate information. Learn more about teen pregnancy support here.
Emotional Support During Unplanned Pregnancy
Even when practical support is available, emotional stress can remain.
You might feel:
- Fear about the future
- Pressure from others
- Uncertainty about relationships
- Shame or embarrassment
- Confusion about what decision to make
All of these emotions are valid and there are helpful Unplanned Pregnancy Resources available for you now.
Emotional support is not a sign of weakness. It is part of taking care of yourself.
Building a Support Network
Support may come from different places:
- Family members
- Friends
- Healthcare providers
- Faith leaders
- Social workers
- Online or local support groups
You may not feel comfortable sharing your news with everyone right away. That is okay. Start with one trusted person.
Building a network gradually can help reduce feelings of isolation and create stability during decision-making.
Taking the Next Step
Pregnancy help is about creating space for stability and informed choice.
You do not have to decide everything at once. Start with:
- Confirming pregnancy medically⁸
- Understanding available support
- Exploring financial assistance
- Speaking with a trusted professional
If you are considering parenting, you may want to explore keeping and parenting your child.
If you are considering adoption, you can review adoption options.
If you are considering abortion, you can learn more here.
Support exists no matter which path you choose.
You Are Not Alone
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel isolating. Help, information, and support systems are available in communities across the country.
Taking one step toward support — whether that is making a phone call, scheduling an appointment, or reading trusted information — can make the situation feel more manageable.
You deserve clarity, dignity, and care as you move forward.
Financial and Medical Support Resources
If you continue the pregnancy, support programs may be available.
Medicaid provides pregnancy-related health coverage in many states.⁸ The WIC program helps eligible individuals access healthy food and nutrition support.⁹
Other programs may include:
- Local community health clinics
- Pregnancy resource centers
- SNAP benefits
- Temporary financial assistance
Starting prenatal care early can improve pregnancy outcomes.¹⁰
You can learn more about medical visits and what to expect in our Prenatal Care guide.
Understanding available resources can reduce stress and help you plan for the months ahead.
References
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Pregnant Women – Medicaid Eligibility.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program – How to Apply & Eligibility.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Eligibility.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Program Overview.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Maternal Nutrition During Pregnancy.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Office of Child Support Services – About Child Support.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Teen Pregnancy.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). You and Your Pregnancy: Early Prenatal Care.
- Medicaid.gov. Pregnant Women Eligibility.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. WIC Program.
- National Institute of Health (NIH). What is prenatal care and why is it important?
