The Pregnant Woman, the Expectant Mother, and the Birth Mother: Adoption Terms You Should Know When Considering Adoption
Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and becoming a mother may be such an emotional time for you. Still, as a woman, you need to know that whichever path of motherhood that you will be walking, you are not alone and you are important.
At our adoption agency, Adoption Choices of Missouri, we have listed the three major types of women you may hear as you go through your adoption journey. Each of these types — the pregnant woman, the expectant mother and the birth mother — represents your transformation as a woman as you go through the adoption process.
At the same time, these three terms demonstrate the various emotions — both positive and negative — that you will feel throughout your experience as well. Adoption Choices of Missouri wants you to embrace these emotions, and more importantly, embrace your beautiful, selfless decision to choose adoption for your baby.
The Pregnant Woman
A pregnant woman identifies a woman who is not quite a mother, yet someone who is carrying a baby inside her womb. She may experience an unplanned pregnancy that can leave her feeling a mix of emotions. Being pregnant at any age also comes with a lot of anxiety, as you have to deal with nine months of getting everything ready for you and your baby.
During your pregnancy, it’s best to consult with your doctor, OBGYN and healthcare team to ensure that you and your baby remain happy, healthy and safe throughout the three trimesters. This could include taking prenatal vitamins and restricting your activities, depending on how far along you are.
The Expectant Mother
An expectant mother is the same as a pregnant woman, and you will find that these terms are often used interchangeably. The reason they are two separate phrases is all about perspective, and what you prefer to identify yourself as during your pregnancy. In the adoption world, it also distinguishes whether or not you have fully chosen adoption yet, or if you are still considering your options. That said, an expectant mother is a woman carrying her child and preparing for the day he or she will be born. You can be at any point during your pregnancy to be referred to as an expectant mother.
Like a pregnant woman, you are actively considering the best option for your child while preparing to give birth to your baby. As you experience labor, you may or may not have chosen adoption yet, and this is okay. It’s entirely possible to place your child for adoption before and after he or she is born.
The Birth Mother
A birth mother is a woman who has chosen adoption for her birth child. You have determined that placing your child for adoption is the best option for both of you, and have worked tirelessly to select an adoptive family who will take care of him or her. While you could also be considered a pregnant woman, if you’re still pregnant, the important distinction here is that you have decided on adoption. That you are walking down the path towards a brighter future for both you and your child.
Being a birth mother means that you’ve created an adoption plan, determined the type of adoption you want and selected an adoptive family for your child. You have outlined all your needs for your adoption journey and have worked diligently with your adoption caseworker to ensure that your adoption journey goes successfully.
Advice for Pregnant Women, Expectant Mothers and Birth Mothers
Whether you are pregnant, expecting, or a birth mother, know that Adoption Choices of Missouri will help you go through your adoption journey. You may experience positive or negative moments along the way, but that does not mean going through the adoption process won’t be one of the most life-changing, joyous times of your life.
As a future birth mother, you may be wondering how to handle all these sudden changes. You’re not alone. Our adoption agency has support staff, resources and all the information you need to answer your questions and address any discomfort you have during your adoption journey. To learn more, reach out to us. We are here to help.
Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri call or text us at 1-816-527-9800
Meet the Author: Samara Wiley is a published author of poetry, essays, and an environmental children’s storybook called, Waiting for the Water Fairy. She graduated from Benedictine University in 2018 with a double Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French.She has been published in three small poetry anthologies one was called Talented.
Her other writing accomplishments include: winning a high school poetry competition and $2500 for her high school, having two out of her five novels be considered for publication and writing movie critic reviews for her university’s newsletter.
Although she has Cerebral Palsy and has had a turbulent childhood, Samara puts these small specs of herself into her writing to personally connect with her audience. She prides herself on pushing the boundaries in her writing and in her personal life with everything she does. Samara writes with her heart and a voice of compassion, and loves to pull from her top passions in life.
She currently lives in Yorkville, Illinois with her mom and two sisters.
