What is the Difference between an Expectant Mother and a Birth Mother?
If you are new to the adoption industry, and are considering your unplanned pregnancy options and searching for adoption agencies in Oklahoma, you may run across numerous terms and phrases that seem interchangeable. For instance, when researching various adoption agency websites, you may see the words pregnant woman, expectant mother and birth mother. While, again, all of these terms appear similar, they have special, individual meanings. In short, each term helps specify the role a woman plays throughout the adoption process.
To help give you further insight, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma has put together this resource to break down the difference between an expectant mother and a birth mother. You will learn why the separate meanings are so important, and how your significance increases as you move forward in your adoption journey.
Who is an Expectant Mother?
Put simply, an expectant mother is a woman expecting a baby. She is still exploring her unplanned pregnancy options and hasn’t made a decision one way or the other. Perhaps she is considering all three at once. She has confirmed her pregnancy with her doctor, and is thinking about what makes the most sense for her and her baby. Is it raising her child, terminating her pregnancy or placing her baby for adoption?
The term, “expectant mother,” is often used interchangeably with “pregnant woman.” Both terms, after all, mean the same thing. Each presents a different perspective and matter of preference. It’s all up to the pregnant woman and expectant mother what she’d like to be referred to in this instance.
Who is a Birth Mother?
A birth mother is a woman who has chosen adoption for her baby, is in the midst of the adoption process or has previously placed a baby for adoption. This is where the difference between an expectant mother and a birth mother becomes most distinct. So, if you fit into this category, you are a birth mother. No matter what. From the moment you begin the adoption process to post placement and beyond, you are forever a vital member of the adoption triad. Without you, the connection between your baby and the adoptive parents, and the relationship between you and the adoptive parents wouldn’t exist. Your selfless, loving and courageous choice to put your baby up for adoption in Oklahoma is what makes that possible.
What’s more, when you work with Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, you are in full control over the adoption process. You get to choose what type of adoption you want, how involved you want to be with your child and the adoptive parents after the adoption has been finalized and who you want the adoptive parents to be. You get a say in what kind of life your child will have, and what opportunities he or she may have growing up. Every decision throughout the adoption process in Oklahoma is up to you. It’s your adoption journey. You get to choose what’s best for you and your baby.
Why is the Difference between an Expectant Mother and a Birth Mother Important?
The difference between an expectant mother and a birth mother is important because these titles differentiate the roles each of these women have. An expectant mother is still weighing out her options and may decide something different for her pregnancy. This is, of course, her right and responsibility to make the best choice for herself.
If she chooses adoption, or has already placed a child for adoption, she becomes a birth mother. A birth mother takes on this significant role, giving life and joy to a prospective adoptive family. From the moment she enters the adoption process and beyond, she will always remain a very important piece of the adoption experience.
Are You Ready to Become a Birth Mother?
If you have decided to choose adoption for your baby, you’ve taken your first steps in becoming a birth mother. This role will have a lasting impact on you, the child and the adoptive family. Additionally, you may meet other birth mothers like you or become an advocate for adoption.
Are you ready to get started? Contact Adoption Choices of Oklahoma and let’s get work together on making your adoption plan.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Becca Kent was born and raised in San Diego, California. She has discovered that finding purpose in life without that aspect of family life can certainly be a whirlwind. She has been on an interesting journey — moving from San Diego, CA to Chattanooga, TN. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Chattanooga State and later transferred to UT Chattanooga.
She worked as a licensed veterinary technician from 2012 to 2020. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology, she moved to north Alabama to pursue an entry level career in manufacturing/engineering. Becca currently works in quality control in a ceramic tile plant.
