Unplanned Pregnancies: Birth Educator Yahna Fookes on What She Would Do Differently

Written by Yahna Fookes, Birth Educator and Founder of Radiant Birth | Last reviewed June 2026

Content note: this article discusses unplanned pregnancy.

Photography: Ilsa Wynne-Hoelscher Kidd.

Every conception story is unique. And when it comes to family planning, pregnancy can still come as a surprise, even for those who thought they knew their cycle.

Unplanned pregnancies account for almost half of all pregnancies worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. And despite the assumption that unexpected positive tests are reserved for teenagers, research tells a very different story. A La Trobe University-led study found more than one quarter of pregnancies in Australia are unplanned, with almost one third ending in abortion. (Verify specific La Trobe study URL before publishing.) New research has also found that unintended pregnancies among teens account for only 11% of unplanned pregnancies in Australia. It is in fact women aged 25 to 29 who are most likely to have an unplanned pregnancy, closely followed by those aged 30 to 34 and then 35 to 39.

Yahna Fookes is a birth educator, doula and yoga teacher, and founder of Radiant Birth, a holistic birth education immersion course in Melbourne. When she discovered she was pregnant before she knew she was trying, she connected to her own birth story and her innate wisdom to help inform her decision of whether or not to continue with the pregnancy. She shares her story here, and what she would do differently next time around.

Sunday, and the surprise that started it all

"It was shortly after my 32nd birthday. I went off the pill for the first time in years to give my body a break, and she was conceived three days after. A really big shock that totally threw both of us in the best way. My acupuncturist knew well before I did, as she said 'get off your herbs,' without explanation. It's amazing how soon they can feel both heartbeats through sense checking your pulse."

How Yahna's own birth story shaped her decision

"Being female and adopted, this pregnancy allowed me to rewrite history. If you're adopted and reading this, you'll understand what I am talking about. Having your own kids is very triggering and makes you face your demons, cultural identity and your soul in the most confronting ways.

For context, we had travelled to Korea a few months before and I had connected with the orphanage I was from. This was a huge emotional shed that needed to happen. For the first time in my life, I was fully rooted in my history, Korean culture and who I was. It was such a spiritual awakening for me in so many ways. Living in alignment with my whole self. So maybe it was this that allowed my body to conceive?"

The emotional reality of unexpected conception

"It was not until we found out she was a girl that I really started connecting to the journey of motherhood. We never talk enough about the mental health or emotional state we are in during conception, and I think this is a big piece of the puzzle. Raising kids is confronting work, and if you don't know yourself, like really know yourself, then how can you nurture your kids to find their identity? We are complex beings that hold a rich history of intergenerational trauma, sisterhood wounds and a wealth of experience in our bones and cells. This has to count for something, right?"

What Yahna would do differently the second time around

"I exclusively breastfed for over two years so my body is just making its way back home. But if I were to go it again, preparation is essential and worth investing in.

Next time around I'd absolutely consume a wholesome diet. I'm a big believer that you are what you eat, so good food, no matter how broke we are, is a non-negotiable. I am a culprit of skipping breakfast, though, which is not ideal. A high protein-based breakfast helps to manage the levels of cortisol produced throughout the day, a must in keeping the body in equilibrium and helping manage our flight and fight system.

I'd definitely take a good prenatal like moode's The Prenatal in the lead up to conception, alongside regular acupuncture visits. I'm a massive fan and believer in traditional Chinese medicine. It's changed my life and is heavily integrated into our Radiant Birth course. I'd like to get my body strong again and reset my nervous system. Parenting a three-year-old is a lot.

I'd also get back into a more regular practice that has fallen short during motherhood. Parenthood and pregnancy alter the shape of your spine dramatically and the general alignment of your body, so being strong is a must.

Male health is important to note here too. My husband hasn't touched a drink for over seven years after going to a spiritual retreat, so his sperm is very healthy and unaffected by toxins. Research tells us that sperm quality has declined significantly over recent decades. A 2017 meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update analysed 185 studies involving 42,935 men and found a 52.4% decline in sperm concentration and a 59.3% decline in total sperm count among Western men between 1973 and 2011, with the rate of decline still accelerating. Alcohol is one of the primary lifestyle drivers. Men have to do the work too, so I would encourage male partners and sperm donors to cut alcohol to prepare for pregnancy.

"Moving consciously and thoughtfully through pregnancy is something I value deeply, and unpack in my work as a birth educator and founder of Radiant Birth."

More on preconception preparation from the moode journal

5 Things to Consider Before Conceiving

When Should I Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin?

A Fertility Nutritionist's Guide to Preconception Preparation

Conscious Conception and Mindful Practices

About Yahna Fookes

Yahna Fookes is the founder of Radiant Birth, a three-week immersive birth workshop she hosts in Naarm (Melbourne), bringing together birth education, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine and nutrition for mothers in waiting.
Imagery thanks to Alice Acton.