Early in a relationship, you enjoy time with your significant other and learn more about one another. Getting pregnant is the last thing on your mind. So an unplanned pregnancy can give rise to anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future.
You may wonder how to tell your partner about the pregnancy or if you should tell them at all. How will they react? What should you do in light of this unplanned pregnancy? How does unplanned pregnancy affect relationships?
Take a deep breath. While the situation might feel scary and out of control, you are capable of getting through this. There are many ways to approach an unplanned pregnancy.
Here are some next steps to take when facing an unplanned pregnancy early in a relationship.
Examine the Relationship
An unplanned pregnancy early in the relationship kicks things into high gear. Look at the relationship closely and determine if it will work with this new development.
Think about how your partner treats you, how he reacts to difficult situations, and his values. Do you see yourself with this person in a long-term situation? Will this person be supportive and caring? Since the relationship is new, it might be hard to know all these things. But keep these questions in the back of your mind as you move through the next few weeks.
You don’t have to force the relationship to work. On the other hand, you don’t have to throw it away based on this new situation immediately. Take some time to determine whether or not this person is a good fit for you.
Tell Someone You Trust
Find someone to confide in about the situation, whether it’s a best friend, a sister, or a family member. This person can act as a support system and be with you when you tell others about the pregnancy.
Telling your family about an unplanned pregnancy can be nerve-wracking. Plan out where you will tell them, who will be present, and what information you will give them about the situation. Expect questions about the father and opinions about what you should do. Remember, the choice of what to do next is yours and only yours. But it can help to hear from those who have your best interests at heart.
How To Tell Your Boyfriend You’re Pregnant (Unplanned)
Neither you nor your partner expected an unplanned pregnancy early in the relationship. Telling him might be scary, but it can also lift a weight off you. Your opinions about what to do may conflict, or you could be on the same page about the next steps. Letting him know about the pregnancy will allow you to see how he works through unexpected and challenging circumstances. Consider these options when telling your boyfriend you’re pregnant unplanned:
- Public Space: You can tell him in a public place where there are many other people around. A good space may be a public park or an outdoor restaurant.
- Bring a Confidant: You can bring a trusted friend or family member with you for emotional support and if needed, added protection.
- Prepare Doctor’s Notes: Your boyfriend may be very confused and shocked. It can help to provide notes from your doctor’s visit for reference and as grounding information.
- Prepare Beforehand: This is a very stressful moment for you. Ease stress and nerves by preparing how you will explain the pregnancy beforehand.
- Distanced Conversation: If, after you’ve examined the relationship, you’ve determined that your boyfriend will be violently upset after receiving this news, then you can always arrange a phone call.
How Unplanned Pregnancy Affects Relationships
Once you tell your partner about the pregnancy, and if you choose to stay together, you may notice some differences in the relationship. An unplanned pregnancy becomes the most important aspect of your relationship. Deciding what to do, getting to appointments, telling friends and family, and a plethora of other activities take over your relationship.
An unplanned pregnancy can also bring out the best in your relationship. For example, you may find that your partner handles stress well and puts your well-being before his own. Regardless, an unplanned pregnancy will bring extra stress and possible friction to your relationship. Remember to prioritize healthy communication with your partner.
If you find that your relationship becomes unsafe or the baby’s father becomes volatile, reach out for help immediately. There are many resources for you to take advantage of, and even if the baby’s father is not willing to help, there are people and organizations that are.
Utilize Resources for Pregnant Women
Did you know that many aid sources are available for women dealing with unexpected pregnancies?
As you decide what route to take, consider speaking with a professional who deals with similar situations. This person can walk you through your options, answer questions you have, and provide encouragement. At Texas Adoption Center, we have a 24/7 phone line available to speak to our caring specialists.
Some organizations offer financial assistance to pregnant women. These include government-funded programs as well as charities that work to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. In addition, certain organizations provide housing for pregnant women.
Adoption agencies across the country provide many different services, including financial assistance programs for living and medical expenses.
No matter where you live, there are resources in your state available for you. You can do a quick Google search of “resources for pregnant women near me” to find charities and organizations designed to help.
Understand Your Options
You might feel stuck or trapped due to the unplanned pregnancy. In reality, you have a number of options that you can choose from.
- You can choose to parent the child. Some women find that the best course of action is to pursue motherhood. If your significant other approves of this plan, you can raise your child together. If not, you can opt to raise your child as a single parent, with help from family and friends.
- You can also choose to terminate the pregnancy. Abortion laws differ from state to state, but you may have the option to pursue an abortion if you select this path. This is a personal decision that only you can make. Talk to your doctor about how the procedure works. Consider all the factors at play in this decision.
- You can pursue adoption. There are different types of adoptions that you can choose from based on your preferences. If you pursue this route, you will work with an adoption agency to develop an adoption plan that suits your needs. You can select the adoptive parents if you choose to do so. The adoptive family will cover all pregnancy-related medical expenses.
Connect With a Professional At Texas Adoption Center
Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy early in the relationship is hard enough on its own. If you feel overwhelmed or want more information about your options, consider speaking with a specialist today.
At Texas Adoption Center, we support women facing unplanned pregnancies and seek to empower them every step of the way.
We also connect them with services such as emotional or financial support, housing, transportation assistance, medical care, or health insurance. We are here to help.
For more information, contact us today.
