It’s no secret that relationships can be tricky. But what happens when an unplanned pregnancy throws a wrench into the works? How do men react to unplanned pregnancies and how does it affect the relationship? There are different reactions men can have, ranging from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty, or even anger.
Some men may react positively when they find out their partner is pregnant. They may feel excited about becoming a parent and shower their partner with love and care. Other men may respond more negatively, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of becoming a father or scared that it will damage their relationship.
This article will discuss how men can react to an unplanned pregnancy and what women can do to protect themselves if they are fearful of telling the father.
Common Reactions To News of an Unplanned Pregnancy
Every man will react differently to the news of an unplanned pregnancy. Here are some common reactions:
Shock
This is one of the most common reactions when men find out their partner is pregnant. They may feel overwhelmed and scared about becoming a father. An unplanned pregnancy can be a shock to any couple, regardless of their relationship status. The thought of terminating the pregnancy might even cross your mind if you feel like you’re not in a position to have a baby right now. As such, it’s important to be prepared and expect some level of surprise at the news of an unplanned pregnancy.
Anger
Some men may be angry about the news of the pregnancy and may be tempted to lash out. In some cases, the anger could lead to him demanding to terminate the pregnancy or threatening violence. Unplanned pregnancies can put a strain on relationships that were unstable to begin with. If your partner hasn’t considered the possibility of you getting pregnant or having his children, he might become angry. It’s important in these situations to take steps to protect yourself and your pregnancy through methods such as having a trusted party present when you tell your partner or communicating via phone.
Denial
Some men may try to deny the news and act like it isn’t true or pretend it doesn’t exist. This can be dangerous, as ignoring an unplanned pregnancy could lead to serious health risks for the mother and child. A man in these circumstances may try to distance himself from the perceived problem, both mentally and physically. He might completely disappear because he would rather run away than face the news head-on. This is an act of denial where the person chooses not to accept responsibility for their actions.
Curiosity
Some men may react to the news with curiosity. He might be interested in learning more about pregnancy, fatherhood, and how he can help support you during this time. It’s possible that his initial reaction will show positive signs of being open to the idea of having a child together or to supporting his partner through the next steps of the pregnancy.
Acceptance
Some men may accept the news of an unplanned pregnancy and take steps to prepare for their new role as a father or as a partner to a pregnant person. They may try to be supportive and provide emotional and financial support for their partner throughout her pregnancy journey. If your partner is supportive, he will express this through both his words and actions. He will start making decisions that make you comfortable and safe, even though neither of you was expecting the pregnancy.
What To Do If You Are Afraid To Tell the Father
As mentioned, some men will react negatively or even violently when they find out about an unplanned pregnancy. If you are afraid to tell the father, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your child.
Reach out for help.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out for help from a trusted friend, family member, healthcare provider, or domestic violence hotline. Having a support system can help you feel more secure and less afraid.
Consider your options.
Think about the pros and cons of telling the father. If you are in an unsafe relationship, it can be dangerous to tell him, so this is a decision best left to careful thought and planning. Your safety comes first! Domestic violence resources are available in your area.
Create an emergency plan.
Make a plan and have a bag ready in case you need to leave quickly. Keep important documents, cash, medications, and other essential items with you at all times.
Get legal help.
Seek advice from a lawyer or domestic violence organization on how to protect yourself legally. They can provide information on your rights and how to get outside legal help if needed.
Connect with counselors.
Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you process your feelings and provide practical tips for staying safe. A counselor can also connect you to resources in your area.
How do men react to an unplanned pregnancy? A man’s reaction can differ drastically, and it can be difficult to predict how he will respond. It’s important to have a plan in place, so you are prepared for any potential outcome.
You can never really predict how an unplanned pregnancy affects relationships. The most important thing you can do is take steps to protect yourself and your child. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out for help if needed, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. You deserve to have a safe and healthy environment for yourself and the baby.
Is adoption an option for you? If you need support during this difficult time, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We at the Texas Adoption Center are here to answer any questions you may have about placing your baby for adoption. We provide support for pregnant women considering adoption and adoptive families in almost every state.