Unexpected pregnancy in and of itself can be frightening and stressful. The realization that you have to break the news to your parents dials everything up to eleven!
It can be difficult to know where to start. Simply taking the next step can feel paralyzing. Take a deep breath—the team at Care Net is here to help you move forward with confidence! Today, we’re sharing some tips on telling your parents that you’re pregnant.
Organize Your Thoughts and Feelings
The moment you first find out that you’re pregnant can be scary. It can be easy to panic and make a snap decision, but don’t let fear take the driver’s seat! Give yourself some time to calm down, process your emotions, and organize your thoughts. You can even write down what you’d like to say and practice with someone you trust! This may help you to feel more prepared going into the actual conversation.
If you’re not sure who to turn to or simply need a listening ear, speak to a client advocate at Care Net. We’re here to show you the support you deserve. Your appointment is 100% confidential—we will never tell anyone about your pregnancy. How and when you tell your parents is completely up to you.
Be Straightforward
When the time comes to share the news, try to avoid dancing around the subject. This will only increase the tension and make all of you more nervous. You can be as straightforward as “I have something difficult to tell you. It’s not what I planned, but I’m pregnant”.
Your parents may have questions for you. They may ask who the father is, how long you’ve been sexually active, or if the pregnancy is the result of sexual assault. Try to think about what they might ask and have answers prepared.
Give Them Time to Process Their Own Thoughts and Feelings
Initially, your parents may be shocked or disappointed by the news. Try not to take it personally and give them time to process their own thoughts and feelings. You can always reconvene at another time to apologize for anything that was said in the heat of the moment.
Additionally, your parents may have strong feelings about the pregnancy. Know that no one can force you to make a certain decision. The final choice is yours and yours alone!
Where Can I Go to Find Help?
Here at Care Net, we offer a variety of free services to support you through this stressful time! We can help you to:
Confirm Your Pregnancy
It’s always best to be absolutely sure that you’re pregnant before saying anything. Even if you’ve already taken a pregnancy test from the store, consider receiving a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound at Care Net! This will rule out any false positives, determine if your pregnancy is viable, and how far along you are.
Weigh Your Pregnancy Options
You owe it to yourself to explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make an informed and empowered decision! Here are some thoughts to help you get started:
Abortion in Montana
Although Care Net does not refer for or provide abortion services, we are here to answer all your questions regarding the different abortion methods and the potential risks and side effects!
Adoption in Montana
As the birth mother, you have complete control of your adoption plan. There are also physical and mental health resources and financial assistance available to help you make the best choices for your future. Our compassionate client advocates can help you explore adoption without any obligation! Whenever you’re ready, we can connect you with our trusted adoption partners.
Parenting
We get it—the mere idea of parenting can feel overwhelming, especially if you weren’t planning on being a parent quite yet. We can walk you through your fears, hopes, and questions to help you decide if parenting is right for you.
Your parents may want to know what options you’re considering when you share the news. Having some resources and ideas in mind may help the conversation go smoother.
Unplanned Pregnancy Help in Missoula, MT
The most important tip of all? Remember you’re not alone! Care Net provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, and a safe, non-judgmental place to explore your options and share what’s on your mind. Whatever choice you make, the Care Net team is here for you each step of the way.
Give us a call at (406) 549-0406 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!