Two little words. “I’m pregnant.” It seems like they should be said easily, but sometimes those two words are the most difficult and frightening.
An unplanned pregnancy can come with many emotions, and depending on your relationship with your parents, those emotions could be over the top. Here are a few suggestions for talking to your parents.
Take a No-Cost, Confidential Pregnancy Test
If you have only taken one pregnancy test, we encourage you to take another. Experts estimate that over one in four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage, most within the first 12 weeks.
Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, you could get a positive test result but no longer be pregnant.
Come to Next Step for a no-cost, accurate pregnancy test. It’s always good to get a second opinion. If necessary, we can refer you for a limited ultrasound, which will supply even more pregnancy information.
Learn About Your Options
If you can approach your parents with information about your pregnancy options, they will recognize you are handling the situation maturely. You have three options, and we can discuss them in detail.
Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we can offer reliable information about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks. If you have considered parenting, you will want to tell your parents about the many services available. We offer parenting classes and material items to get you started. Plus, we can refer you to community resources.
If parenting isn’t an option, you and your parents can still have a relationship with your child when you choose adoption. Today’s adoption process is very different from decades ago. The expectant mother chooses the adoptive couple and the future she hopes for her child.
We cannot place your child for adoption, but we can refer you to reputable adoption agencies. You pay nothing to place your child for adoption, and in many cases, your medical, legal, and other pregnancy-related costs may be covered.
It’s Time to Talk With Your Parents
Even with a second pregnancy test and information about your options, speaking with your folks can be scary. If you feel your parents may have an aggressive or violent response, consider talking in a public location and having a friend with you.
If you are living at home and do not feel safe, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline. The number is (800) 799-SAFE (7233); someone is available 24/7 to help you.
Choose a time when everyone is relaxed and not rushing out the door. Talk in person. Resist the urge to text them the news.
After telling them, give them time to accept what you are saying. It probably took you a while for the reality of your pregnancy to sink in. Give your parents time, too. Their first response may be disappointment or anger, but try to avoid reacting immediately.
Let them know the steps you’ve already taken.
How Next Step Can Help You
Take advantage of our no-cost pregnancy services, including education classes. We know this is a stressful time, and we are here to help.
Please schedule a no-cost appointment to discuss your situation, receive pregnancy testing, and discuss the options available to you. We can also talk about how to approach your parents. We’re with you all the way.