Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can bring about a variety of emotions.
You may have initially been in shock, but now you’re beginning to fear what this could mean for your future.
While legally, the final pregnancy decision is ultimately your partner’s, communicating your feelings with your partner is important.
Continue reading for tips on opening up to your partner and some next steps you can take together.
Tips
1. Reflect
Before talking with your partner, consider your feelings toward the pregnancy by looking inward and asking yourself why you don’t want to be a dad.
Are you afraid that you’re just not ready? Or are you worried about what this could mean for the goals you have for your future?
This reflection time will hopefully provide clarity and prepare you to be honest with your partner about your true feelings.
2. Share Your Feelings
Discussing a pregnancy decision can be incredibly difficult. Both you and your partner want to be heard and understood.
In conversations like these, it can be easy to pressure your partner to make the decision you want without even realizing it.
Before the conversation, it can be helpful to remind yourself to share your feelings respectfully. Asking your partner questions about her feelings during the conversation will help her feel respected and valued.
3. Gathering the Facts
As you and your partner consider your options, a good first step is learning more about the pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound scan.
An ultrasound provides information about the pregnancy’s age, location, and viability, which all play a role in the options your partner has for moving forward.
It is important to note that certain options, like the abortion pill, are only FDA-approved if your partner’s pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
4. The Final Decision
Never rush into a pregnancy decision. While you may feel abortion is your partner’s best option, try to keep an open mind and consider all of the pregnancy options as you and your partner navigate this decision.
Get Help Today
The Pregnancy Help Center offers services to support both you and your partner.
We provide free lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasound scans, and our medical team can answer your questions and discuss your partner’s pregnancy options.
We also offer appointments for men where you can discuss your fears, concerns, and frustrations related to the unplanned pregnancy and pregnancy decision.
Contact us today to make an appointment where you and your partner can get the support you need.