Being pregnant can be scary, and telling your boyfriend and family creates unwelcome pressure. Remember that this is your pregnancy, so you can share the news when you feel comfortable. Your safety and well-being are of the utmost importance!
Continue reading to learn about the steps to protect your health and safety, prepare for tough conversations, and receive the support you need.
1. Verify Your Pregnancy Details
After taking a medical-grade pregnancy test, you’ll want to confirm important pregnancy information with an ultrasound. An ultrasound provides the following details:
- Viability: Since it is estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, you’ll want to ensure your pregnancy has a heartbeat and doesn’t need medical treatment.
- Gestational age: Knowing how far along you are will influence your pregnancy options, such as the type of abortion procedure you may be eligible for.
- Location of pregnancy: Sometimes, women experience ectopic pregnancies, which are dangerous and require medical care. You must know where your pregnancy is located to proceed safely.
Soundview Pregnancy Services offers free and confidential pregnancy tests and ultrasounds with the help of our affliliated medical professionals. Following these steps, you’ll have the necessary medical information to proceed. Now is the time to consider reaching out to your boyfriend and family.
2. Inform Your Boyfriend and Family
Consider whether and when you’d like to tell your boyfriend and family members, like parents or siblings. Do you feel safe sharing this news with them? Your well-being is paramount. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with them about your pregnancy due to safety concerns, consider sharing this information with a trusted friend or pregnancy office staff member instead for support.
If you are in an unsafe situation and need support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website.
Should you decide to tell them, consider what is best for you first. Telling them in a comfortable environment, such as your home or a neutral place like a cafe or park, may be best for your mental health. You’ll want to think about timing. When do they have free time, and is there anything in their personal or professional lives that may prevent them from giving their full, undivided attention?
Remember that regardless of their reaction, you deserve peace and safety. It may take some time for them to process the news, and they may initially react with strong emotions. Give them the time they need to process and reflect. If you find they are forcing you to have an abortion, know you have rights. You can contact our office for information and referrals for legal help.
3. Learn About Your Options and Seek Support
If your boyfriend or family are willing, have them attend medical appointments and options consultations with you and offer any assistance they can. Be sure to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings.
A local pregnancy non-profit organization like Soundview Pregnancy Services can offer free options coaching and information during our confidential appointment. You can get the facts and medical information to decide on abortion, making an adoption plan, or parenting.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s your decision. You can certainly have input from your loved ones, but make sure you make the best choice for you and your lifestyle.
Your Decision, Made with Confidence
Making those big decisions like telling your loved ones and choosing a pregnancy option is challenging, but you’ve got this. Contact us today to make an appointment and receive our personalized nonjudgmental services.