If you recently found out you’re pregnant, it’s understandable to feel worried about how your partner will react. An unplanned pregnancy can cause many different emotions to arise, and everyone will react uniquely based on their beliefs and circumstances.
When you think about telling your partner, you might not know where to start—and that’s okay. There are strategies you can take to feel more confident and prepared. Read on to learn more about these strategies. Or, if you’re looking to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy, contact the Hope Clinic to be connected to one of our caring team members.
Think Through What You Want to Say
You’ll feel more confident going into the conversation with your partner if you think about what you want to say. But a big part of this is understanding how you feel about the pregnancy so that you can communicate yourself clearly.
Here are some questions that can help you work through how you feel. Once you know the answer for yourself, you’ll be able to approach your partner with more confidence.
- Do I know the options I have for this pregnancy? Am I leaning more toward one option than another? Why?
- Will my partner’s support or lack thereof affect my pregnancy decision?
- What am I most worried about with this pregnancy?
- What can help ease these worries?
- If my partner reacts negatively, where can I go for support?
Thinking through these questions will give you a starting place with your partner. Instead of simply telling them you’re pregnant, you can go into it knowing how you feel. This is important because although your partner’s feelings about the pregnancy are valid, the decision about how to move forward is ultimately up to you.
Decide When and Where
Another strategy that can help you have more control is deciding when and where you’ll tell your partner the news about your pregnancy.
When deciding the place, you’ll want to choose the location you feel most comfortable. For example, would you prefer to be in public or private? At your house or in a café? If you’re worried at all about your safety, make sure that you tell your partner in public, and consider bringing along a trusted friend or relative.
When thinking about when to share the news, it’s important to choose a time that is free of distraction. Are evenings after work or school a more relaxed time? Or are early mornings best for your situation?
Next Steps
An unplanned pregnancy can cause many different emotions to surface, and maybe right now, you feel scared and alone. We understand, and we’re here for you.
At the Hope Clinic, we offer pregnancy resources free of charge and a caring team who are here to answer your questions and listen to your concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.