If you have recently found out your partner is pregnant you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, and wondering what your options are. While this is a perfectly natural response, remember that your partner is likely even more scared and overwhelmed than you are.
That’s why the first, and best, thing you can do right now is to support her and help her learn what options are available when facing an unplanned pregnancy.
How Can I Support My Partner?
1. Be a Good Listener:
As we said before, your partner is likely more scared than you about an unplanned pregnancy, wondering what it means for her future and her body. As she shares these concerns, take the time to listen and let her know you understand her fears and concerns and that you are there for her.
Don’t feel like you have to have an answer for every question she has, rather help her find the answers she needs.
2. Help Her Explore the Options:
Helping your partner learn all they can about the pregnancy is the best way to help you both begin to feel calm and in control of the situation.
Contacting a local women’s pregnancy clinic is a great place to start. They can confirm the pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test as well as offer a follow-up ultrasound scan. This scan will give you valuable information about the pregnancy and help provide the answers for what options are available to you and your partner.
3. Attend the Appointments With Her
One way you can let her know she’s not alone is by attending the first appointment, and any follow-up appointments, with her. Your presence can provide an extra comfort to her and send a powerful message that you are committed to supporting her.
4. Talk About the Options and Make the Decision Together
Once you have the information and details of the pregnancy talk through the options that are available with your partner. This can be an emotional time as well so give both yourself and your partner the space and time to process next steps and decisions.
If you feel like you need help, reach out to someone you trust, or contact the women’s pregnancy clinic you visited. These clinics often have counselors that are experienced in the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy and can help you and your partner navigate the decisions.
We’re Here to Help
The trained staff at Salem Pregnancy Care Center are here to help you and your partner. From pregnancy test confirmation to a limited obstetric ultrasound scan to speaking with our medical team—we can provide important details about the pregnancy and answer all your questions and concerns.
Additionally, our trained counselors can talk through the details of your pregnancy and help you and your partner create a plan for weighing your options and making a decision together.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment, and start getting the answers you and your partner need.