This is a big moment for both of you, and how you respond matters. Here are a few steps to take as you figure out what to do next.
Is she really pregnant?
- The best place to start is by confirming her pregnancy with a health professional! Piedmont Women’s Center offers free medical grade urine pregnancy tests.
- Ultrasounds are an important next step. They help to determine the location of the pregnancy, gestational age, and fetal heart rate. Piedmont Women’s Center offers free limited OB ultrasounds for those who medically qualify.
What are our options?
There are three options to consider after confirming a positive pregnancy. Each brings their own set of challenges and implications for both you and your partner:
- Parenting: involves choosing to move forward with raising the child and taking on the responsibilities of providing physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial support.
- Adoption: allows the baby to be placed into a family of your choosing that is capable and willing to provide care and stable support.
- Abortion: involves making a decision to end the pregnancy permanently. Like with any medical procedure, it is important to understand the potential risks – physical and emotional – associated.
How do we tell our parents?
- Be honest and clear: When talking to your parents, be straightforward about the situation and the feelings you both are experiencing. Honesty helps avoid confusion and ensures that your parents understand where you stand.
- Be prepared for mixed reactions: Understand that your parents may have a range of emotional responses. Give them time to process what they are thinking and be ready to answer any questions they might have.
- Get on the same page and seek support: While it’s important to be open with your parents, it’s equally crucial to approach this conversation together as a team. If needed, seek support from a counselor or a trusted friend to help navigate the discussion and keep the conversation respectful.
How do I support her?
This is a big moment for both of you, and how you respond matters.
- Provide emotional support: She is likely feeling many of the things you’re feeling yourself. Showing understanding and being proactive will help both of you navigate the situation together.
- Be involved in the process: Attend her appointments with her and educate yourself about pregnancy. Showing interest and participation demonstrates that you’re in this together and ready to share the responsibilities.
Call to schedule an appointment
- Start with us! – Encourage your girlfriend to call us to schedule her first appointment.
- First visit: During her first visit, your girlfriend will receive a pregnancy confirmation and sit down with a resource coach who will explain and provide free resources available to you both. She will sit down with a nurse to determine next steps. You will have an opportunity to come back for the results and medical check out.
- Options counseling: If you or your girlfriend aren’t quite sure which step to take after confirming the pregnancy, we would love to discuss your options with you. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we are dedicated to providing accurate education about them to our clients who are considering abortion as an option.
- Ongoing support: Piedmont Women’s Center offers ongoing support through pregnancy, including free baby items, vouchers to shop for maternity items, incentivized parenting classes, resource referrals, and emotional/spiritual support.
