Men’s Support: When Your Girlfriend Is Pregnant
My Girlfriend Is Pregnant… Now What?
The most important thing to know is that neither of you is in this alone. There is support for each of you independently and as a couple.
We understand that once she’s missed a period, everything can change—fast. Maybe you’re thinking “my girlfriend is pregnant and I don’t know what to do.” Many men face uncertainty when their partner has an unintended pregnancy, but there are steps you can take to navigate this together.
Although she has the legal right to make the final decision about her pregnancy, most women really care what their partner thinks. Your support and involvement matter more than you might realize. Here are some tips to help you support her.
How to Support Your Pregnant Girlfriend
Show Her She Matters to You. Let her know how important she is to you. Don’t pressure her to make a decision and don’t check out emotionally when you learn she is pregnant. Instead, commit to learning about your options together and getting the help you need to strengthen your relationship during this challenging time.
Be Present Every Step of the Way. Let her know you will be there for her through and beyond the choice she makes, whatever choice that is. Start by offering to go with her to her pregnancy testing appointment. When facing an unexpected pregnancy, having a supportive partner can make all the difference in how she processes her options.
Learn About Pregnancy Options Together. If the pregnancy is confirmed, take time to learn about your pregnancy options as a couple. Communicate openly about your feelings regarding parenting, adoption, and abortion. Consider how you can support her in each circumstance.
If she chooses to parent your baby, you will need to consider what it means to be a father. Talk with her about your intentions; how much you plan to be involved in supporting her and your baby financially and emotionally. For a woman experiencing an unintended pregnancy, your intentions make a world of difference.
If she chooses to place your baby for adoption, you will need to choose an adoption agency to work with and discuss what type of adoption each of you prefers. Your options are open adoption, semi-open adoption and closed adoption.
If she chooses abortion, it is important to discuss what might happen after the procedure. She may experience physical complications and need medical attention. One or both of you may experience emotional pain and need help to process your experience in a healthy way and heal emotionally. It is important that ahead of her procedure, you both plan for how you will work through these circumstances together. You should be present for the abortion procedure and available to help her if she has a medical need afterwards.
Listen and Communicate. Listen carefully to her thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy. Ask her about her hopes or fears regarding abortion, adoption, and parenting. When your partner is experiencing an unintended pregnancy, open communication becomes even more crucial. It is important that she makes a fully informed decision with you by her side, providing care and support and not judgement, pressure or coercion.
When You’re Not Ready
Many men worry “what if my girlfriend is pregnant and I’m not ready?” These feelings are completely normal. Whether you’re dealing with financial concerns, relationship uncertainty, or simply feeling too young for the next step we can help you work through these emotions and explore all your options.
Our men’s support services Include:
- Pregnancy options education to help you understand all choices available
- Ongoing emotional support throughout the decision-making process
- Inclusion in birth-ready and parenting classes
Give us a call at 970-247-5559 or schedule your free appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center provides generally accepted medical information and pregnancy services but does not perform or refer for abortion procedures or emergency contraception. All information on this site is subject to change and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult your own professional in the event of specific medical or legal needs.