When processing the news of an unexpected pregnancy, one of the most daunting aspects is sharing the news with your family members, especially if you still live at home.
You may be worried about their reactions, or that they’ll try to pressure you into a particular outcome. Even if you are close to your family, this can feel unpredictable and out of your control.
Read this article for suggestions on navigating this situation with your family with dignity and confidence.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
If you haven’t already confirmed your pregnancy with a positive pregnancy test, you will want to remove any doubts with a lab-quality pregnancy test before you share the news with your family.
Life Choices Center offers no-cost, self-administered pregnancy tests and can help you calculate the best time to take the pregnancy test based on your last missed period. We can also provide a free on-site ultrasound referral if your test is positive.
Prepare Yourself
Once you have a positive pregnancy test and receive an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, take some time to process the news. You are not obligated to tell anyone immediately, even your family members.
If you need a listening ear, contact a trusted friend who can help you process the details and potential plans and timelines. There is no rush to come up with a plan overnight.
Once you’ve had time to come to terms and perhaps even consider solutions, think about the different questions your family members might have and how you might respond.
While it will likely be an emotional conversation, the more thought you’ve put into it beforehand, the more likely you will be in control.
You will also want to mentally fortify yourself against feeling pressured by your family members towards a specific pregnancy outcome.
Schedule a Free Ultrasound
At Life Choices Center, we offer no-cost, self-administered pregnancy tests and referrals for onsite ultrasounds with a licensed physician. An ultrasound helps you learn essential pregnancy details, alerting you to potential health complications and determining your eligibility for specific procedures.
This vital screening is a significant first step before sharing the news with family. We can answer questions, share resources, and help you feel prepared for this potentially tricky conversation with your loved ones. Contact us today!