How Do I Support My Friend Who Is Experiencing an Unexpected Pregnancy?

When a woman is facing an unexpected pregnancy, the news could possibly cause a lot of stress and upheaval as she navigates this process, so it is crucial that she doesn’t feel isolated and has a solid support system. 

If you have a friend in this situation, read this article for suggestions on how to be present for her throughout her pregnancy. 

Check In -in on With Your Friend

If she has shared the news with you, ensure that she has people she can rely on, whether that’s friends or family. 

While she may ask for space to process the news, don’t be afraid to text her so she knows she is not alone and you are there if she needs anything. Send her a gift card, or have her favorite meal or coffee order delivered.

Do thoughtful things that respect her privacy  while letting but let her know that she’s not alone andnd provide an opportunity for her to process.

Offer Your Support

As you reach out to her directly after she’s shared the news with you, make sure that she knows you are there for the long haul, whether it’s a listening ear or offering to go to a doctor’s appointment with her.

Depending on your friend’s situation, she may already know what next steps she should take or she might be overwhelmed by her options.

Encourage her to make a decision out of confidence rather than fear, and offer to help her in her research. You could even  or accompany her to a n options consultation at Zoe, a Women’s Center where she can ask questions and learn about local resources in a safe, compassionate space.

Help Her With the Next Steps

If she is still trying to decide the next steps after realizing she’s pregnant, you can recommend that she come to Zoe, a Women’s Center, for free pregnancy services. She can verify her pregnancy results with free pregnancy testing and a limited, obstretric n ultrasound.

Encourage her about the importance of obtaining an ultrasound. No matter what decision she is considering, the ultrasound will show the following:

• The location of her pregnancy. If her pregnancy has been implanted anywhere outside the uterus, she could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, she would be advised to seek immediate medical attention.

• The gestational age. Gestational age is essential in her decision-making process because it can affect her eligibility for certain procedures.

• The viability of her pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, she may naturally miscarry. In this case, she would be advised to follow up with her medical provider. 

Remove this sentence in italics:We can provide details of the pregnancy, such as its age and viability as well. Every woman should be empowered to make an informed pregnancy decision about her body. 
Contact us today to learn how you can best support your friend through her pregnancy!