How Do I Tell my Parents I’m Pregnant?
Realizing that you’re pregnant can be a scary and daunting moment. If you are still living with your family, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “How do I tell my parents?”
Before creating a plan for the best way to share the news, realize that you’re not alone. Many young women get pregnant while still in school. There are local resources and options available for those in your exact scenario.
Read this article for the best way to prepare mentally and emotionally to deliver the news to your parents and prepare for their potential response.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
If you are experiencing several pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, missed periods, etc, you’ll want to take a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. Having this confirmation can help eliminate any possible “what if’s” as you are trying to create a plan for telling others.
Zoe, A Woman’s Center, offers no-cost, medical grade pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy. We can also help you calculate the best time to take a pregnancy test based on when you had your last period.
Prepare Yourself
If you have confirmed your pregnancy, you do not have to make a decision or share the news with anyone right away. It is okay to take a little time to let reality sink in.
While allowing yourself time to accept reality, don’t isolate yourself. Find someone safe and trusted to share your pregnancy news with – someone who can offer support as you tell your parents.
As you prepare to share the news with your parents, consider your pregnancy options. After all, this affects you more than anyone else. Are you leaning towards abortion? Do you want to parent? Would you consider adoption? Having a general idea of what you want to do can help you prepare for any questions your parents might have.
Share With Confidence
Perhaps you’ve reached your own decision by now but still aren’t sure if it’s the right time to tell your parents. There may never be a perfect time, but we recommend that you face the conversation with confidence as soon as you are ready.
Provide any details you have (how far along you are, whether it’s been confirmed with a pregnancy test, etc.) but understand that your parents will probably need time and space to process the news by themselves. A follow-up conversation may be necessary.
Plan Ahead
Sharing the news of an unexpected pregnancy is never easy, but you will feel more confident the more research and evaluation you do before having this conversation. If you expect an angry response from your parents, we recommend meeting with a trusted adult or expert beforehand so that you can evaluate your options without pressure from others.
Our compassionate, caring team at Zoe, A Women’s Center is here to help equip you with information and resources so that you feel empowered to make the best choice for your health and your future. Schedule your no-cost appointment today!