Whether your friend is happy, sad, or frightened, she is probably also shocked to discover she’s unexpectedly pregnant. She could use your support.
A good friend can make all the difference between feeling alone or loved and supported. Here are some practical friendship tips.
1. Encourage Her to Confirm Her Pregnancy
Make sure your friend confirms her pregnancy with a blood or urine test and a limited obstetrical ultrasound. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. That’s more than one in every four!
Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, she could still receive a positive pregnancy test result days or weeks after a miscarriage. An ultrasound can determine if she is still pregnant or if she has miscarried.
She can receive these services for free at one of the following local pregnancy resource centers:
2. Support Her Physically
If this is her first pregnancy, she may not know some of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. One of the first signs of pregnancy is “morning sickness.” The name can be misleading because a pregnant woman can feel nauseous anytime, day or night.
Fatigue is another early pregnancy symptom. Feeling sick and tired can make doing regular activities like laundry, grocery shopping, or house cleaning difficult. It’s easy to head to her home or apartment and throw in a load of laundry while helping her tidy up.
3. Help Her Find a Doctor for Prenatal Care
Medical care is important for your friend during her pregnancy. She may also need assistance applying for pregnancy Medicaid.
4. Support Her Emotionally
One of the most important things you can do right now is to listen. Your friend likely has a lot of feelings and thoughts to process. Be the safe place where she can open up about her feelings without fear of judgment.
Let your friend know that you are there for her no matter what. Offer words of encouragement and reassure her of your support.
5. Give Her the Respect She Deserves
The two of you may disagree on the best outcome for her pregnancy. Encourage her to look closely at every option.
Although they do not perform or refer for abortion, one of the above pregnancy resource centers can discuss the potential emotional and physical risks of an abortion. They will also show her what is available if she chooses to parent.
Have her set up an appointment with Christian Family Services to discuss the option of making an adoption plan for her child, and join her when she meets with a caseworker. We have four offices in Florida, but we can meet her wherever she lives, at her home or somewhere she feels most comfortable.
Whatever she chooses, support her in whatever way you can. No matter what she’s thinking or feeling, her experience is valid. Remember, it’s her life, and she needs to make the right choice for her. Let us know how we can assist you in helping her.
