Hearing your partner say those two little words, “I’m pregnant,” can shake your world. You may have taken precautions …You always know it’s a possibility, but you never imagine it happening to you.

What do you do? She’s the one pregnant, but how are you supposed to respond? We’ve got a few ideas to help you through.

First, encourage her to Confirm Her Pregnancy

How did she discover she was pregnant? Did she take a pregnancy test? Healthcare professionals recommend that a woman take more than one pregnancy test to confirm the results. If the tests are positive, she should have an ultrasound.

Ultrasound provides the necessary information you both need. It can confirm how far she is in her pregnancy (gestational age) and detect if the pregnancy is growing or she miscarried. Experts estimate that 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage early on. Ultrasound also determines the pregnancy’s location.

Christian Family Services networks with many local pregnancy resource centers that not only offer no-cost pregnancy tests but can also provide a no-cost ultrasound. Contact us for referrals.

Stay Supportive and Open to Her Thoughts

You and your partner should work together to find the best solution for the pregnancy. She needs you to hang in there with her.

Pregnancy hormones cause changes in her body and her mood. She may feel tired, nauseous, and afraid. You may be frightened, too. Some ways you can support each other are:

• Listen to one another. Your partner needs a safe place to share her feelings and fears, and you need to share your thoughts with her, too.
• Encourage her to see her doctor. Accompany her to her doctor’s appointments. If she isn’t getting medical care, keep encouraging her to do so, for her own health.
• Help talk it out. Don’t just say, “Whatever you want to do.”

Learn About Your Options From Reliable Sources

You have three options: she can have an abortion, you can make an adoption plan, or you can choose to co-parent or marry and raise the child together. None of these options are easy, so talk through them carefully.

When she gets her ultrasound, talk with the client advocate at the pregnancy resource center about abortion procedures, side effects, and possible risks. Although pregnancy centers do not offer abortions or refer for them, they are a good source of information.

A pregnancy resource center can also assist you if you choose to co-parent. They provide many no-cost services and provide referrals to community resources.

Talk With Christian Family Services About Adoption

Placing your child for adoption has many benefits, and we can review those with both of you. We provide the following free services to women who choose adoption:

• Medical care
• Food
• Safe housing
• Transportation assistance
• Emotional guidance
• Pregnancy resources

Take a look at some of our wonderful waiting families who would love to adopt your child. You and your partner can choose the family who raises your child and build a relationship with them.

Ready to Discuss the Next Step?

If you and your partner want to learn more about adoption, schedule an appointment with us. We have several locations and would happily meet you at a convenient spot. Call or text the location nearest you.

We’re here for both of you.