Telling your parents about your pregnancy can be hard. There may be fears about what their reaction to the news will be. Will they accept the pregnancy? These feelings are common. And it’s normal to experience a variety of emotions when faced with a potentially stressful situation. The burden of keeping your unexpected pregnancy a secret can add more pressure. And ensuring it remains hidden can deepen your anxiety. Before you bring your parents in on this sudden development, it may be a good idea to prepare beforehand. This way, you can have a better idea about how you may want the conversation to go and help guide it toward the direction you want.
Do you have concerns about breaking the news of an unexpected pregnancy to your parents? Avenue Women’s Center is equipped with the right tools to help you prepare for this discussion. We’re ready to partner with you throughout this experience. Our staff will help you take the next steps by providing accurate information about your options. We can meet with you individually or with your parents present during your private consultation appointment as we connect you to available resources.
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Preparing to Talk to Your Parents
Confusion, fear, and shock are just some of the emotions you might have felt after learning you were pregnant. You may even feel a sense of denial, thinking to yourself, “How is this happening?” Several questions may be on your mind about what you’re going to do next. Where can you go for help? But one of the most pervasive thoughts circulating through your head may be: “How do I tell my parents?”
No matter what your relationship with them is like, you’re probably worried about how they will respond to your news. You may be nervous. This may feel like you’re introducing them to a part of your life that, until now, you had kept separate from them.
Preparing for this talk can seem overwhelming. But if you need help building your confidence, you may want to reach out to someone like a counselor or a pregnancy consultant. These resources can assist you with processing through what you may want to say. In the case of a pregnancy consultant, you can gather accurate information about your options that you can then share with your family. It’s likely there will be a variety of emotions expressed. Your parents may be just as shocked as you were. But seeing the steps you’ve taken to prepare may boost their confidence a little.
When to Talk to Your Parents
Since it’s likely that you know your parents well, you may have an idea of when they may be receptive to having a serious conversation.
When approaching your parents with this news, it’s best that you ensure you have their complete attention. If they’re distracted by something, or if they seem busy, this may not be an opportune time to talk. It’s likely you’ll want your parents to hear you out and listen to your needs. This may not be possible if the conversation is rushed by you having to share your announcement quickly if they’re leaving, or they’re in the middle of working.
Try to find an opportunity to have a conversation with them when they do not seem preoccupied with something else. It may be difficult. But once you’ve begun the discussion with your parents, it’s recommended you be upfront about what you have to share. Dancing around the issue and forcing your parents to guess what you’re trying to tell them can potentially lead to feelings of annoyance. It’s best not to start the conversation that way.
You may want to say something like, “I need to tell you something. Recently, I learned that I’m pregnant.” They may need time to absorb this new information, so you may want to pause a moment after sharing.
Coping With Your Parents’ Reaction
Since every woman’s situation is unique, the reactions your parents have may vary. Some may become angry. Some may express disbelief. Others may ask questions. Even if their response is intense, try to resist the urge to yell back. Instead, you may want to assure them you understand their point of view, and invite them to see your emotions.
You’re probably as scared and confused as they are. So, allowing them to see this can help keep the conversation productive. If you’ve spoken with a professional, such as a pregnancy consultant or a doctor, prior to this discussion, you may want to suggest you and your parents visit them to learn more about your choices. During your session, this resource may also be able to facilitate a talk between you and your parents if you need support.
Deciding between your options of abortion, adoption, and parenting can be challenging. But having your family, as well as informed professionals, behind you can help you comprehend this difficult situation. An unexpected pregnancy can lead you to experience many different feelings all at once. The days ahead may be filled with a lot of planning, and it can be good to have people nearby to talk to help you sort through any confusion.
Are you worried about how to tell your parents about an unexpected pregnancy? Avenue Women’s Center is here to work with you by offering free consultations and services within a confidential environment. Our caring staff will supply you with accurate information about your options, listening to your concerns as they guide you through the decision-making process. You also have the option to include your parents in the consultation where you can talk openly about your plans and receive unbiased support.
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The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.