When a friend tells you she may be pregnant, it can be difficult to know what to do. The fact that she has decided to share such personal information with you is a sign that she trusts you, and this is likely a testament to how deep your friendship runs. Whether she sent you a text in the middle of the night, or told you on the couch during a Friday movie night, your friend is probably worried about her future and what she’s supposed to do. You know an unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging circumstance for any woman to find herself in. But now that’s it’s happening to your friend, you’re uncertain about how to find the right words.
Do you know someone facing an unexpected pregnancy? With six locations in DuPage County, Avenue Women’s Center offers women a variety of unexpected pregnancy resources. Our clients all have the opportunity to take a free, medical-grade pregnancy test and speak with one of our caring pregnancy consultants about their options. Your friend will be able to receive nonjudgmental care through a welcoming environment, with members of our trained staff providing the resources and support she needs. Contact us today for a free consultation!
A Friend is Pregnant: Pay Attention to Her
Once your friend has told you she is pregnant, give her a chance to express what she is feeling. In your desire to help her, it can be tempting to automatically begin offering advice on what you think she should do. While there may come a time where she seeks your counsel about the unexpected pregnancy, it’s likely your friend needs you to listen to her first, so pay attention as she shares with you what’s on her mind.
It’s also important to remember to remain mindful of your body language and tone. Confiding a private matter with someone often leaves one emotionally vulnerable. So put aside any distractions, and avoid conveying a “I told you so,” vibe. You want your friend to feel safe discussing this issue with you, and if she feels you’re judging her, then it’s likely she will not confide in you any further.
A Friend is Pregnant: Be Positive
Your friend is probably experiencing a lot of emotional distress as she contemplates her three unexpected pregnancy options. You can be a source of encouragement for her, by letting her know you are there for her. Without pushing her, see if she is open to learning about resources that can provide her with the professional help you may not be able to give her.
Let her know you are not her only confidant. Your friend may also seek support from a counselor, a healthcare provider, or a pregnancy consultant. She may be confused about her next steps after confirming the pregnancy, and helping her locate where she can go for answers about scheduling an ultrasound and other concerns is one way you may be able to help her.
An unexpected pregnancy can be a difficult road to travel, and one of the best things you can do for your friend is let her know how much you are there for her.
Whether or not your friend has already confirmed her unexpected pregnancy, Avenue Women’s Center can assist with her next steps. We understand you want your friend to have the best possible support and resources during this time., and our offices are prepared to offer confidential support as your friend makes a decision about her unexpected pregnancy. Our staff is trained to work with a variety of women during this time, providing accurate information in order to help with making a choice. Reach out today and begin chatting with one of our staff!
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.