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Unexpectedly Pregnant: “My Husband Doesn’t Know”

An unexpected pregnancy is one of the most shocking experiences a person could face, regardless of her relationship status.  Maybe you’re married and reeling from a positive pregnancy test result, and you haven’t told your spouse the news yet.  You’re probably wrestling with a lot of anxiety today if that’s your situation.  You may be afraid of how your husband will respond (if and when you share this information) and what the future holds for your relationship.  Hang in there!  Your circumstances may feel isolating, but you don’t have to face the days ahead on your own.

An unexpected pregnancy can happen to anyone, whether they’re married, dating, single, or in a relationship that’s hard to define.  Each set of circumstances simply comes with its own set of challenges.  Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you face your unique hurdles with a strong foundation of knowledge and support.  We’re a first-step pregnancy center offering free, confidential services to help you make the best decision for your future. 

Learn more “About us”!  We’ve been trusted providers of early pregnancy support in Chicagoland since 1981.

Your Unique Approach

If you’re married, the question of how to approach your spouse (if that’s your best move at all) is sure to be a significant concern for you.  Your situation probably includes some complex factors.  Perhaps the two of you have already agreed that now isn’t the right time to have kids, or that you never want this for your future.  Perhaps your focus is on other important priorities like your education or career.  Maybe you’re not even sure if this pregnancy is your husband’s.

Every person needs to decide for herself who to include in her pregnancy journey, what to say, and how to navigate these circumstances with specific people in her life.  Your best way to approach this situation will be unique to you and your relationships.  In general, it’s healthy to be honest with a partner, as long as both persons feel safe.  But you have full autonomy over who you invite into this experience, and you’re capable of making the best choice for yourself.  Know that emotional support is available to you, no matter what you decide.

Seeking Support in the Right Places

Inviting someone trustworthy and compassionate into your pregnancy journey could be extremely helpful in the long run, even though having this conversation will probably feel intimidating at first.  It’s okay if you’re not ready to share the news with your husband or partner right now.  He doesn’t need to be the first person you tell, if you decide to convey this information to him at all.  Maybe your best move is to seek support from someone else first.  Just know that opening up to the right person(s) could come with all kinds of benefits.  It could provide access to emotional and practical support, help you to process your own thoughts and emotions, and offer new insights.

Check out some of these other blogs for tips on navigating your pregnancy with your spouse or other people that you trust.

Helpful Communication Tools When Sharing Pregnancy News

“How Do I Tell My Partner I’m Pregnant?”

Married but Now Is Not the Right Time for Pregnancy

Unexpected Pregnancy and Marriage

Our expert staff at Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you design and implement a strong plan for navigating this pregnancy.  Avenue’s pregnancy consultants and nurses are caring professionals who respect women’s autonomy and empower them with reliable information.  We’re also here to support you in your unique process of sharing (or not sharing) your pregnancy news with key people in your life.  If you choose to discuss your pregnancy with your spouse (now or later), we can help you strategize and mediate the conversation.

Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center today!  Our free services include medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more.

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.