Baby on the Way? What to Consider when your Girlfriend (or EX) is Pregnant
An unplanned pregnancy can throw life into a tailspin, whether you’re the one who is pregnant or the father of the baby. When fathers find out that their girlfriend is pregnant, it’s natural to be worried and feel unsure about what to do next. But you and your partner do have options, including parenting your baby or choosing adoption. Our experienced team of counselors can help you learn about all of them, including how to place a baby for adoption in Texas.
How you choose to handle this pregnancy will affect the rest of your life. It is wise to take some time to think about your future and what might be best for you, your girlfriend or ex-girlfriend, and the baby.
Parenting is one option when your girlfriend is pregnant
Some men feel that stepping up to raise the baby is the noble option when they find out that their girlfriend or ex-girlfriend is pregnant. However, it’s smart to realistically assess the hardships that may come with unexpected fatherhood.
A baby is a blessing, but not always an easy blessing. Are you prepared to make sacrifices for your child? Here are some basic questions for young fathers to think about when a girlfriend is pregnant.
- What is your living situation? Do you have a safe, clean home in which to raise a baby?
- Will the child be raised in a single-parent home? If so, how do you feel about this?
- Do you have a good relationship with the mother and her family?
- Do you want to be connected to the mother for the rest of your life?
- What will happen if you get into another relationship with another woman? If she gets into a relationship with another man?
- How much does raising a child cost?
- Will you comply with an Attorney General court order for you to pay child support and have visits every other weekend?
- Do you have medical insurance?
- What do you want out of life? How will a child change your plans for yourself?
- Who can provide childcare while you’re working?
If you aren’t sure you can handle the expense and responsibility of raising a child right now, that is OK. Not everyone is in a position to provide the security and opportunities that they want for their child, and it doesn’t make you a bad father if you can’t. In fact, wanting a full, abundant life for your child is commendable and should be the center of your focus right now.
Adoption is another option for fathers and mothers
Fathers sometimes feel that choosing adoption would be abandoning their child. But adoption is not abandonment. It is a loving, selfless option that helps you provide what is best for your child and their future.
It is natural to focus on how this pregnancy might affect you, but it is important to put your child first. This is especially important when you must consider how your relationship with her would work going forward. Adoption will still be hard, but it will allow you and your girlfriend or ex to continue living your lives, while giving your child a wonderful future in a stable, loving home.
Learn about how to place a baby for adoption in Texas
Modern adoption plans allow fathers and mothers to select the family for the child, exchange pictures or calls, and even visit in-person. How much contact you want to have with your child will be your decision.
Deciding your next steps can feel overwhelming, and these life-changing decisions are not to be made lightly. Lean on each other, and reach out for guidance. At Legacy Adoption Services, we provide free, confidential counseling for both dads and moms in an unplanned pregnancy situation.
Contact a Legacy counselor now by phone, chat or email to begin this necessary discussion. Talking to a counselor means you want help learning about your options, including how to place a baby for adoption in Texas. There is no commitment and no pressure, just the information and support you need when your girlfriend is pregnant. Legacy is available 24/7 to help you, so contact us today.