Expectant fathers: What to consider when your girlfriend is pregnant
An unplanned pregnancy is exactly that: unplanned, accidental and unintended. When expectant fathers find out that their girlfriend is pregnant, the emotions that follow can be overwhelming. Do not let them consume you. You have options, including parenting and adoption. We are here to help you learn about all of your options, including how to place a baby for adoption in Texas.
How you choose to handle this pregnancy will affect the rest of your life. As your options run through your mind, please know that it is OK 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
Many will choose to parent when they find out that their girlfriend or ex-girlfriend is pregnant. However, the excitement of a baby can often mask the hardships that follow raising a child.
Think back to your childhood. What challenges did your parents face? Are you prepared to face challenges? Pregnancy, planned or not, can bring hardships. 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 expectant fathers to think about when your girlfriend is pregnant.
- What is your living situation? Is it safe and clean enough for a baby?
- Will the child be raised in a single-parent home?
- Do you want to be connected to the mother long-term?
- What will happen if I get into another relationship with another woman?
- How much does raising a child cost?
- Do you have medical insurance?
- What do you want out of life?
- How will a child change your future plans?
- How do you feel about working nights, weekends and holidays?
Parenting is not the right option for everyone, and if you feel unsure that you can handle the expense and responsibility of raising a child right now, that is OK. Not everyone has the resources or ability to be able to move from being an expectant father to parenting an infant. Consider your child’s happiness and well-being as you consider your options.
Adoption is another option for expectant fathers and mothers
Expectant fathers sometimes feel that adoption is abandoning their child. However, adoption is not abandonment; it is a selfless act to do what is best for your child and his or her future.
When your girlfriend is pregnant, it is natural to focus on how you this pregnancy might affect you, but it is important to put your child first. This is especially important when your ex-girlfriend is pregnant, and 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 and allow your child to grow up in a stable home.
Learn about how to place a baby for adoption in Texas
Modern adoption plans allow expectant fathers and mothers to select the family for the child, get pictures of them, and even visit. The choice is yours. Adoption can be a new beginning for everyone involved in an unplanned pregnancy.
This is an overwhelming process and not a decision to be made lightly. Lean on each other, do your research, and ask for guidance. At Legacy Adoption Services, we provide free, confidential options counseling for both dads and moms in an unplanned pregnancy situation.
Contact a Legacy options counselor now by phone, chat or email to begin this necessary discussion. Talking to a counselor means you want help learning about 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.
