Your support matters: How to respond when your girlfriend is pregnant
If you’re a guy facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be unsure how to respond when your girlfriend is pregnant. It is completely understandable to be afraid, nervous, overwhelmed and hesitant. You may want to explore Texas pregnancy options, which include adoption or parenting the baby yourself.
It is important to think of your girlfriend’s feelings, but remember that you also have the right to talk about the things you are feeling. Also remember the most important thing of all: Think in the best interest of the child.
Your support is needed
So, how to respond when your girlfriend is pregnant? The first thing you should do is show support for your girlfriend (or even ex-girlfriend), because she is probably even more scared than you are. She is going to need someone to lean on while she goes through the initial emotions and decisions ahead.
You might need some time to process the news alone before you have a conversation with your girlfriend, and that is fine. It may be best to filter what you want to say before you actually speak to your girlfriend, just to make sure you don’t say anything you might regret later. Once you have talked to your girlfriend, discussed how she is feeling, and shown that you support her, you can talk about what is going through your head.
Whatever you do, don’t try to run away from the problem. Many women who are abandoned by their boyfriends during an unplanned pregnancy end up making a rash decision because they feel scared and alone. Such decisions can be avoided if the fathers are brave enough to face the situation, listen to their partner, and discuss what would be best for all three involved parties. Focusing on the best interest of the child yields the best results for the child.
More things to consider about how to respond when your girlfriend is pregnant
You absolutely have a say in the decision that is made regarding your child, but it is important to be sensitive to how your girlfriend is feeling.
You should never feel like you have no right to tell your girlfriend (or ex-girlfriend) that you either want to parent or make an adoption plan. If you feel certain that you are not ready to be a parent, you need to make that clear to the mother of your child. If you feel certain that you are ready to parent, you need to discuss that with your girlfriend.
You both need to be open and honest about the way you want to approach the situation. Don’t say things simply because you think she might want to hear them. If you give her the wrong idea about how you feel about choosing to parent or choosing an adoption plan, you may end up agreeing to something you didn’t want to agree to.
Still have questions about unplanned pregnancy?
You might feel like you need to talk to someone who knows more about pregnancy, Texas pregnancy options, and what parenting would look like. Getting expert input is an excellent idea, because it is so important that you fully understand all of your options. If you are leaning toward making an adoption plan, it is vital that you and your girlfriend meet with a counselor who can explain the adoption process to you.
Before you make any decisions, be sure you have done as much research as possible. You have as much right as your girlfriend to ask for help and guidance when deciding how to approach the pregnancy. There is no need for you to feel like you are not part of the equation.
You may feel unsure about how to respond when your girlfriend is pregnant, but remember to be sensitive to your girlfriend’s (or ex-girlfriend’s) needs. At the same time, don’t tiptoe around the issue. Many women want input from the father, but never get it. Try to find the balance between walking away because you think she doesn’t want your help, and pushing her into making a certain decision.
It is an overwhelming situation, but you and your girlfriend do not have to go through it alone. The counselors at Legacy can help you learn about the Texas pregnancy options available to you and your girlfriend. Your counselor will be there for both of you as you sort through every emotion you are feeling, and there is never any pressure or any cost to you. Contact a Legacy options counselor today by phone, chat or email to begin the discussion.
