Finding out you are pregnant can be an overwhelming experience. Especially when it’s a surprise. So many questions are probably going through your mind right now.
How did this happen? When did this happen? What does this mean for my future? How do I tell the father that I’m pregnant? Be prepared for your emotions and thoughts to change while you navigate through this unexpected life changing event. Take some time to breathe, sort through your feelings, and process your thoughts about your pregnancy.
Much of the anxiety you feel when you think about how to tell him you’re pregnant is fear of the unknown. Not being able to predict his response or the outcome of sharing the news can be scary. When reading through these tips, remember that every unplanned pregnancy situation is unique. We are here to help guide you through the question “How do I tell him I’m pregnant?”, but you will be the one making the final decision on how to tell the father.
When finding out about the pregnancy, the father may react with a range of emotion. It is commonly thought that there are six basic emotions that we all experience. They are:
You felt one or more of these emotions when you found out about your pregnancy. He might experience a different emotional reaction or even a mixture of them. If the news shocks him, he may even have a physical reaction like feeling jittery, not being able to think straight, becoming distant or even wanting to leave before the conversation is over. This is our body’s normal fight, flight or freeze reaction. It is another important reason to give him time and space to work through his thoughts. The conversation may be tough, but you should both remain respectful to each other. While an emotional response is common, threatening behavior, physical or verbal abuse is unacceptable.
Whether his reaction is what you were hoping for or something completely different, keep your personal feelings about your pregnancy in mind. You will be the one physically and emotionally experiencing the pregnancy first hand. Your opinion needs to be vocalized, heard and respected.
Your comfort level on handling the question “How do I tell him I’m pregnant?” will depend on what role he has in your life. Regardless of the type of relationship you have, announcing an unplanned pregnancy is still tough to do. Here are some helpful things to consider when you tell him about your pregnancy.
If you are reading this article, you probably haven’t told anyone about your pregnancy just yet. This can feel like one of the most lonely times in your life. Know that you are not alone. Most recent CDC.gov studies show that 45% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. If you would like someone to talk to about all of your options, we are here for you. Our conversations are always supportive, confidential and professional. You are strong, you will get through this and you will make the best decision that is right for you. We believe in you.
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