“I’m pregnant.”

Those two words represent a transformation of not just two lives, but the lives of all of those around them. There is no easy way to tell family, the father, and friends that you are unexpectedly pregnant. It takes time to process, and often it is more difficult to share the news with those closest to you. Following is some useful information that will help you break the news:

Take time to process the information.

Slow down. Take a deep breath. You’ve just received some surprising and upsetting information. Don’t be in a rush to share information until you have fully processed and accepted that you are pregnant. The mentors at the Life Line Pregnancy Center are there to help you. This is also a good time to consider all your pregnancy options, including adoption—particularly if you are afraid you’ll be pressured by your family or the father into making a certain decision.

Begin by telling someone who you trust.

It helps to begin by telling someone you trust implicitly. This could be a friend or family member, the baby’s father, a teacher, counselor or minister.

Realize that you will have to tell your family eventually.

It’d never a good idea to try to hide the pregnancy from them for as long as possible. Not only does this create anxiety, but it prevents you and your family from beginning the healing process.  Express the need for support and love from those closest to you, realizing that they too, will need time to absorb the news.

Develop a plan.

You may wish to practice what you want to say to your parents. It helps to choose a time when your parents are relaxed and when you are in a private environment. It is important to share when you have a chance to talk with them for a while. Your parents may have mixed reactions. Some may be supportive, others shocked, and still others may demand that you get out of the house. Think ahead about how you will respond and react to these different scenarios. You may wish to apologize for putting your parents in a stressful situation.

Be prepared with your own decision.

Will your parents try to push you to make a decision on your pregnancy? Realize that this is your baby and it is your decision. You should also discuss the pregnancy with the father of the baby. If you believe adoption or keeping the child is the best option, be ready to state your reasons for this and realize that ultimately, this will be your decision. If you are considering having an abortion, we encourage you to educate yourself on the psychological as well as physical consequences of this action.

Just as it took time for you to process this information, it will take your parents time to process it as well.  They may be angry or upset at first, but as time passes and they come to accept the situation, they may become more understanding and even look forward to the birth of their grandchild.

Most importantly, never forget that you are not alone: the Life Line Pregnancy Center is there to provide information on abortion alternatives, encouragement, and even classes on parenting, baby care and budgeting. To contact Life Line Pregnancy Center, call 910-392-0001.