The thought of telling your parents you are pregnant is scary. You wonder how they will react. They may be disappointed, but will they be angry? Before you talk with them, get more information about your pregnancy and options. The more prepared you are, the better the discussion may go.
Did You First Confirm Your Pregnancy?
Confirming your pregnancy involves more than one positive pregnancy test. You need to find out if your pregnancy is developing normally or if you have miscarried.
Begin by taking a no-cost pregnancy test at Calaveras Pregnancy Center. If your center test is positive, we will provide a referral for a free ultrasound.
Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?
Here are three reasons why you should have an ultrasound.
1. You May Not Be Pregnant
Experts estimate up to 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and 80% of those happen in the first trimester (12 weeks of pregnancy or less).
It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result for days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes time for your body to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
2. How Far Along Are You?
Your parents will want to know the facts about your pregnancy. Who is the father? How many weeks have you been pregnant? How are you feeling? These are questions they may ask.
Many women are surprised to learn that their estimated due date is different than they initially thought.
3. Do You Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy means it is growing in the wrong location. Although rare, some pregnancies do not form in the uterus. They may develop in the fallopian tube (which leads to the uterus).
Ectopic pregnancies are extremely dangerous. You should visit your healthcare provider immediately.
What Are My Options?
You have three options for your pregnancy. One of your options is an abortion. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual information about procedures, side effects to expect, and potential risks.
An abortion is a serious medical procedure that has physical and mental consequences. Learn as much as you can first.
Another option is to make an adoption plan. Although not an easy choice, with an open or semi-open adoption, you and your parents have the possibility of knowing your child. We cannot place your child for adoption and do not benefit financially from this choice, but we can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies.
Your last option is to parent your child. We offer free parenting classes, pregnancy and post-birth items (like clothing, diapers, and accessories), and community referrals to help you feel prepared and receive needed services.
Take a closer look at the parenting resources we can help you with.
What Do I Say to My Parents?
Talk to your mom and dad in person, if possible. Rather than reading it in a text or hearing it over the phone, they will see the concern on your face.
Be prepared to answer their questions, but give them time to process the information. After all, the news is pretty surprising.
When talking to them, get right to the point. Here are some suggested conversation starters:
- “I just took a pregnancy test, and it is positive.”
- “There’s just no easy way to say this…I’m pregnant.”
Do not tell your parents alone if you feel they could harm you. Talk with them in a public place and have a trusted friend or other relative with you.
You Are Not Alone
Would you like some other suggestions for talking with your parents? We’d be happy to share some more ideas with you. Our conversation will be private and non-judgmental. Call (209) 736-9600 or complete our online contact form. You are not alone.