Pregnancy wasn’t in your plans. Now you’re left with lots of questions. What do I do now? How will this work? How do I tell my parents? How do I finish school? How do I even know who the father is? 

Don’t be ashamed of any of your questions. Let’s explore some of the most common questions you might have when finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant. 

I just found out I’m unexpectedly pregnant. What do I do now?

I’m pregnant. How far along am I?  

There are several ways to figure out when you conceived. In general, women can only conceive during ovulation which happens around day 14 of the average 28 day menstrual cycle. 

You can learn more about how to track when you ovulated in this article: When Did I Get Pregnant? This will give you a loose idea of when you became pregnant. 

The most accurate way to figure out how far along you are is with an ultrasound. Care Net of Puget Sound offers free viability ultrasounds to confirm gestational age and pregnancy viability. 

I’m pregnant. But I’m not sure who the father is.

Not knowing who the father is can make feelings even heavier. If you have had multiple sex partners within the same menstrual cycle, there are confidential ways to find answers. A paternity test can give you clarity and an accurate answer about the identity of the father. 

We are a safe space to slow down, breathe, talk through your situation and get answers without judgment.

I’m pregnant. How do I tell my partner?  

Your life is about to change, but so is your partner’s. Figuring out how to tell him about the pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know how he will respond. 

It’s a good idea to figure out what you’re feeling first. Try journaling and thinking through why you might be feeling excited, nervous, or angry. Process with a friend first. When sharing this news with your partner, make sure to have this conversation in person and be open and honest about what you are feeling and want. Give him space to process this news and let him share what he is feeling too. 

Read more about how to tell your partner you’re pregnant and how to navigate next steps together here.

I’m pregnant. How do I tell my family?  

Telling your parents you’re pregnant can be nerve-wracking. Especially if you are still in high school or college. What will they think? How will they react? Will they be disappointed? 

It might be helpful to talk to a trusted friend first. Getting the right support will help you feel more confident going forward in your conversation with your parents. Practicing what you want to say to your parents can help you accurately express what you are feeling. Once you’re ready, share the news with your parents. Remember, their initial reaction probably isn’t what they truly feel about you or the situation. This is the first they are hearing about your news and they also need time to process.

No matter what your parents’ reaction, you ultimately get the final say in your pregnancy decision.  Read more about how to tell your parents you’re pregnant in this article here.

I’m pregnant. But I’m still in school.

If you are still in school, pregnancy probably wasn’t a part of your plan. Just because it wasn’t a part of your plan doesn’t mean your plans have to come to a halt. It just means they might have to shift.  

Often in life our plans never go exactly as planned. Unexpected changes can actually bring beautiful things into our life we didn’t even consider. These are the things that help us grow. 

If keeping the pregnancy is something you feel like you want to do, finishing school is possible. Our client advocates can offer the support to find the resources you need. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Make an appointment today.

I’m pregnant. I can’t afford to take care of a child. 

The reality is finances create a lot of stress and worry about pregnancy. If you feel like you are not in a place to financially support a child, or maybe even another child, take a breath. You have options. 

Many organizations exist to help take the financial weight off you. These organizations offer things like medical bill assistance, healthcare, food, housing, clothing, education, and guidance in finding a stable job. We can help you connect with these organizations. Contact us. 

If parenting isn’t something you feel ready for, there are several adoption options to choose from. Over the years, adoption has changed a lot and might be a great choice. It’s never a bad idea to explore all of your options.

Read more about financial options for your pregnancy in this article: I’m pregnant and can’t afford the baby.

I’m pregnant. What are my options?  

Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy can sometimes feel like you only have one option…abortion. But abortion isn’t your only unplanned pregnancy option. 

Whether it is finances, shame, or pressure from your partner or family, you have options to choose from that you get to make the final say in.  

You can parent with financial assistance or choose one of three adoption choices: open adoption, semi-open adoption, closed adoption. Read more about the different types of adoption and what might be right for you in this article.  

If you decide none of these options are right for you, you can choose to terminate the pregnancy through a medical abortion or surgical abortion. Learn more about how abortion works and what side effects and risks are possible in this article. 

If you are considering abortion, we strongly urge you to get an ultrasound before beginning either the abortion pill or having a surgical procedure for your own health and safety. 

Schedule a free pregnancy evaluation today.  

I’m pregnant. Where can I find free pregnancy support and resources?  

If you feel alone and aren’t sure what next steps to take in your pregnancy, we are here for you. You don’t have to make a decision alone. Our client advocates can answer any pregnancy questions you might have and help you make a fully informed decision today.  

Care Net of Puget Sound offers free pregnancy consultations to give you the vital information needed to make an informed pregnancy decision. We also have many resources and referrals to give you the best care for your needs. We want to walk alongside you.