An unexpected pregnancy causes a lot of uncertainty, but conversations with others can be most overwhelming. No matter your age, a conversation with your parents may be the hardest. You may be experiencing anxiety thinking about how they might respond.. With the right information and support from others, you have what it takes to do hard things. Just take the conversation one step at a time.

1. We are here for you. We can help you confirm your pregnancy.

At Marisol Health, a healthcare professional will confirm your pregnancy and explore your pregnancy’s viability before you make any decisions. We offer free, medical-grade pregnancy tests and the chance to speak with one of our medical professionals about your pregnancy. Bring your questions. Your visit with us is completely confidential and we want to simply empower you with information and support you need to make the best decision for you.

2. Explore your options for your unexpected pregnancy.

In anticipation of your conversation with your parents, you will want to know what options you have for your pregnancy. After verifying your pregnancy, licensed staff can walk you through your options based on your medical history, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and what you want in life. In fact, talking with someone about the options may help prepare you for the conversation with your parents.

3. Prepare for your parent’s reactions.

Try to remember how your parents have responded to shocking news before. Did they respond in a way that made you feel heard? Your news will surprise your parents. Initially they may express disappointment or discomfort with your pregnancy. But often parents simply need time to process and then they become a source of advice and support throughout your pregnancy journey.

If you expect your parents to react in a way that will make you feel unsafe, you should speak with a trained counselor or medical professional first. Don’t talk to your parents alone if you feel that they may harm you in any way.

4. Plan out what you want to say to your parents.

Before you even start a conversation, you’ll want to plan out what you want to say and how you want to say it. It may help to even take notes of what you want to say.

When you tell your parents, you’ll want to be straightforward and direct. You may even open the conversation with a statement like, “I have something difficult to tell you. I’m pregnant.”

Be honest and hopeful throughout the conversation. The more you can tell them, the more they may understand how you feel. Expressing your own feelings about your unexpected pregnancy may allow your parents to empathize with you and to eventually offer emotional support.

Also have a goal in mind for your conversation with practical takeaways. Think about how you might need your parent’s support. If you think you’ll need their help emotionally, tell them that. Or if you expect their help watching the baby while you do school or go to work, tell them that too. Even if you don’t want any of their help, you’ll want to express those desires as quickly as you can.

5. Anticipate tough questions your parents may ask.

After you tell them about the pregnancy, your parents may ask you questions such as: how far along are you in the pregnancy, how long have you been sexually active, who else knows about the pregnancy, what options you have for the pregnancy, and who do you think is the baby’s father. Anticipate what else they may ask you and formulate responses beforehand.

6. Practice the conversation with a trusted friend.

Before telling your parents about the pregnancy, you may want to tell a friend or family member you trust about the pregnancy. Telling someone helps relieve anxiety that comes from keeping a secret. Then, you can practice your conversation with your parents with that person.

7. Tell your parents soon.

Although it may be tempting to wait to tell your parents until later, the longer you wait, the harder it may be to tell them. Plus, if you tell them sooner then you remove the risk of them accidently finding out on their own.

8. Choose a time that works for both of you.

Again, be direct with your parents and say, “When would be a good time for you to talk?” Ideally you both want to have the conversation when you aren’t too stressed, busy, or tired.

9. Choose a comfortable place.

You may choose somewhere safe for you like your own home, or a neutral location. But you also want to consider their comfortability and ensure that they are sitting down when you tell them.

10. Give your parents time to process the news.

Your unexpected pregnancy may shock your parents and they may say something in the moment that they later regret. Or, they may say nothing. Every parent experiences the news differently and some will feel confused, disappointed, or angry.

Regardless of how they react, they need time to process how the pregnancy may affect them. But remember that even if they feel strongly about your unexpected pregnancy, they can’t force you to parent, to have an abortion, or to place your baby for adoption. After your parents think through the news, your parents may become your biggest supporters!

You make the final decision about your unexpected pregnancy. At Marisol Health, we believe that you deserve to be listened to through every step of your pregnancy journey. So, contact us or call us today at (303)731-6130 to make an appointment!