How Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?

Digesting the news of an accidental pregnancy is difficult enough on your own; but how could you ever break the news to your parents?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of sharing your pregnancy news, we get it. An unexpected pregnancy can change your whole life in an instant. But sharing the news with your parents can have some great advantages.

You will gain someone to talk to openly about all your thoughts and feelings. They may support you financially through clothing, allowance, or housing. They may even go with you to all the prenatal appointments so you don’t have to go alone. You might be surprised at how supportive they may be.

Here are a few tips to help you break the pregnancy news gently.

Timing Matters

The timing of when you choose to share your news is important. For example, telling your dad right when he gets home from a hard day’s work is probably not the best time. You want to pick a time when your parents are relaxed and have time to listen.

You don’t necessarily need to plan a time in advance; you could play it by ear.

Just remember that while certain times of the day may be better than others, don’t keep putting off your announcement.

Is Safety a Concern?

For some, safety may be your number one concern when it comes to sharing this news with your parents. Do you know how they might react? Are you concerned things could turn violent or dangerous?

If you aren’t sure how your parents will react, or that you may be physically harmed, reach out to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline, available with 24/7 support.

You might pick a public place to have the conversation or bring a close friend with you (not your partner). Having someone with you may help diffuse any harsh reactions or hard feelings.

You Alone Make The Decisions

The most important thing to remember is that this is your pregnancy, and you get to make all the decisions. It’s wise to have others you trust weigh in on the situation with their thoughts and advice. But at the end of the day, you are the one who determines the ultimate course of your pregnancy.

Need Some Extra Help?

Mendo Lake Women’s Clinic offers no-cost pregnancy and sexual health services in a confidential and professional environment.  Our highly trained medical staff can provide pregnancy testing and even an ultrasound if needed. We also provide a tailor-made resource list that can help you over hurdles such as housing or food assistance.

We care about your health and well-being. Give us a call today at 707- 463-1436 and let’s make a plan for your future success.