Key Takeaways
- Many people will have an opinion about your unplanned pregnancy, but you don’t have to listen to or follow their opinions. This is ultimately your pregnancy and your choice.
- Still, it isn’t healthy to carry your pregnancy alone. Sharing this news with the people you trust can offer support and wisdom while you make your pregnancy decision.
- You know best who is worthy of your trust, but often your partner, your parents, and your friends can offer the help you need.
Since you first saw those two pink lines on the pregnancy test, you’ve been overwhelmed by the thoughts and fears swirling through your mind. Even worse, though, are the opinions that everyone seems to have about your pregnancy.
Your friends and family say they just want what’s best for you, but what if they’re wrong? How do you know whose voice to listen to and what advice deserves to be considered?
Ultimately, you are the only person who can make a decision about your pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t seek wisdom from trusted sources. We’ll help you determine who deserves to speak into your pregnancy and how you can make the best choice for your future.
Why does everyone have an opinion about my pregnancy?
The people around you will always have opinions about your life and the major choices that affect it. Unfortunately, unplanned pregnancies tend to encourage people to voice these opinions, whether their input is wanted or not.
Some advice will come from people who truly want what’s best for you. They may just want to offer a new perspective, share what they’ve learned, or let you know that they care. Others, however, may try to bully you into making the decision they think is best.
No matter the reason, remember that this is your choice, not theirs. You don’t have to follow or even listen to someone else’s opinion unless you value them and what they have to say.
Who gets an opinion about my unplanned pregnancy?
This is your pregnancy, and you are the one who will make the ultimate decision about the next steps you take. This is not a choice that anyone else can—or should—make.
That said, an unexpected pregnancy is not something you should carry alone. You deserve to receive support from the people in your life that you trust the most. More importantly, you need to have people in your life who will listen to your feelings and fears without judgment. You know who you can trust the most in your life, but we’ve outlined some of the people you may be able to turn to for advice about your pregnancy.
1. Your partner
Your partner doesn’t have control over your choice, but he does have a responsibility to this pregnancy and the decision you make for it. After all, it takes two people to conceive.
That doesn’t mean, however, that his opinion is more important than yours. If your partner tries to force you into a certain choice or threatens your safety in any way, seek help immediately. Reach out to a trusted loved one or connect with an organization that can help, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).
If your relationship is safe, invite your partner to share his real thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy. Often, men assume that women don’t want to know their opinions. While saying “I support whatever decision you make” seems supportive to him, it may sound dismissive to you. You may believe that he doesn’t want to be involved in or burdened by your pregnancy.
To avoid this miscommunication, clearly and honestly share how you are both feeling. Explore your desires, challenges, and options together. Make sure you are both on the same page so you can avoid regrets.
2. Your parents
Many women hesitate to share their pregnancies with their parents because they don’t want to disappoint, hurt, or anger them. If you’ve thought, “My mom is going to kill me!,” you’re not alone.
As long as it’s safe to talk about this situation with your parents, we encourage you to share your news with them. They know you better than most and can offer the support and advice you need. Your parents might react negatively at first, but they will likely respond better after they have time to process your pregnancy.
You can invite your parents to speak into your decision, but they don’t have control over your life and choice. Don’t be afraid to seek outside wisdom and set boundaries if you need to.
3. Your friends
Friends, sisters, and cousins can offer a safe place to process and share the news of your pregnancy. Ask a confidante to go with you to confirm your pregnancy and learn about all your options. They can also support you as you share the news with your partner, parents, and others.
Friends can often have strong opinions, so don’t forget that this is your life and your choice. The decision you want to make is what matters most, even if your peers don’t agree.
Learn about all your unplanned pregnancy options
Before you can make a decision about your pregnancy, you need to know which options are available. Make a free appointment at our clinic to receive information and resources for all of your pregnancy options in Florida. You can get answers to all your questions and learn about local resources that can offer further help.
You are strong, you are brave, and you are not alone. Find support today.