If your partner recently told you she’s pregnant, the most essential thing you can do is support her. You are both likely feeling overwhelmed with questions, but the best way to move forward is together.
No matter how you feel about the pregnancy, there are steps you can take to help your partner feel supported during this time.
Read on to learn more about these steps, or if you want to talk to connect with someone who understands, contact Alabama Pregnancy Test Center today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. We have support services and opportunities just for men.
Actively Listen to Your Partner
Whatever you’re feeling about the pregnancy, it’s valid and understandable. However, your partner is likely feeling all of that and more. One of the best ways to show your partner support is by actively listening to what she’s going through.
Active listening goes beyond just hearing what someone says and is all about making the other person feel truly heard. The following strategies can help you actively listen:
- Listen without distractions. Try to look your partner in the eye, and don’t let things like a phone or TV distract you from what she’s saying.
- Summarize what she’s saying. After your partner talks, following up with summary statements can ensure that you understand what she’s saying and help avoid miscommunication.
- Ask follow-up questions. The goal of active listening is to help the other person go deeper. If your partner says she’s feeling overwhelmed, you can ask her what makes her feel this way; follow-up questions encourage the other person to work through their feelings and thoughts.
Communicate Your Feelings
While the decision about how to move forward in the pregnancy is ultimately your partner’s, your feelings are valid.
It’s essential to communicate your feelings to your partner without making her feel pressured if she disagrees. For example, if she’s thinking about parenting but you’re worried about being a father, you can be honest but assure her that you will still support her choice.
Learn All You Can with Your Partner
You can support your partner by helping her learn all she can about her options—and learning all you can as well.
There are three options for moving forward: parenting, adoption, or abortion. You and your partner owe it to yourselves to learn all you can about each option so that a wise, informed decision can be made.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel impossible, but you and your partner aren’t alone in this. At Alabama Pregnancy Test Center, we’re here for you both. We offer free resources, services, and information to help you both feel supported and informed throughout this process.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
We also provide resources specifically for men, including father mentorship opportunities.