Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially if you’re still in school and living at home. You may feel anxious or unsure about how your parents will react. That’s completely normal.
If you’re wondering how to tell your parents you’re pregnant, you’re not alone. Here are some steps you can take as you prepare for that conversation.
You can also visit Embrace for pregnancy support and early services.
Step 1: Confirm Your Pregnancy
If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, follow up with a lab-quality test to be sure. Embrace offers free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and provide you with important details like how far along you are (gestational age). Knowing this information can help you feel more prepared when you talk to your parents.
Schedule your no-cost appointment today.
Step 2: Think About Who Else to Talk To
If you’re in a relationship, consider letting your partner know about the pregnancy before you talk to your parents. Depending on your situation, having him present for the conversation may be helpful, or it might feel more comfortable to talk to your parents on your own.
Step 3: Learn About Your Options
Before the conversation, it can help to have a basic understanding of your pregnancy options. Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, knowing the facts can help you answer your parents’ questions and express your thoughts clearly. You don’t have to have everything figured out, but being informed shows that you’re taking this seriously.
Embrace is here to discuss each option, provide information, and address your questions.
Step 4: Plan the Conversation
Timing matters. Choose a quiet time when your parents aren’t distracted or stressed. Let them know you need to talk about something important and ask when they’re available to sit down together. You might also opt to be spontaneous and pick a time when the moment feels right.
It’s okay to feel nervous. Use the time leading up to the conversation to think through what you want to say and what questions they might ask, like how long you’ve known, who else knows, and what your thoughts are moving forward.
You don’t have to have all the answers. This is just the first step.
Step 5: Share What You Know
Even if you’re still processing everything, let your parents know you’ve already taken steps to learn more, like confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound. This can help them see that you’re approaching the situation with care and responsibility.
Most of all, remember: you don’t have to do this alone. If you’d like someone to talk to before the conversation—or even after—Embrace is here for you with no-cost, confidential support.
Contact Embrace today to make an appointment.