How to Announce an Unplanned Pregnancy

Considering that the rate of unplanned pregnancies remains stable at approximately 49 percent, the likelihood that a woman will experience an unplanned pregnancy in her lifetime is very high. If you are coping with the news of an unplanned pregnancy, you might be wondering how to share this unexpected revelation with others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Seek the advice of a health care professional first. Obstetricians are used to providing care to women facing an unplanned pregnancy and this doctor can be a valuable source of advice and support. The doctor can also help to get the pregnancy off to a healthy start.
2. Share the announcement with your partner next, if possible. The two most important people in planning the unborn child's future are the mother and the father. If the two of you present a united front, telling others is easier.
3. Decide with your partner what course of action you will take before telling others. If you have decided to announce the pregnancy, this probably means you are going through with the pregnancy to term. This leaves you with two options. You can raise the child yourself or put the child up for adoption.
4. Confide in a respected member of your faith. Religious leaders are a source of tremendous comfort and support during times of emotional upheaval. You can find support in your faith to bolster your confidence in sharing your unplanned pregnancy with others.
5. Make a list of the remaining family members and friends you want to share your unplanned pregnancy with. Prioritize this list in order of the amount of unconditional love and support these individuals will provide. Tell the most supportive people first and the least supportive people last.
6. Rely on the grapevine to spread the news to people you may not wish to deal with initially. After you have come to terms with your unplanned pregnancy and you have strengthened your immediate support network, you can face these individuals.