Finding comprehensive women’s health care can feel overwhelming if you think you might be pregnant. We understand that an unplanned pregnancy can be a source of worry and uncertainty. You’re not alone, and building a support team is huge during this time.
But how do you find support? How can you know who to trust, especially if you have mixed feelings about everything?
We’re going to talk about the role your partner may have in your healthcare journey, focusing on three main aspects: building a support team, identifying a safe person, and ensuring that you never feel coerced into making decisions.
Building a Support Team:
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is a significant life event. You should surround yourself with a strong support team. This team should include people you trust, love, and who genuinely care about your well-being. Your partner can be a crucial part of this support network. By involving them, you’re not only sharing the experience but also creating a bond that can help you navigate this together. No matter what decision you make, your partner may feel a significant impact from it. And you’ll need support, even as you’re seeking comprehensive women’s health care.
Depending on how you feel, you might want to share the news immediately with your partner or your family. Or, you might want to keep it to yourself and process for a bit. Both are totally okay.
Family members, friends, and even your partner might have mixed feelings or surprise. Not everyone has a filter for what they’re feeling. Give the people in your life some grace and time to process this news themselves. If your family, friends, and partner have been a faithful support to you in the past, it’s likely that you will have a great support team to help you through this.
If you’re worried about someone having an angry or violent reaction, that’s not normal. Please contact a women’s advocate here at ThriVe+ if you need help and don’t know where to start, or if you fear your partner’s reaction. We’re a safe comprehensive women’s health center, and we take your privacy and safety seriously.
Identifying a Safe Person:
When choosing someone to be part of your support team, it’s helpful to identify a safe person. A safe person is someone who respects your feelings, listens without judgment, and supports you in your decision-making process. Your partner should be someone you can trust to be there for you emotionally and physically.
Hitting, pushing, shouting, and threats are not normal. This is abuse. If someone you care about is displaying any of these behaviors or has in the recent past, they might not be a safe person.
When you’re dealing with something like unplanned pregnancy, you should not be put in a dangerous or scary situation. Please contact us here at ThriVe+ if you don’t know of a safe person you can turn to, or if someone is hurting or scaring you at home.
However, if your partner is a safe person, let’s chat about communication. It’s crucial to talk openly with your partner about what you’re feeling and thinking. If you feel hesitant about involving them, start by expressing your feelings and letting them know how much their support means to you. Find support at a comprehensive women’s health center if your partner is not a safe person. A safe person will understand and appreciate your honesty, providing the foundation for a strong partnership.
This is a challenging time. You deserve support no matter what decision you make, whether that’s abortion, adoption, or parenting. You’ll always find that support at a comprehensive women’s health center like ThriVe+.
Never Feel Coerced:
One of the most crucial aspects of involving your partner is ensuring that you never feel coerced into something. Your choices about your body and your future are yours to make. A supportive partner will respect your autonomy and work collaboratively with you to make decisions that align with your values and goals.
If he or anyone you know pressures you to make a decision that you feel isn’t right, know that you do not have to listen to them.
It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your partner about your feelings, fears, and aspirations. Share your thoughts about the pregnancy, your emotions, and any concerns you may have. A supportive partner will actively listen, provide reassurance, and work together with you to find solutions that feel right for both of you. He can even join you at a comprehensive women’s health center to hear about all of the options.
Similarly, you should listen to your partner with the same respect. He will likely have an opinion about what the future might look like, and it’s helpful to talk about it together. Even though the decision about the pregnancy is ultimately yours, it can be valuable to get his insight and approach this as a team. Topics might come up that you didn’t expect, like your future as a couple, parenthood, and finances. It’s okay if you both don’t have the answers right away. You have time to make your decision and figure out the details, no matter what you decide.
Attending Medical Appointments:
Your partner can play a crucial role in attending medical appointments with you. This not only shows their commitment but also allows them to stay informed about the pregnancy and the overall health of both you and the baby. By being present at appointments, your partner can ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of the process, and offer emotional support. It can strengthen your relationship.
You can come to a comprehensive women’s health center to get a no-cost pregnancy test, ultrasound, and pre-abortion screening. Make your appointment at ThriVe+ today to get the answers you need.
Staying Physically Healthy:
Physical health is vital during pregnancy, and your partner can really contribute to your well-being. Encourage healthy habits, such as going on walks together, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and smoking. By making these positive lifestyle changes as a team, you’re not only ensuring a healthier pregnancy but also strengthening your connection as a couple. You should keep yourself healthy, no matter what you decide about the pregnancy.
Emotional Support:
Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster. And that’s not just because of the decision-making process. Your hormones change during pregnancy and can make you feel your emotions more strongly. Having a supportive partner by your side can make a huge difference.
Ask him to practice active listening, and to listen without judgment. Sharing your emotions and concerns with each other will foster a deeper connection. There’s a lot to process here – lean on each other, not away from each other.
Exploring Community Resources:
In addition to your partner’s support, connecting with comprehensive women’s health centers like ThriVe+ can connect you with resources, information, and a sense of community. There are various community resources available to provide assistance during unplanned pregnancies. Here at ThriVe+, for example, we offer support and connection for women going through similar experiences. Our no cost services include pregnancy testing, pre-abortion screenings, STD testing, decision-making consultations, and ultrasounds.
You should not have to feel alone. ThriVe+ is a safe space for women, by women. We’ve been there and know what it’s like. We want to see you soar and feel confident in your decisions. Hopeful for your future. Affirmed in your feelings.