If you’re pregnant and still living at home or in school, telling your parents about the pregnancy may seem like a difficult step. While it’s a personal conversation, planning ahead can make it more manageable.
Here are a few practical steps to help guide the conversation and set the tone for a productive discussion. And if you need help preparing for the conversation, we can help. Schedule a free, confidential appointment to learn about your pregnancy and discuss potential options.
Confirm the Pregnancy
You may want to confirm your pregnancy with a test and ultrasound. Confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade test and an ultrasound. Home pregnancy tests are a starting point, but a clinical test and ultrasound provide the most accurate information, including how far along you are and whether the pregnancy is viable.
North Care Women’s Clinic offers both blood qualitative and urine lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds if your test result is positive, at no cost to you.
Decide What to Share
You don’t need to explain everything in one conversation. Knowing what you’re comfortable sharing and what details you may want to wait on is helpful. Thinking through what concerns your parents or family may have and anticipating what you may want to say or share to help you feel prepared and confident when addressing their questions. If you’ve already visited a clinic or talked to a medical professional, you can let your parents know you’re gathering information and reviewing your options.
Share the basics, and let them know you’re taking steps to learn more about your pregnancy and all your options.
Choose the Right Setting
Plan to talk in a private, low-distraction environment where your parents can focus. Let them know in advance that you have something important to discuss and ask when a good time would be to sit down together.
Set Expectations
Every family is different; you may not know how your parents will respond. That’s okay. They may be working through many emotions, including shock, just like when you found out. Trying to understand their point of view will go a long way in easing any potential discomfort of the conversation. Go into the conversation with a focus on communication. You’re sharing information and inviting them into the process—not asking them to decide for you.
If questions come up that you’re not ready to answer, it’s okay to say, “I’m still learning more and weighing my options.”
Know Where to Go Next
North Care Women’s Clinic offers free services and confidential consultations to help you make informed choices. Whether you’re looking for accurate information about abortion, adoption, or parenting, our team is here to support you with medical insight and practical next steps.
Make an appointment today.
NorthCare Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
