How Do I Support My Friend Experiencing an Unexpected Pregnancy?
If you have a close friend who is experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel unsure of how to support them best, especially if they’re experiencing a wide range of emotions.
However, your role as a caring and supportive friend can make all the difference during this challenging time. Whether your friend is uncertain or confused, your presence and actions can provide much-needed comfort and reassurance.
1. Be an Emotional Sounding Board
One of the most valuable things you can do for your friend is to simply listen. An unexpected pregnancy can bring about a whirlwind of emotions, and your friend may need a safe and non-judgmental space to talk about their fears, worries, and hopes.
Be present and available to listen, allowing them to express their feelings without interruption or advice unless they ask for it. Sometimes, just being there to hear them out is enough to ease some of their emotional burdens.
2. Offer Practical Assistance
In addition to emotional support, practical help can go a long way. Your friend might feel overwhelmed with managing their pregnancy alongside their usual responsibilities.
Offering to help with everyday tasks—such as grocery shopping, running errands, or accompanying them to medical appointments—can alleviate some of the stress they may be feeling.
This kind of hands-on support allows them to focus on their well-being and decision-making rather than the pressures of day-to-day life.
3. Help Research Options
Pregnancy, especially when unexpected, often involves many questions and uncertainty about what to do next. One way you can support your friend is by helping them research their options, whether they are considering parenting, adoption, or other paths.
Offer to help gather information from trustworthy sources or to attend appointments with them so they feel supported throughout the process. While it’s important to help, avoid pushing any particular option and allow your friend the space to make decisions they feel are best for them.
Alpha Women’s Resource Center can offer expert advice and information during this time. Reassure your friend that seeking professional support is okay, and remind them that they don’t have to go through this alone.
Finding Additional Support
Knowing that help is available can be empowering and help your friend feel more in control of their situation.
Alpha Women’s Resource Center offers no-cost pregnancy services for women experiencing unexpected pregnancies. Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing & treatment are some of the many services they can take advantage of.
Contact us to make a confidential appointment today.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound is the key to determining if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat). We offer no-cost limited ultrasounds to give you answers.
Pregnancy Testing
Do you wonder if you’re pregnant? Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, getting a second opinion is essential. Start with one of our no-cost pregnancy tests.
Options Counseling
There are three options for an unplanned pregnancy. It’s essential to learn the pros and cons of each one to make an empowered and educated choice for your future.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound is the key to determining if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat). We offer no-cost limited ultrasounds to give you answers.
Pregnancy Testing
Do you wonder if you’re pregnant? Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, getting a second opinion is essential. Start with one of our no-cost pregnancy tests.
Options Counseling
There are three options for an unplanned pregnancy. It’s essential to learn the pros and cons of each one to make an empowered and educated choice for your future.
