If you recently found out you’re pregnant and are worried about telling your parents, that’s understandable. Pregnancy is a life-changing event, no matter what you choose to do. However, there are strategies that you can take to make telling your parents easier.
Take a Deep Breath
The most important thing to do is to calm down and take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Learning about an unplanned pregnancy can feel scary and overwhelming, but learning calming breathing techniques will help you as you prepare to tell your parents.
Different breathing techniques can help ease anxiety—diaphragmatic breathing is one such technique. To practice this kind of breathing, do the following:
- Put one hand on your upper chest and the other below your rib cage to feel your diaphragm as you breathe. (The hand below your rib cage correlates to your diaphragm.)
- Breathe in as slowly as you can through your nose. You should feel your stomach moving out as you inhale, but the hand on your chest should remain still.
- Tighten your lips and exhale. As you exhale, keep your stomach muscles tight. Again, the hand on your chest should remain still.
If you’re anxious about telling your parents, try this breathing technique, and your body will quickly calm down.
Practice What You Want to Say
Part of the fear of telling your parents likely stems from what you’ll say and how they’ll react. While you can’t control their reaction, rehearsing what you want to say will help you have an element of control over the situation.
Key questions to think about include:
- What details will I tell them?
- Am I seeking their advice about what to do next?
- Have I researched what I want to do next?
- What will I do if they don’t react the way I want them to?
Decide Where to Tell Them
Determining where to tell your parents is another way to have control of the situation. Do you feel more comfortable at home? At a park? Choose where you’ll feel most at ease when you tell them.
If you’re worried for your safety, it’s essential to bring a trusted support person, such as a friend or relative, and tell your parents in a public setting.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Alexandrina Pregnancy Center is here for you, and we understand what you’re going through. We offer free pregnancy resources in a caring, non-judgmental space. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment—walk-ins are also welcome.