It’s late at night, you’re getting ready for bed, and you get a text from your friend. “Can we talk?” she asks. “Sure, you reply, and then answer your phone when she calls, never expecting to hear the next two words from your best friend: “I’m pregnant.”
What do you say? How do you deal with your own feelings, knowing what she must be feeling right now? You may be worried about saying the wrong thing, but take a deep breath and remember that she just trusted you with some potentially life-changing news, and she needs you.
Right now, she is probably experiencing a wide variety of feelings and emotions. She may be upset, scared, or even a bit excited. Listen to her, but don’t pressure her to talk. Tell her that you’re there for her no matter what, and offer to help.
One way you can help is by telling her about Life Options, a pregnancy clinic that can help her understand her pregnancy and the choices she has now. They will discuss all her options with her and give her the support and information she needs to make a decision, and walk through the journey with her.
Help Her Confirm Her Pregnancy.
If your friend only took a home test, it’s important to confirm the results. What if she’s not actually pregnant? Life Options offers free pregnancy tests that are medical quality, 99% accurate, and more sensitive than some over-the-counter varieties. Encourage her to come to Life Options for a free pregnancy test, even if she’s already taken a home test. Ask her if she would like you to come with her to the appointment.
Help Her Explore Her Options
As your friend works through all of her options, she’s going to need your support. It can be overwhelming to think about everything. Ask her what she needs; don’t assume. Maybe she needs you to listen. Maybe she needs some time alone first. Always be positive and encouraging. Remember, Life Options can give her info about all of her options, including parenting, abortion, and adoption. There’s a lot consider, and they’re here to support her-just like you.
Help Her Get An Ultrasound
Even if your friend has had a positive pregnancy test at home and is thinking about abortion, she should know that 25% to 31% of early pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, avoiding the need for an abortion. An ultrasound will help determine if her pregnancy is able to survive or if the pregnancy might end naturally through a miscarriage. After having a positive test at Life Options, we’ll provide her with a free ultrasound right here, and you can be with her.
Help Her Tell Family And Friends.
Honor the fact that she trusted you with this news, and don’t tell anyone without her express permission. Your friend may be worried about disappointing her parents or losing a boyfriend. You can help by reminding her that you’ll respect her decisions, no matter what, but that you care about her.
Offer to help her tell them when she’s ready, and let her know that Life Options can help her make decisions. Our goal is to give her the freedom to choose what is best for her unique circumstances. We can also speak with her parents or boyfriend in a private and safe setting, and help her tell them and talk through the situation.
Do You Need To Talk To Someone?
It can be stressful to know how to best help a friend who’s facing an unplanned pregnancy. She’s going to need your support in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Your friendship may change, and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything.
We’re here for you too. Our medical staff and consultants can answer questions that you may have about her pregnancy and the options available to help, or even just talk when you need it. Give us a call or walk in to any of our center locations. We’ll keep everything confidential, so it’s a safe place to talk.