You just took a pregnancy test and discovered that you might be pregnant; now what? It’s easy for fear to quickly take over, especially if this was an unplanned pregnancy. You might not have the support of your family or your partner- or fear their reaction. And you also have to deal with the fact that you might be becoming a parent. It’s a lot to take in, so here is an easy guide to help you figure out your next steps. 
 
1.) First things first, don’t panic! This might be easier said than done, but allow yourself to take a moment or even a few days to digest this news. Take a walk, a warm bath, or even a nap. Just focus on reducing stress and giving yourself a little time to process. 
 
2.) Next, you should verify your pregnancy. Sometimes you can get a false positive or an ectopic pregnancy so before you worry about your next steps, make an appointment to ensure that your pregnancy is viable. 
 
3.) Once you have verified your pregnancy, it might be time to tell your partner, depending on your situation. Again, it’s essential to pick a time and place that is comfortable and free of distractions so you can have an open conversation.
 
4.) At this point, you might start considering your options. For example, are you ready to be a parent? If not, will you consider adoption? There are many options available to pregnant women, so knowing and educating yourself on those options is essential to making an informed decision. 
 
5.) After telling your partner, you might consider telling friends and family that you are expecting. While it can be tempting to tell them right away, take your time and try to tell your partner first. It also helps to have a plan for your pregnancy so you can make strong decisions and not feel influenced by others. 
Don’t feel like you have to have all the answers right now. This is a life-changing event that might take some time for you to register and process. If you need pregnancy care, verification of your pregnancy, or resources on pregnancy options, we offer no cost and no judgment medical services to support you at this time.