For many, the holidays are a time of joy and family gatherings, reuniting with friends and loved ones and enjoying the time together. However, when you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, those gatherings can turn from a source of happiness to a source of anxiety. While they may mean well, the conversations and questions that can arise can be uncomfortable and hard to navigate. In today’s post, we discuss some tips for handling these conversations with your family in a respectful and loving way. For more resources and support, during the holidays and beyond, contact Hope Pregnancy Center today.

Text: 405-531-9011
OKC North – 405-755-5433
OKC South – 405-688-8700
Edmond, OK – 405-330-0200
Tulsa, OK – 918-622-3325
Ardmore, OK – 580-223-7232

Think Through What You Want to Share

Whether your family members know about your unplanned pregnancy or not, they’re bound to have questions for you when they learn of it (is the father in the picture, what pregnancy option have you decided on, etc.). And while you can’t control their questions, you can control the way the conversation goes. If a question is asked that makes you uncomfortable, simply tell them you’d rather not discuss it right now and change the topic. It may be helpful to think through beforehand what aspects of your pregnancy you’re comfortable talking about. Consider sharing what you’ve decided on with a few other family members who can provide you with support and help steer the conversation back on track when needed.

Navigating the Many Opinions

While they mean well, you’ll most likely have a few family members that will share their opinions on your unplanned pregnancy with you. They’re often speaking from a place of love and concern, but it doesn’t always come out this way. When faced with this situation, try to turn it into a positive. Thank them for their opinion or their insights and try to keep the conversation moving. Saying something like “I really appreciate your input and will think about what you’ve said, but right now what I really need is your support.”

Give Them Grace

One of the most important things to remember is how you felt when you first discovered you were pregnant. The rush of emotions, the questions you had, and how it took time for you to process the news. Now it’s your family’s turn to process the news; try to extend them some grace if they reactive negatively. More often than not, they’re reacting emotionally and even though they may say some hurtful things, after they’ve had time to process, the emotions will settle and apologies will be made.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all else, make sure that you’re not overextending yourself. Holidays can be a hectic time, and if you need to take a break throughout the activities, or even not attend at all and schedule a smaller family get together, do it! It’s easy to feel pressured to attend, but only you know your limits and you need to take care of yourself. You may also consider planning a fun or relaxing activity after the holidays to unwind and have something to look forward to. You’re caring for two people now, not just yourself, and need to ensure you’re looking out for both of you first and foremost.

Find Support and Help

If you’re still not sure if you can handle the holiday conversations, or simply need some resources and support for your unplanned pregnancy, contact Hope Pregnancy Center today. We’re here to support you through every stage of your pregnancy and discuss all of your pregnancy options in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. We offer free resources such as pregnancy testing, medical referrals, maternity supplies, parenting education, and more. Text us at 405-531-9011, stop in at one of our centers at any time, or send us a message online to learn more about our services and how we can help. We’d love to meet with you.

OKC North – 405-755-5433
OKC South – 405-688-8700
Edmond, OK – 405-330-0200
Tulsa, OK – 918-622-3325
Ardmore, OK – 580-223-7232