When your partner tells you she is pregnant, your first questions may be practical ones. Where should she go first? What happens at an appointment? What role should you play?
The good news is that asking these questions already shows a willingness to be involved.
You don’t need medical knowledge or a finished plan to support her well. Support requires attention, honesty, and follow-through, beginning with her first appointment.
Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center provides support and services for both you and your partner, and all of your appointments are free and confidential.
Start With Her Health
A positive home test is an indication of pregnancy, not a complete picture.
At Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center, your partner can receive free, medical-grade pregnancy testing and a doctor’s confirmation of pregnancy.
If the result is positive, our team can offer a referral for an ultrasound to answer three essential questions:
- Is the pregnancy viable?
- How far along is she?
- Where is the pregnancy located?
You can also help your partner protect her health by knowing symptoms that may indicate something is wrong.
If your partner has severe abdominal or pelvic pain with vaginal bleeding, extreme lightheadedness or fainting, or shoulder pain, it can be a sign of a dangerous complication called ectopic pregnancy.
If you notice these signs, take her to the emergency room or call 911.
Ask Before You Assume
Some women want their partner present for every visit. Others prefer to attend certain appointments alone, and that preference may change from one visit to the next.
Ask her directly what would be most helpful, and respect her answer.
Practical help often carries the most weight. You can drive her, arrange time off work, write down her questions beforehand, and keep track of dates.
During the appointment, let her lead the conversation about her own health.
Speak Plainly About the Decision
She will likely want to know where you stand. Tell her honestly what you think and how you feel.
Clear communication gives her reliable information to weigh.
Pressure works against her, however. Share your perspective, then give her room to think.
Our options consultations provide accurate information about parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Additionally, our peer counseling offers her a place to talk through questions with someone outside the relationship.
Prepare Alongside Her
If you are planning to parent, preparation can begin now.
Our registered nurse teaches free classes on pregnancy, childbirth, child development, parenting, and breastfeeding support.
Through our Learn To Earn Program, you and your partner can both earn points to exchange for diapers, formula, maternity and baby clothes, and other necessities.
We also offer practical resources, as available, for you and your child through the first year of life.
Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center Is Here
Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center provides free, confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasound referrals, options consultations, peer counseling, and parenting education.
Both of you are welcome to learn what is available.
Schedule your free appointment today.