MY FRIEND MAY BE PREGNANT…HOW CAN I HELP?
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. The news would most likely cause a lot of stress and upheaval in day-to-day life, so it is crucial that your friend doesn’t feel isolated and can feel that you’ll provide a safety net. If you have a friend in this situation, read this article for suggestions on how to be present for your friend.
Check in on Your Friend – Once she has shared the news with you, ensure that she has people she can rely on, whether that’s friends or family. Be ready to listen and help her reason out her thoughts without judging or criticizing.
While she may ask for space to process the news, don’t be afraid to text her so she knows she is not alone, and you are there if she needs anything. Send her a gift card or have her favorite meal or coffee delivered. Just reassure her that you are there for her. Do thoughtful things that respect her privacy, while at the same time letting let her know that she’s not alone and provide an opportunity for her to process.
Offer Your Support – As you reach out to her directly after she’s shared the news with you, make sure that she knows you are there for the long haul, whether it’s a listening ear or offering to go to a doctor’s appointment with her. Depending on your friend’s situation, she may already know what next steps she should take, or she might be overwhelmed by her options. Encourage her to decide out of confidence rather than fear and offer to help her in her research. You could even accompany her to a visit to the Pregnancy Care Clinic where she can verify her pregnancy with a free pregnancy test and an ultrasound.
Encourage her about the importance of obtaining an ultrasound. No matter what decision she is considering, the ultrasound will show the following:
1) The viability of her pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, she may naturally miscarry. One in three pregnancies ends in natural miscarriage. In this case, she would be advised to follow up with her medical provider.
2) The gestational age. She needs to know exactly how far along she is in the pregnancy. Gestational age is essential in her decision-making process because it can affect her eligibility for certain procedures.
3) The location of her pregnancy. If her pregnancy has been implanted anywhere outside the uterus, she could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, she would be advised to seek immediate medical attention, as an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.
Every woman deserves to be empowered with knowledge concerning her situation, and you can help your friend get through this. During times like this, it’s hard to remember to slow down and think things through and gather information before making any permanent decision. Your friend will be lucky to have you walk alongside her! Call us or come in for more information and free services.