Hearing those three little words, “I am pregnant,” can strike fear in the heart of any man who’s not ready to be a parent. You’re not alone. Many men have found themselves in your exact position.
So what are your choices, and what can you do next? Contact Pathways. We have men you can talk to about your options and how you’re feeling. Schedule a free appointment today.
Has She Confirmed Her Pregnancy?
Sometimes, a late period and a positive pregnancy test aren’t enough to confirm a developing pregnancy. According to experts, as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks.
The most reliable way to confirm a pregnancy is with a limited obstetrical ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms three things:
- Is the pregnancy developing, or has she miscarried? When the ultrasound detects a fetal heartbeat, the pregnancy is continuing.
- Is the pregnancy located in the uterus? Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. They are known as ectopic pregnancies. An ultrasound determines the location of the pregnancy. If it is not in her uterus, it presents a life-threatening health issue.
- How far along is she? By knowing when she got pregnant, you both have a better idea of the options available and how to move forward.
If your partner has not confirmed her pregnancy with a limited ultrasound, we encourage you to schedule a confidential appointment today. We’ll start by providing pregnancy testing. If it’s positive, we’ll schedule an ultrasound.
Is It Time to Discuss Your Options?
You and your partner have three options: she can have an abortion, you can place your child for adoption, or you can choose to co-parent. The final decision is hers, but your support and wishes can go a long way in helping her decide.
Give yourself time to accept the situation. Don’t react out of fear. No matter what, if your partner confirms her pregnancy, you are a father now. You have a responsibility.
Discuss your concerns openly with her. Don’t pressure her to make one decision over another. At Pathways, we can review all of your options with you. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we’re not afraid to talk about the procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential physical and emotional consequences. Tennessee banned abortion, so she may need to travel to obtain one.
We are also not a licensed child-placing agency, but if you would like more information about placing your child for adoption, we can assist you. With today’s adoption process, you can both select the couple who will raise your child and have contact with them after placement.
When you discuss the idea of co-parenting, make sure you reach out to us to learn about the many parenting resources available. If your partner chooses to parent and you are unmarried, she automatically has sole legal and physical custody of the child at birth. You should learn the paternity laws of Tennessee.
Pathways Is Here to Help You Both
Having someone to confide in is crucial at these times in your life. We are here for both of you. We can offer referrals, help explain your rights, or simply provide a listening ear.
Reach out to a team member at Pathways. You can conveniently schedule an appointment online, call us at (423) 968-4673, or text us at (423) 742-7850. You can even text us after hours if necessary.
There is a path forward. Contact us to help you find it.