How do I help my friend who is pregnant? That’s a big question. First of all, if you’re even reading this, it means you’re exactly the type friend she needs right now. Second, your friend is lucky to have someone like you in her life.
So let’s get to it. How do I support a friend who is accidentally pregnant? Well, there are a few things, and for ease of remembering, we’ll use the pneumonic device HUGS: Hear her, Understand, Gather, Support. Keep reading to learn more about each letter.
h- hear her
If your friend just found out she’s accidentally pregnant, her whole world has turned upside down. Her emotions are all over the place and her mind is swimming. Chances are, she just needs someone to listen. There is a lot for her to mentally sort through, and she’s going to need you to be a sounding board for all her thoughts.
It’s important to remember: do not give your opinion yet unless specifically asked for it. Too many opinions are going to completely overwhelm her as she’s already overwhelmed.
U- understand
When she is deciding what to do about her accidental pregnancy, it’s important and natural for her to navigate all three options. If she’s talking to you about each option, always remember that just because she’s talking about it doesn’t mean that is what she has decided. Many women don’t feel ready to decide for several weeks after finding out they are pregnant.
Be gracious and patient, but most of all, kind. Right now, she feels that all 3 of her options feel like bad options.
g- gather
Her mind is spinning and it’s easy for her to rush into a decision because of panic. However, no matter which option she chooses, it will be a part of her life story forever, so it’s important that she writes a chapter she’ll be proud she wrote 5 years from now.
Help her gather the information on her options. Help her navigate the legitimacy of the things she’s reading online and encourage her to speak to a medical professional before she takes the abortion pills. Not every woman is a candidate for the abortion pills, and since she’ll have the abortion at home without medical supervision, she needs to be completely informed for her safety.
We offer zero cost, completely confidential pre-abortion screenings – no insurance required. Screenings are all we do. Our registered nurses are experts and are waiting to help your friend. You can gather all the personalized medical data you need with us.
S- support
Remember, this isn’t your pregnancy. Your friend might make a choice you think is wrong or she might make the choice you would make. Whatever route she chooses, she’s going to need you. Remember, no matter what option she chooses, her life is never going to be the same.
It’s okay to encourage her to see us. We’ll support her, too, by empowering her with the data and facts she needs to make an educated decision for the outcome of her pregnancy.
The decision is hers alone, but she doesn’t have to make it alone. Tap here to schedule an appointment with us – we’re here to help.