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First Steps for Men After Hearing “I’m Pregnant”

Those two words, “I’m pregnant,” can completely upend your world. You didn’t plan on hearing them until you were settled, maybe married, started your career, bought a house…later.

Apparently, later is now. If your partner has announced that she’s pregnant, your first step is to let her know you’re with her. An unexpected pregnancy is shocking and scary for both of you. She needs to know you will handle it together.

Confirm Her Pregnancy

If she’s taken a home test or needs to retest, make sure she follows these steps:

  • Doesn’t retake a test or tests after the first day of her missed period.
  • Checks the expiration date on the test.
  • Reads the instructions thoroughly before beginning the test.
  • Takes the test in the morning when her urine is most concentrated.
  • Follow the instructions carefully.
  • Wait the recommended amount of time for the results to appear.
  • Retest in 3 to 5 days to confirm the result.

Although her period may be late, and she’s taken a home pregnancy test, she should still confirm her pregnancy. The two of you should visit her primary care physician or a pregnancy center to have a medical professional administer a pregnancy test.

Encourage her also to get an ultrasound. Experts estimate that 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Many miscarriages occur early in pregnancy. She could get a positive pregnancy test result, but no longer be pregnant.

Most pregnancy centers offer no-cost ultrasounds. It’s a vital step you shouldn’t skip.

Discuss Your Options

You have three options: have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to co-parent.

Abortion

At this point, abortion in Missouri is legal until “viability.” Viability means a fetus can live outside the uterus, which is usually around 22 or 23 weeks. A typical pregnancy can be 40 weeks.

The FDA approves the use of the drugs for the abortion pill method through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along your partner is, the less effective the drugs are.

If she’s more than 10 weeks, you may need to consider a surgical procedure.

Adoption

If you and your partner do not see yourselves in a long-term relationship, you may want to consider placing your child for adoption. Obviously, the team at A Gift of Hope Adoptions can assist you if you would like to consider it.

The birth parents receive all adoption services for free. In addition, the potential adoptive parents cover your partner’s medical care and hospital expenses if insurance isn’t available.

Adoption is not an easy choice to make, but if parenting isn’t an option, you can still build a relationship with your child on your own.

Parenting

To properly parent, it’s essential to be in a committed relationship, but if you don’t intend to be together long-term, you can choose to co-parent. At A Gift of Hope Adoptions, we can provide you with referrals to resources that can assist you.

For instance, there are numerous free or income-based clinics throughout Missouri. You can receive help with food, energy bills, medical care, counseling, and other essential needs.

We’ll help you access those services if you feel adoption is not an option.

Let A Gift of Hope Adoptions Help You Both

We understand this is an overwhelming time. Neither of you expected this to happen. Let’s talk about your partner’s pregnancy and the future for both of you.

There are families ready and waiting to adopt your child should you choose this route. In fact, you and your partner can pick the couple based on what’s important to both of you.

Once your partner has confirmed her pregnancy, please call A Gift of Hope Adoptions at (888) 564-HOPE (4673). We’re here to help you in any way possible.

What Questions Can We Answer?

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testimonials

Elizabeth and A Gift of Hope have been a touchstone during our adoption process. Having had issues with a previous agency – Elizabeth was a breath of fresh air! Reassuring, supportive and empathetic. We are so in love with our daughter and thank A Gift of Hope everyday for her!

AGOHA is a great agency that has provided amazing support and guidance though the adoption process. Would highly recommend AGOHA!

Our family has used their services for adoption. It’s wonderful dealing with someone who is looking out for the whole child, not just placing kids.

A Gift of Hope Adoptions is a Godsend for so many expectant young mothers. I completely recommend this organization for anyone interested in providing a wonderful life for their soon-to-be baby. This organization is also a Godsend for those of us who cannot have our own biological children.

I have recommended A Gift of Hope Adoptions to several mother’s considering adoptions for their babies. They have been so happy to feel supported and empowered through their decision.
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“We adopted both of our sons through A Gift of Hope Adoptions. They helped us every step of the way and answered all the questions we had, and we had a lot! We would not be where we are today, with two busy boys in our family, if it wasn’t for A Gift of Hope.”

“We decided to use A Gift of Hope Adoptions because they are very personal and caring. The wait and uncertainty of adoption seemed daunting, but A Gift of Hope helped make the process go smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with our beautiful child.”