My Girlfriend is Pregnant, Now What?
It’s a lot to take in. Moments like this can make you feel powerless, but the truth is, your response matters more than you realize. You may not have control over the situation, but you do have influence. How you respond will reflect more about your strength and character than almost anything else in your life so far.
This is the time to stay grounded and think clearly. Reacting in panic can make things harder. Responding with calm and care can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll explore what she may be feeling, what steps to take next, and how you can both move forward.
Is My Girlfriend Pregnant?
Before doing anything, it’s important to know for sure. If she hasn’t taken a pregnancy test yet, that’s the first step. Lifeline PRC offers no-cost pregnancy testing to help confirm whether she’s pregnant.
If the test comes back positive, the next step is to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound.
Why? A positive test detects hormones related to pregnancy, but it doesn’t confirm that the pregnancy is developing or viable. Lifeline PRC provides no-cost ultrasounds, and you’re welcome to come with her for support during the appointment.
What Not To Do When Your Girlfriend Is Pregnant
It’s natural to feel like everything is spinning out of control right now. Before talking about what you can do, let’s start with what not to do.
Don’t Walk Away
Stress triggers the fight-or-flight instinct, and leaving may feel like an escape. But don’t. She’s carrying more emotional weight than you can see, and your steady presence matters more than perfect words or plans.
Don’t Fight
When emotions are high, arguments can happen easily. Avoid letting fear or frustration take over. This isn’t the time to prove a point or find blame—it’s the time to listen and support. She doesn’t need all the answers from you right now. She just needs to know you’re in it with her.
What Options Are There?
When it comes to the pregnancy, the decision ultimately belongs to her. Generally, women can choose to:
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Carry the pregnancy and parent
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Place the baby for adoption
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End the pregnancy through abortion
Research shows that unmarried women with unplanned pregnancies choose to carry about 60% of the time and abort about 40% of the time.¹
Remember, abortion is a serious and often emotional decision. Pressure from a partner is one of the strongest predictors of regret and long-term emotional distress.² Instead of pushing her toward a choice, walk with her as she considers what’s right for her life and your shared future.
She doesn’t have to decide alone — and neither do you.
“I’m Not Ready To Be A Dad.”
You’re not alone in that feeling. Almost every new father feels unprepared at first. But being ready doesn’t mean having everything figured out—it means being willing to step up, learn, and grow.
Fatherhood has a way of shaping strength and purpose. It calls out qualities like protection, leadership, and love that may surprise you. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up.
Worrying about money, freedom, or lost plans is normal, but those things often look different once you meet your child. Many men regret walking away from fatherhood. Very few regret leaning into it.
Support in Nampa and Caldwell
You don’t have to face this alone. Lifeline PRC is here for both of you. We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, relationship support, and fatherhood mentoring to help you take the next steps with confidence.