While an unexpected pregnancy is never convenient, navigating these waters around the holiday season can be especially tricky.
Should you share the news with relatives you don’t see very often? Should you avoid family gatherings? What if they ask intrusive questions you don’t know how to answer?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s perfectly natural. Read this article for encouragement and practical steps you can take to make this hectic season as stress-free as possible.
Assess Your Current Situation
If you haven’t decided what you’re going to do about your pregnancy yet, addressing it with curious friends or family members can be incredibly daunting. This season, you must put your peace of mind before anything else.
Take time to think about where you are at in the decision process and what you know and don’t know yet. If you feel confident in your decision, you can enter the holiday gathering more easily.
However, if you still need to share the news or are still deciding, be prepared for questions and how you’ll handle them.
If your partner (or a trusted friend) is present and involved, be willing to lean on them as support through the holidays.
Practice What to Say
People might be curious, so prepare for questions at holiday events. Remember, you do not need to answer every question. You can decline to answer if you feel uncomfortable.
The best thing you can do is anticipate any questions and prepare answers ahead of time. If you don’t know the answer to some of the potential questions, you don’t have to share any details or you can simply say, “I don’t know.”
If the questions are coming from your immediate family, they probably have good intentions and are concerned about your well-being. Try to extend extra patience with those close to you who are still trying to process the news.
Give Yourself Some Space
Whether it’s fatigue or wanting to avoid prying questions, feel free to decline event invitations if you do not feel up to them. Most people will understand that giving yourself as much space and grace as you need in this season is important.
However, too much social isolation isn’t healthy. Make sure to spend time with people who encourage and support you. A small group can feel better than a large gathering.
Next Steps
Whether you have questions or need a chance to evaluate your options, we offer no-cost consultations here at AscentCare. We will provide a safe and confidential space to help you process the news.
We also offer complimentary ultrasounds that can give you essential information such as your pregnancy’s viability, location, and age. These details may impact your decision, so make sure an ultrasound is a part of your decision-making process.
Contact us today to make a no-cost appointment.