FAQ - My daughter is pregnant
My daughter's pregnant
This is my worst nightmare – what should I do?
It can be a terrible shock to find out that your daughter is pregnant if it is unplanned or unexpected. Perhaps you had no idea she was sexually active or you thought she was ‘being careful’. Perhaps she is very young, or at school. Maybe she has a promising career ahead of her. She may or may not have a partner. Any or all of these situations can feel as though it is your ‘worst nightmare’. And your reaction may be anger, disappointment, feelings of helplessness and frustration at the circumstances or deep anxiety about your daughter’s future. You may feel all or none of these things.
Do you know how your daughter is feeling? What you say to her at this time is important and your support and help will be vital to her (see What should I say to my daughter?).
If your daughter is unsure what to do next, you can help her by encouraging her to find out more information, or by finding out some information yourself and sharing it with her.
Where can I find information?
At TPAC our team of advisors are here for your daughter to talk to. They’ll listen to her and help her work through any concerns or questions she may have. They can give her information about pregnancy, birth, abortion and adoption, and they also have lots of information available about the support and help that’s available to mothers in different circumstances. Our specially trained ultrasonographers can give her a free ultrasound scan so she can see her baby and learn about development if she would like to.
For your daughter, talking about her situation and her feelings may help her to see the issues more clearly and can be a first step towards making a positive decision about her future.
The advisors at TPAC are here for you too. If either you or your daughter would like help or support you can make an appointment, just drop in, or call our helpline.
What should I say to my daughter?
First of all – it will be really important for your daughter to know that you still love her, whatever your feelings may be about her being pregnant. She may well be feeling shocked and overwhelmed, or perhaps guilty or confused. Reminding her of your love, and affirming your support for her is the best thing you can do right now. You may well want to say other things, and you will be able to, later.
Secondly, encourage her to talk. Being able to talk openly about her feelings and thoughts on the pregnancy can be the first step towards finding a way forward.
Thirdly, you can encourage her to find out all the information she needs about her baby and what is happening to her body. At TPAC our team of advisors are here for your daughter to talk to. They’ll listen to her and help her work through any concerns or questions she may have. They can give her information about pregnancy, birth, abortion and adoption, and also have lots of information available about the support and help that’s available to mothers in different circumstances. Our specially trained ultrasonographers can give her a free ultrasound scan so she can see her baby and learn about development if she would like to.
If you would like to contact us yourself to find out information to share with your daughter please do make an appointment or just drop in.