How to Talk with My Extended Family About My Unexpected Pregnancy Over the Holidays

Finding out you are dealing with an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming enough, but knowing you have to tell your extended family can add additional pressure for you.

Not knowing how they will react, or suspecting they will respond a certain way, can add even more uncertainty and stress for you.

Continue reading for tips on how to talk to your extended family about your unexpected pregnancy, and what you can do beforehand to make the conversation go better.

One important note: Your safety should always be your top priority—if you are ever concerned for your safety, get to a safe place and call 911.

The Right Time to Talk to Your Parents

Staying and visiting with family, especially over the holidays, can be a good time to talk to them about your pregnancy.

While it may seem tempting to put off the conversation, the sooner you talk with them, the better.

First, the longer you wait, the greater the risk that they will find out accidentally, which can create unnecessary tension and take away your chance to tell them on your own terms.

Additionally, waiting too long will add to your overall stress and make you feel tense, which can lead to more conflict and frustration for you and your family.

When planning on a time to speak to your family, try and find a time that you know will be quieter and calm, and avoid public or crowded places. Choosing a quiet and calm space can create a more peaceful environment that allows them to process the news and work through their feelings.

Remember that they will likely feel a lot of the same emotions you felt when you first discovered your unexpected pregnancy and give them space to share those emotions.

Another helpful tip is to gather as much information as you can about your pregnancy before talking with your family.

An ultrasound scan can provide valuable information about your pregnancy, including its age and health. Sharing these details of your pregnancy and how you plan to proceed can help them understand that you are in control.

Once you give them the details of your pregnancy and explain your plan, ask them to support your decision and offer suggestions on how they can help.

Remember, just like you, they may feel overwhelmed, scared, or even angry at times, so don’t be surprised if you end up having to have more than one conversation, and don’t be surprised if you have to give them time to get used to the idea.

Getting the Facts You Need

If you need to get the facts and details about your pregnancy before talking to your extended family, we’re here to help.

The team at New Life Clinic offers pregnancy test confirmation and a follow-up ultrasound scan, all at no cost to you.

Our trained staff can walk you through your ultrasound scan results, answer your questions, and provide valuable tips for talking with your family about your pregnancy.