Five Steps to Help Her...

Have you ever thought about how you can support a friend/girlfriend/family member when they’re faced with an unplanned pregnancy?

Here are five steps you can take:

Happy couple sitting on a rocky beach, playfully covering each other's faces, dressed in casual attire.

Be there for her.
When she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s going to feel like life is changing too fast. This can cause a lot of anxiety. Let her know that you’re there to listen and that she’s not alone.

A couple dancing barefoot on a pier by the ocean with a blue sky background.

Be Positive.
Try not to respond with alarm when she’s already stressed—choose to be calm and reassuring.

A couple sitting on a wooden dock by the lake watching a colorful sunset. The sky is pink and orange, reflecting on the water.

Help Her.
Identify ways you can help and offer to lend a hand. Could she use help finding a doctor, picking up her latest pregnancy cravings, or getting supplies? Don’t be overbearing. Just be available.

A couple sitting together on a wooden path in a dry field, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

Provide Rest and Relaxation.
 This might be the most challenging period of her life. Support and encourage her. Let her know she still deserves a little pampering. Treat her to a meal, have a movie night at home, or indulge her with a spa day.

Group of young adults sitting on the beach around a campfire, talking and enjoying drinks, with deck chairs and a beach hut in the background.

Create a Support Network.
Have friends and family join in to help her as she adjusts to motherhood. Throw a baby shower, set up meal trains to help feed her, raise gas money or offer to drive her to appointments, start a GoFundMe page, or fundraise to help pay for baby supplies.

Start to think about this today, just in case.
Plan to be there for her. She’ll need your support. The key is not to panic if you or your friend faces an unplanned pregnancy.