If your friend just found out she’s pregnant unexpectedly, she needs your support now more than ever. Here are a few practical ways to be there for her during this time.
1. Be Present
It can be isolating for your friend to be alone with her thoughts and feelings. Make sure to reach out, be present, and keep her company.
Set up dates to go on walks or get ice cream together. Visit her often and ensure you’re taking the time to listen rather than speak. Your supportive presence will mean the world to her.
2. Help Her with Chores and Errands
Chores and errands won’t stop when she’s pregnant.
If your friend is early in pregnancy, she could experience morning sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. She may also feel uncharacteristically fatigued and have difficulty completing her task list.
Volunteer to help her run errands, cook, clean, pick up groceries, or assist with chores. She will appreciate your help, especially if she’s not feeling well.
3. Encourage Her Regularly
Words of affirmation can make her day and keep her going.
Send her regular encouragement through calls, texts, and handwritten notes. You can even bring small gifts like her favorite snack to lift her spirits and let her know you are thinking of her.
4. Research Resources and Options
Your friend could feel at a crossroads if she hasn’t chosen what to do next. She could choose parenting, adoption, or abortion.
Help her research her options and local community resources. If she doesn’t have health insurance, you may also want to help her look into Medicaid and other coverage options.
Ensuring she’s receiving quality care right now is so important. She has more physical, mental, and emotional needs than maybe ever before.
5. Connect Her to Pathways Clinic
Connect your friend to Pathways Clinic so she can receive early pregnancy services, resources, and support. You are welcome to come with your friend to her appointments.
We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, community resources, and support to help your friend during this time. Our services are free of charge and will help inform her of her available options and essential pregnancy details.
Schedule an appointment today. We are here to help.