Pregnancy loss is a devastating experience that affects families across Lorain County.

While much attention is rightfully given to mothers, the emotional impact on fathers often goes unrecognized. This oversight can leave men feeling isolated and unsure how to process their grief. Today, we’re shedding light on the unique challenges men face when dealing with pregnancy loss in Lorain County.

The Hidden Pain of Expectant Fathers

When a pregnancy ends unexpectedly, the father’s grief is often overshadowed. Society tends to focus on the mother’s physical and emotional recovery, sometimes forgetting that men also form deep bonds with their unborn children. The dreams and expectations built around fatherhood can come crashing down, leaving men struggling with a profound sense of loss.

Challenges in Expressing Grief

Men in Lorain County, like many across the country, face unique obstacles when it comes to expressing their emotions after a pregnancy loss:

1. Societal expectations: Men are often expected to be the “strong one,” supporting their partner while suppressing their own grief.
2. Lack of support networks: While support groups for women experiencing pregnancy loss are more common, similar resources for men are scarce.
3. Difficulty articulating emotions: Many men struggle to put their feelings into words, making it hard to seek help or connect with others.

The Impact of Unaddressed Grief

Ignoring the emotional toll of pregnancy loss can have serious consequences for men:

• Depression and anxiety
• Strained relationships with partners
• Difficulty bonding with future children
• Increased risk of unhealthy coping mechanisms

Supporting Men Through Pregnancy Loss in Lorain County

If you’re a man dealing with pregnancy loss or know someone who is, consider these strategies:

1. Acknowledge the loss: Recognize that your grief is valid and important.
2. Seek support: Look for men’s grief support groups and support centers in Lorain County such as the Men’s Program at Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, or online communities focused on pregnancy loss.
3. Communicate openly: Share your feelings with your partner, trusted friends, or a therapist.
4. Honor the loss: Find meaningful ways to remember and commemorate your unborn child.

Resources for Men in Lorain County

While resources specifically for men dealing with pregnancy loss are limited, several options are available:

• Cornerstone Women’s Health Center: Offers counseling and support for both men and women affected by pregnancy loss.
• Lorain County Grief Support Groups: While not specific to pregnancy loss, these groups can provide a safe space for men to express their emotions.
• Online Forums: Websites like Reddit have communities dedicated to men’s experiences with miscarriage and stillbirth.

Conclusion

The journey through pregnancy loss is challenging for all involved, and it’s crucial to recognize the unique struggles men face. By acknowledging and addressing the grief of expectant fathers in Lorain County, we can create a more supportive environment for all those affected by pregnancy loss. Remember, your feelings are valid, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you or someone you know in Lorain County is struggling with the emotional aftermath of pregnancy loss, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can break the silence surrounding men’s grief in pregnancy loss and foster healing for all affected families.

Pregnancy loss, whether it occurs as a miscarriage or stillbirth, is an emotionally devastating experience for many families. Understanding the causes, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing the steps for prevention can help manage this challenging journey.

At Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, we offer comprehensive support, including our Restoring Grace recovery program, to assist families during this difficult time.

Understanding Pregnancy Loss

Pregnancy loss is a term that encompasses both miscarriage and stillbirth. A miscarriage typically occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy, while a stillbirth happens after the 20th week. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the actual number may be higher because many losses occur before pregnancy is recognized​.

Common Causes of Pregnancy Loss

1. Chromosomal Abnormalities: Most miscarriages are caused by genetic issues that prevent the embryo from developing normally​ 
2. Health Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease can increase the risk​ 
3. Infections: Certain infections, such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, can lead to pregnancy loss​ 
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use are known risk factors​ 
5. Structural Issues: Problems with the uterus or cervix, such as fibroids or an incompetent cervix, can cause complications​ 

Recognizing Warning Signs

Being aware of the warning signs of pregnancy loss can lead to timely medical intervention. Common signs include:

• Vaginal Bleeding: Light spotting can be normal, but heavy bleeding is a cause for concern​ 
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense cramping or pain, especially if it is one-sided, should be evaluated immediately​ 
• Fluid Discharge: Leaking amniotic fluid can indicate a problem with the pregnancy​ 
• Decreased Fetal Movement: A noticeable reduction in the baby’s movements after 28 weeks of pregnancy requires prompt medical attention​ 

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

Tips for Prevention

While not all pregnancy losses can be prevented, certain steps can reduce the risk:

1. Regular Prenatal Care: Consistent check-ups allow for early detection and management of potential problems​
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances can improve pregnancy outcomes​ 
3. Managing Chronic Conditions: Proper management of existing health conditions is crucial. Work closely with your healthcare provider to keep conditions like diabetes and hypertension under control​ 
4. Stress Reduction: High levels of stress can impact pregnancy. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and counseling can be beneficial​ 
5. Education and Awareness: Learning about the signs and symptoms of complications can empower you to seek help promptly​ 

Restoring Grace: A Path to Healing

At Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, we understand that the journey after pregnancy loss is filled with emotional and physical challenges. Our Restoring Grace recovery program is designed to provide compassionate support and resources to help families heal.

Our goal is to offer holistic care that addresses the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our clients, helping them navigate the complex emotions associated with pregnancy loss and find a path to healing.

Conclusion

Pregnancy loss is a heart-wrenching experience, but understanding the causes, recognizing the warning signs, and taking preventive measures can help manage the risks. At Cornerstone Women’s Health Center, our Restoring Grace program is dedicated to providing the support and care families need to heal and move forward. If you or someone you know is struggling with pregnancy loss, please reach out to us for compassionate care and support.

If you’re in our beautiful Lorain County, Ohio and you just found out you’re pregnant…congratulations! Pregnancy is an amazing journey full of new experiences each week as your baby grows and develops. It can also bring many questions about what’s happening and what to expect along the way.

A Week-by-Week Guide for Lorain County

The best way for local moms-to-be to learn about the pregnancy changes and milestones is to follow a detailed week-by-week guide. One of the most comprehensive online resources is the What to Expect website (https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/).

Their week-by-week pregnancy guide covers everything Lorain County women need to know, including:

Baby’s Development

• Descriptions of how your baby is growing each week
• Illustrations showing their stage of development
• When key milestones like the heartbeat starting happen

Body Changes

• The physical symptoms and changes to expect weekly
• What causes things like morning sickness, cramping, etc.
• Tips for relieving common pregnancy discomforts

Nutrition & Exercise

• Dietary advice for a healthy pregnancy
• Safe local fitness options to follow by trimester
• Recommended prenatal vitamins

Appointments & Tests

• Scheduling guidance for provider visits and prenatal screening
• What procedures to expect at appointments in Lorain County
• How to prepare for local ultrasounds, glucose tests, etc.

Partner Tips

• How partners can support the expecting mom
• Advice for dads/partners connecting with the baby
• Keeping your relationship strong during this transition

The What to Expect week-by-week guide provides answers for Lorain County women on everything pregnancy-related. Bookmark it and read the upcoming weekly info regularly.

Finding Your Due Date

An important first step is using a due date calculator to estimate when your baby will arrive based on:

• The date of your last menstrual period
• The typical length of your cycles

Knowing your due date allows you to track your pregnancy’s stage and refer to the week-by-week guide accordingly.

Top Local Prenatal Resources

While online resources are very helpful, make sure to meet with your Lorain County OB/GYN or midwife regularly too. They can provide personalized care and monitoring based on your specific pregnancy health needs.

Lorain County also has excellent prenatal education resources, including:

• Mercy Health Birthing Center prenatal classes (Lorain)
• Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital prenatal & parenting programs
• Cornerstone Women’s Health Center (formerly Cornerstone Pregnancy Services) free education and ultrasounds

Taking the time to tap into local expertise and pregnancy week-by-week guides can help prepare you mentally and physically. It allows you to understand the incredible process happening and appreciate this miraculous experience as you await your little one’s arrival in Lorain County.

At the heart of every community lies the essence of support and care, especially for those experiencing life’s most pivotal moments. Cornerstone Women’s Health Center stands as a beacon of this support, offering a range of free services tailored to meet the needs of individuals navigating the complexities of pregnancy. Located in a space where warmth and understanding are paramount, Cornerstone extends its helping hand to ensure no one walks this journey alone.

This blog post delves into the best free services provided by Cornerstone Women’s Health Center. Whether it’s through comprehensive pregnancy testing, educational workshops, or post-pregnancy support, the focus remains steadfast: to empower individuals with the knowledge, resources, and care they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancy. By doing so, Cornerstone not only nurtures the immediate needs of its clients but also sows seeds of confidence and resilience that blossom well beyond the pregnancy experience.

Join us as we explore the invaluable services that make Cornerstone Women’s Health Center Services a pillar of support and guidance in the community.

Comprehensive Pregnancy Testing

Confidentiality and Comfort

Understanding the significance of privacy and comfort during such a sensitive time, Cornerstone Women’s Health Center provides confidential pregnancy testing in a nurturing environment. The warmth and discretion offered here ensure that individuals feel safe and respected throughout the process. This approach is central to Cornerstone’s mission of delivering care that is not just professional, but also deeply empathetic.

Accurate Results

The cornerstone of making an informed decision about pregnancy is having accurate information. Cornerstone Pregnancy Services offers reliable pregnancy testing, ensuring that every individual receives the clarity needed to contemplate their next steps. The tests are conducted by skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing accurate and timely results. This commitment to precision forms the foundation for the support and guidance that follows.

Educational Classes and Workshops

Parenting Skills

One of the standout services offered by Cornerstone Women’s Health Center Services is their range of educational classes and workshops designed to equip expectant parents with essential parenting skills. These classes cover a broad spectrum of topics, from basic newborn care to effective parenting strategies. The goal is to provide practical knowledge and skills that empower individuals to feel confident and prepared for the journey of parenthood.

Prenatal Care

In addition to parenting education, Cornerstone also places a strong emphasis on prenatal care. These workshops are geared towards ensuring the health and well-being of both the expectant mother and the unborn child. Topics include nutrition during pregnancy, understanding prenatal development, and preparing for a healthy delivery. These sessions are invaluable in fostering a safe and healthy pregnancy experience.

Discovering you’re pregnant can be a moment filled with a whirlwind of emotions, especially when it’s unplanned and comes after the wedding bells have faded. Unplanned pregnancy is a situation that many couples find themselves in, and it often brings a mix of joy, surprise, anxiety, and a myriad of other emotions. While it may initially seem overwhelming, an unplanned pregnancy can be a beautiful beginning to a new chapter in your married life.

This article aims to guide you through this unexpected journey, focusing on alleviating fears and highlighting the wealth of resources available to support you. Whether it’s the compassionate assistance from organizations like Cornerstone Pregnancy Services in Elyria, OH, or the unyielding support from your partner, family, and friends, you’re not alone in this. We’ll explore how to navigate your emotional responses, strengthen your marital bond, plan financially and practically, and build a broader support network.

Remember, every challenge brings an opportunity for growth, and this unexpected pregnancy could be the catalyst for an even stronger, more loving relationship with your spouse. Let’s embark on this journey together, understanding that with the right support and mindset, you can turn this surprise into a wonderful new chapter of your life.

Understanding Your Feelings

An unplanned pregnancy can stir a spectrum of emotions, from initial shock to profound joy. It’s normal to feel a whirlpool of contrasting feelings – fear, excitement, uncertainty, and hope all at once. Accepting these emotions as a natural part of your journey is the first step towards managing them effectively.

It’s crucial to allow yourself time to process these emotions. Give yourself permission to feel everything, from apprehension to anticipation. This emotional processing is not just essential for your well-being, but also for building a healthy foundation for your growing family.

Overcoming Fears

Fears and anxieties are common reactions to unplanned events, especially those as life-changing as pregnancy. Concerns about financial readiness, lifestyle changes, and parenting skills are typical. However, it’s important to address these fears head-on rather than letting them simmer beneath the surface.

One effective way to manage these fears is through open and honest communication with your partner. Sharing your worries can not only lighten your emotional load but also bring you closer together as you navigate this journey as a team.

Another key strategy is to actively seek out information and support. This is where resources like Cornerstone Pregnancy Services in Elyria, OH, come into play. Such organizations can provide practical advice, emotional support, and a sense of community. Knowing you have a support system can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

Embracing the Journey

As you navigate your emotional landscape, it’s helpful to view this unplanned pregnancy as an opportunity for growth and deepened connection with your partner. It’s a chance to explore new aspects of your relationship and to build a unique bond as future parents.

Every challenge comes with a silver lining, and in this case, it’s the chance to experience the joys and wonders of bringing a new life into the world together. Embracing this journey with a positive outlook can transform fears and uncertainties into excitement and anticipation for the future.

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Unplanned pregnancies represent a significant challenge globally, impacting individuals and societies in various ways. While there are numerous methods to prevent such occurrences, this article delves into understanding why abstinence, often overlooked, stands out as a uniquely effective approach. We’ll explore its implications, benefits, and why it merits serious consideration as a preventive strategy.

Understanding How Unplanned Pregnancies Occur

Unplanned pregnancies usually arise from a lack of effective contraceptive use, failure of contraception methods, or absence of any preventive measures. The Guttmacher Institute reports that about 45% of all pregnancies in the United States in 2019 were unintended (Guttmacher Institute, 2020). This statistic underscores the need for a reliable approach to prevent such occurrences. While contraceptives like birth control pills and condoms are commonly advocated, they are subject to usage errors and failures. Abstinence, the practice of refraining from sexual activity, stands as a definitive method in preventing unplanned pregnancies, given its absolute effectiveness when practiced consistently.

The Imperative for Abstinence as a Preventive Method

In considering preventive methods for unplanned pregnancies, abstinence emerges as a clear, unequivocal solution. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity – by refraining from sexual activity, the possibility of conception is eliminated. This approach transcends the limitations and dependencies associated with other methods like birth control and condoms, which can fail due to improper use, manufacturing defects, or access issues.

The advocacy for abstinence is rooted in its foolproof nature against unplanned pregnancies. Its benefits extend beyond mere prevention, encompassing broader aspects of physical and emotional well-being. Abstinence eliminates risks associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sidesteps the potential side effects of hormonal contraceptives. Moreover, it encourages individuals to make deliberate, mindful decisions about their sexual health and relationships.

Comparing Abstinence with Other Preventive Methods

When exploring options to prevent unplanned pregnancies, it’s important to compare abstinence with other commonly used methods like birth control and condoms. The Guttmacher Institute also noted that while contraceptive methods can be effective, their success rates vary based on type and usage consistency. For instance, the typical use failure rate for condoms is around 13%, and for birth control pills, it’s about 7% (Guttmacher Institute, 2020). In contrast, abstinence, when practiced consistently, has a failure rate of 0%, positioning it as a uniquely reliable option.

Challenges in Advocating for Abstinence

Promoting abstinence as the primary preventive method faces several challenges in contemporary society. There’s a common misconception that abstinence is unrealistic or unattainable, especially among younger demographics. Additionally, the societal shift towards more liberal attitudes about sexual behavior can sometimes overshadow the discussion on abstinence. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced approach, emphasizing the practicality and benefits of abstinence without undermining or ignoring the realities of individual experiences and choices.

The Role of Family and Community in Supporting Abstinence

The support of family and community is pivotal in promoting abstinence. A supportive environment can foster open discussions, provide accurate information, and reinforce the understanding of abstinence’s benefits. Families and communities can serve as strong pillars in encouraging and sustaining the practice of abstinence, especially among younger individuals who are often navigating complex decisions regarding their sexual health.

Conclusion: The Validity and Importance of Abstinence in Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies

In conclusion, while the conversation around preventing unplanned pregnancies is often dominated by methods like contraception, abstinence stands out as a uniquely effective and reliable strategy. Its absolute effectiveness in preventing pregnancies is unmatched, offering a clear-cut solution in a landscape filled with variable effectiveness rates of other methods.

Want to read more? Check out our other article: “Abstinence”

How To Talk To The Father Of The Baby

You have taken the pregnancy test and found yourself to be pregnant. You share the news with your parents. Maybe with a close friend. You need to talk to the father of the baby. This may be a nerve-wracking proposition, but in this article, we’ll give some tips on how to talk with him about the future. We will discuss how to prepare yourself to deal with toxic and supportive responses.

Process and Prepare

Right now you may have a storm of emotions washing over you. The feelings of shock, denial, anger, and grief can be overwhelming. These are natural. You will want to process your feelings before talking with the father of the baby. This journey of grief over the loss of innocence and the weight of the new reality you find yourself in can be perilous.

When you tell the father, remember that he is at a different point in this journey. His reaction may be similar to yours: shock, denial, anger, etc. His timeframe to process these feelings will be unique to him, not the same as you. Be understanding as he proceeds on this path, and be prepared to give answers and directions as to what is next. Having a strong relationship with your parents or other trusted adults will help you to be prepared. The best approach is to have a plan of action and affirmative statements before talking with him.

His Response To The News

Every pregnancy story is as unique as the individuals who comprise them. When you talk with the father of the baby, remember that he is not you. He has an upbringing and internal compass specific to him. He is male. Depending on his age, he will develop emotionally at a separate pace than you. He is not pregnant. The physical and emotional reality of the pregnancy is much more personal to you. This does not mean he does not care or is incapable of empathy and concern. It means that his response to the news and the journey of the pregnancy will be his own. 

One way to share the news of the pregnancy is to share an ultrasound picture (or video). Often, seeing an ultrasound can help a guy process the reality of pregnancy. An ultrasound moves the baby from an idea to a reality. An ultrasound can help a father-to-be bond with the unborn baby.

Toxic Response To Pregnancy

It is possible that when you talk with the baby’s father you will receive a very negative response. In fact, that response may be downright toxic. In order to prepare for this there are a few things to remember and be prepared to stick to as non-negotiable. 

Define roles – state early that you are making decisions in this pregnancy. While he is welcome to be a positive participant in the pregnancy, the final say will lay with you and your parents. 

Set boundaries – you will set the level of involvement in your pregnancy. In a healthy relationship, an involved father is a wonderful thing. A toxic relationship or toxic response will require that you are steadfast in your beliefs and decisions about your pregnancy. 

Establish responsibilities – the birth and care of a child will involve many responsibilities. Set the expectations for yourself and the father of the baby. Unspoken expectations will lead to disappointments, frustrations, and anger. 

Seek legal protections – some actions and attitudes may require legal interventions to protect you and your baby. Read more about what to do if your boyfriend wants you to end your pregnancy.

Supportive Response To Pregnancy

Hopefully, when you talk with the father of your baby, he and his family will be supportive of your decision to carry your baby. Even if he is supportive, there will still need to be established roles, responsibilities, and boundaries between you two. Clear expectations will help prevent interruptions in your relationship. Work to foster a positive relationship with the father’s family. They will be grandparents soon, and you can expect them to be part of your child’s life in the future. 

Parents can have their own expectations. In some situations, parents may anticipate that marriage will follow childbirth. Marriage can be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between mother and father and establish a supportive and loving home for the child. But, it must be what you want, and what the baby’s father wants. If you believe that you are being coerced into marriage, there are services available to help you protect your freedom.

Marriage is not the only option available for a positive parenting experience. Some couples may choose to co-parent instead. It is possible to have a healthy parenting relationship with the father of the baby without having to have a romantic one. When you co-parent, the mutual focus of raising a thriving child can unite the mother and father in a common goal. This goal requires open communication, clarity of purpose, and mutually agreed-upon objectives. Parenting is challenging, even for married couples. A good attitude and communication will go a long way to a successful parenting relationship.

Help Him Prepare For Fatherhood

Just as you may be discovering how to be a mother, the young man who is the father of your baby will be discovering how to be a dad. A great place to start is at a local Pregnancy Resource Center. 

Both of you can benefit from a listening ear. Plus, you can learn about relationships, childbirth, and parenting through courses. And that’s not all the resources that are available to you at your local center. You both may need help with finding employment or continuing education so that you can help provide for your baby. Cornerstone can guide you. Being prepared and proactive will help ensure a good relationship with the father and a healthy pregnancy for you and the baby. 

Sources

1. Summary, A GoodTherapy.org News. “Do Boys and Girls Express Their Emotions Differently?” GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog, 23 Oct. 2013.
2. Preidt, R. (2014, April 30). Pregnancy ultrasound a big bonding moment for dads-to-be. WebMD. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
3. Robboy, C. (2022). What are boundaries? Center for Growth Therapy. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
4. Forced marriage. The AHA Foundation. (2022, October 17). Retrieved October 28, 2022.

What To Do If Your Daughter Is Pregnant

“I’m pregnant.” Two words you never expected to hear from your teenage daughter. Words that have consequences which will change your relationship with her forever.  Teen pregnancies have been declining in the recent past to record lows (1). But the latest Office of Population Affairs records 158,043 births to teens ages 15-19 years old (2). This means that if your daughter has shared with you that she is pregnant, you are not alone. Wondering What To Do If Your Daughter Is Pregnant? Keep reading.

What to Actually Do if Your Daughter is Pregnant

Have you processed the initial revelation of your daughter’s pregnancy? We’ll cover the stages of grief you may go through before you come to accept the truth of the situation. You’ll equip yourself with resources to educate everyone involved. You’ll locate the services necessary to ensure a healthy mother, baby, and birth. We have gathered some steps and suggestions for you and your daughter. Here are three things to do today: Love, Listen and Learn. 

Love both your daughter and the developing baby which she carries. In the Bible, the apostle Peter instructs us, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 NIV) Despite what other feelings you experience, let love be at the forefront. It helps you and her smooth the bumps in the road of this challenging expedition. 

Listen to everyone involved. Communication and support are key to a successful pregnancy. Good communication integrates all participating parties. Your daughter, the father, and his family will all have something to say. Have an open ear and open heart to hear what they wish to share.

Read More In Part Two: How To Talk To Father Of The Baby

Read Part Two

Learn what a local PRC has available for you and your daughter. Their services will be a blessing as you and your daughter walk this road together. (More on that later.)

The news that your daughter is pregnant as a teen is difficult. A way to temper that knowledge is with the words of the Psalmist: “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” (Psalm 127:3 NIV)

Grief that Your Daughter is Pregnant

When you hear that your daughter is pregnant, there will be a variety of emotions that you process. Anger. Disappointment. Confusion. These are all part of a larger feeling of grief. The pregnancy of your teenage daughter may cause a sense of loss. For the daughter, it is grief for the loss of possible future plans. How will she complete high school? Is college still available as an option? She will have concerns about the perception her peers have of her. It is natural to worry that she will lose some of those friends because of her pregnancy. Becoming a mother can raise questions about future romantic relationships. Will being a young single mother affect her future dating prospects? 

As her mother, you will be contemplating the loss of your daughter’s opportunities too. From experience, you recognize the challenges of establishing yourself in the world. This extra challenge will make the transition into successful adulthood more difficult. You may have concerns about what other moms think of you. It is possible they see your daughter’s situation as a reflection on your parenting, and this fear will make social interactions difficult.

Finally, there is the grief of her father. There has always been a special relationship between father and daughter. In most men’s eyes, their daughter will always be “daddy’s little girl.” Your daughter’s pregnancy is proof that your daughter has lost her girlish innocence. She is transitioning to womanhood sooner than expected. Sometimes this expedited transition will interrupt the father-daughter relationship. 

Stages Of Grief

The American Psychological Association provides a framework of coping strategies when we grieve. These five strategies are common but not universal.  They are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance (3). You may experience all or some of these stages. Preparing for them will help you help your daughter navigate the upcoming pregnancy. 

Denial

Anger

Bargaining

Sadness

Acceptance

Acceptance that Your Daughter is Pregnant – A Strategic Approach

The news of a daughter’s pregnancy will initiate a series of emotions and corresponding actions. A thoughtful, planned response will help to mitigate those emotions. It will give guidance to everyone on how to navigate the details of your daughter’s pregnancy. Details such as who, what, when, where, and why can serve as guideposts for you in this process.

Who

The first question will often be “Who is the father?” In most situations there is a boyfriend involved, but not always. You must prepare yourself for whatever the truth of the situation may be. Is the father or his family aware of the pregnancy? Knowing details about the father will help towards a healthy pregnancy and birth. 

What

If the father knows and if his family knows, what were their reactions to the news? Knowing the reaction to this news helps you plan for possible rough times. Was the news met with negative reactions? Are you alone in guiding this young couple through the upcoming months and beyond? What is the attitude of the father and his family?  Knowing their attitude, as well as your own, will go a long way to helping your daughter have a healthy experience.

When

Determining the “when” of conception is vital information. It is certain to help your daughter make informed healthcare decisions. Both for her healthcare and the development of her baby. Many women journal their cycle dates, but that is not enough. An ultrasound can establish the age of the pregnancy – more on that in the next section. 

Where

Are you overwhelmed thinking about unplanned pregnancy expenses? Medical expenses often feel like a barrier to getting the help your daughter needs. Most communities have Pregnancy Resource Centers which will help you and your daughter.  Pregnancy Centers like Cornerstone bridge the gap with cost-free services. 

Community Help

We provide ultrasound, counseling, life skills classes, parent classes and other resources. 

Contact Us

A PRC is an excellent first stop on this exciting journey. 

(If you’re not in the Elyria, Ohio area, a simple search for local pregnancy centers near me should bring up results. Or search your location on optionline or CareNet.)

Why

There are many “whys” when you learn that your daughter is pregnant. “Why her?” “Why me?” “Why now?” Some of these reasons may not be answered. Regardless, the simple fact is that God is the author of life. Each life, regardless of origin, is precious to him and has a purpose (Psalm 139:13-16). It is God’s place to determine when a new life begins.  He is not surprised by the unexpected reality of your daughter’s pregnancy. 

What’s Next

One emotion we have not mentioned so far can be the most important: joy. The joy of being a grandparent should be considered in this process and will help refocus negative thoughts to positive ones. You have probably seen a grandparent out in public with one of those shirts that read, “If I had known grandkids were so much fun, I would have had them first.” It appears a long way away today, but there will be a day when you, your daughter, and your grandchild will enjoy one another and experience joy. You probably didn’t expect to be a grandparent so soon, but grandparents everywhere say it’s fun.

Sources

1. About Teen Pregnancy, Teen pregnancy
2. Trends in Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing; Trends
3. APA Dictionary of Psychology, Stages Of Grief, Stages-of-grief
4. The Justice Foundation. (n.d.). Center Against Forced Abortions (CAFA). The Justice Foundation. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from CAFA

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.