Do I Have to Tell My Partner I’m Pregnant If I Don’t Want to Be With Them Anymore?

Anxiety. Stress. Worry for the future. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’re likely feeling all these emotions and more. Being unsure if you want to stay with your partner can make these emotions even more overwhelming.

In the midst of it all, you might be wondering if you should tell your partner you’re pregnant. This is understandable; your feelings are valid. While you aren’t legally required to tell your partner you’re pregnant, there are many things to consider before making a final decision about your relationship.

This article will explore strategies you can take to decide whether to tell your partner about your pregnancy and steps for protecting your health—no matter what pregnancy decision you’re considering.

If you’re looking to talk through all your pregnancy options, schedule a free and confidential consultation with a nurse at our clinic.

Work Through Your Feelings

Pregnancy can stir many different emotions all at once—whether it’s the hormones causing moodiness, anxiety, and depression, or your situation creating stress and uncertainty.

While this is understandable, it’s essential to take a moment to evaluate what you’re feeling to gain some clarity over your emotions and how to move forward.

Journaling

When emotions are kept bottled inside, they can be difficult to work through. By getting them out in the open, it becomes easier to see what you’re feeling and why.

Journaling is the act of putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. While staring at a blank page can feel intimidating, the following questions can help you get started:

• What emotion am I struggling with the most lately? What makes this feeling worse? Better?
• Why do I want to leave my partner? Have I felt this way for a long time?
• What pregnancy decision am I leaning toward and why?
• If I leave my partner, in what ways can they still support my pregnancy decision? (For example, if you choose to parent, your partner can still help co-parent and provide financial support.)

Talk to Someone You Trust

Talking to someone you trust is another way to get your thoughts and feelings about everything out in the open.

A close friend or relative can be a good option, but at Liberty Women’s Clinic, we also have caring, trained professionals who are here to listen and provide encouragement and support.

Is Your Safety at Risk?

Is your partner abusive? Are you concerned for your safety? If so, these are important reasons for not telling your partner (or, if you choose to tell them, doing so in a public place surrounded by family or friends).

If you believe your safety is at risk, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).

Know Your Options and Protect Your Health

Whether you decide to stay with your partner or tell them about your pregnancy is a personal decision, but learning all you can about your pregnancy options can inform your decision.

Your pregnancy options include parenting, adoption, or abortion. There are many factors to consider when weighing which is best for you.

However, no matter what choice you’re leaning toward, it’s vital to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the essential details you need to know about your pregnancy to make an informed decision.

At Liberty Women’s Clinic, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve to have all the information you need to make an educated decision.

You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.