If your friend has told you she is unexpectedly pregnant, you may feel unsure of what to say or do, and that’s okay. During a time like this, one of the most meaningful things you can do is be there for her and listen.

Making a pregnancy decision is difficult, and that’s why getting accurate information about all of the options available is important. Willowbrook Women’s Center provides free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds as well as accurate information about the options available.

You and your friend are both welcome at the center. Encourage her to schedule an appointment today to get the answers she needs.

Take Time to Be Present

Your friend may be feeling overwhelmed right now and may not know what to do next. These are valid feelings. Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen to her.

Let her express how she feels about the situation, and avoid giving any advice during these early stages. Sometimes saying things like “I am here for you” and “How are you feeling?” can be enough to make her feel heard and supported.

Offer Support When Possible

Small acts of kindness go a long way when your friend is dealing with something like this.

Practical offers like attending or driving her to appointments, helping her with chores, or finding information for her can help her feel less isolated and that she has someone to lean on.

She may feel unsure about who to turn to, and letting her know she has someone in her corner can make a huge difference.

Help Her Seek Accurate Information

Gently encourage your friend to confirm her pregnancy with testing and an ultrasound, even if she doesn’t know what the future looks like yet.

A limited ultrasound can provide important details for protecting her health, such as how far along she is, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy appears to be developing. Her options are parenting, adoption, and abortion.

Getting the facts and understanding the implications of each option can help her feel more confident and informed as she moves forward. There are resources and support available if she has concerns about finances, education, housing, or preparing for parenting.

Respect Her Autonomy

You may have your own feelings or opinions about her pregnancy, and that’s okay. However, it is important to support your friend without pressuring her into making a decision.

She needs to know that you are there for her throughout this process, regardless of the decision she makes.

Get Help at Willowbrook Women’s Center

At Willowbrook Women’s Center, we provide a safe and confidential space where your friend can seek support and answers.

We will never judge or pressure her into making a pregnancy decision. We believe every woman should have access to information about her options and pregnancy services at no cost.

Whether your friend needs support or you have questions about how to be there for her, our team is available to help.

Contact us to make an appointment.