Depending on your circumstances, the upcoming holidays can be a joyous celebration or one long, miserable experience. It can be particularly tough if you are facing this year’s holiday season with an unexpected pregnancy.

The key to surviving is setting boundaries. If you’ve shared the news with family and friends, let them know ahead of time how you want to handle it.

Here are a few suggestions:

Acknowledge Certain Pregnancy Symptoms

Every woman experiences her pregnancy differently. Some feel every symptom early on, while others don’t have any signs of pregnancy for weeks or months.

Several early symptoms might particularly affect you during the holidays. For instance, you might feel more tired than usual. Fatigue, particularly in the first trimester, is a common symptom.

Additionally, you may experience food aversions or cravings, or feel nauseous. Everything from despising the smell of coffee or tomatoes to craving pickles and ice cream can occur. As you gather around the holiday table, you might have problems with certain foods.

Moodiness can also be a symptom. Pregnancy hormones flood your body, which can make you unusually emotional and sensitive.

If you feel overwhelmed, give yourself the freedom to excuse yourself from events. Practicing self-care will go a long way in helping you through the holidays.

Find an Ally

Asking someone you trust to stick close during family events can give you the strength you need. Whether your family is aware of your pregnancy or not, a faithful friend or family member by your side protects you from unwanted questions or prying eyes.

Seek support from your partner, friends, or a trusted family member. Communicate your feelings and tell them what you need from them.

Set Boundaries

If your parents or other family members are aware of your pregnancy, let them know what you’re willing to have them discuss with others. The holidays are not the time to be sharing your story with the whole family.

Unfortunately, you can’t control what others say and think, but you can control how you respond. The decision about how to handle your unexpected pregnancy is yours and yours alone. Others may share their opinions, but you’re free to say, “Thanks, but I’ll decide what’s best for me and my future.”

Help Is Available From Willowbrook

Sometimes you just need to bounce a few ideas off a neutral third party. Let the caring patient advocates at Willowbrook Women’s Center help you. We’re here to listen and perhaps offer a little advice.

What to do about your unexpected pregnancy is a big decision, and we don’t want you to feel like you have to make it on your own. If you haven’t decided on your pregnancy outcome, it’s critical to get the facts about all of your options.

Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we will give you factual, medically based information about the procedures, side effects, and potential physical and emotional risks. We can also share resources and referrals if you are interested in placing your child for adoption or choosing to parent.

To avoid adding pressure to an already stressful time, Willowbrook offers all of our services at no cost to you. Please contact us at your nearest location.

We look forward to talking with you. Happy Holidays!