When you have a pregnant girlfriend, but you’re not sure what to do
Finding out that you have a pregnant girlfriend can come as quite a shock. You may feel pressure to act quickly, but in reality, a pregnancy lasts about 10 months, so there’s no rush to jump to a decision you might regret. Slowing down, and taking your time to learn about your options, is the best thing you can do right now. Whether you are considering adoption or want to figure out if parenting is possible, we are here to help you and your girlfriend sort out what to do next. Reach out to Legacy Adoption Services® anytime when you need adoption help in Florida.
At this difficult time, remember to be there to support your girlfriend. The two of you, together, must determine your next steps. Showing up for her, staying in contact, and taking responsibility are the best ways to ensure that you can resolve this challenge in a way that you both agree on.
What should I do if I have a pregnant girlfriend?
Essentially, you have two options: One or both of you can parent the baby, or you can make an adoption plan to place your baby with a loving family. It’s smart to learn as much as you can about both options, and to consider them carefully before making any moves.
Our Florida adoption agency can provide you with valuable information if you are considering adoption, but we can also help you realistically evaluate what parenting might be like for you. Some men are surprised to discover that parenting might actually be possible in their situation, and they decide to commit to raising the child, either alone or in partnership with their girlfriend. In other cases, after thoroughly evaluating all options, a father and his girlfriend might decide that it is best to place the child for adoption by parents who can provide the abundant future that you both want for them.
How does adoption work?
When you have a pregnant girlfriend and are considering adoption, it is essential to gain a good understanding of how the process works.
- Contact our Florida adoption agency to speak to an options counselor who can answer all of your questions, with no pressure.
- In Florida, the mother can always consent to adoption. For the father, it can be a bit more complicated. If the two of you are not married, there are legal ways that you can assert your paternity so that you can either parent your child or consent to adoption. Our options counselors are happy to walk you through those processes.
- If you choose to make an adoption plan, you and your girlfriend will be able to choose your baby’s parents and decide if you want an open adoption, in which one or both of you can stay in contact with the adoptive family, under terms that you decide in advance.
- You’ll be able to review profiles of our waiting families, so that the two of you can choose the best fit for your child.
- Once the baby is born, you must wait 48 hours, or until your girlfriend is discharged from the hospital, before you can sign adoption consent forms. During that waiting period, you and your girlfriend are the baby’s legal parents and will be able to make all medical decisions for the child. Once you both sign your consent for adoption, the adoptive parents become the baby’s legal parents.
Get the answers you need before moving forward
We understand that when you have a pregnant girlfriend, it can feel overwhelming. It’s common for fathers to feel conflicted, as they care for their girlfriend and child, but are often not sure that they are prepared for the added responsibility of parenting.
Our caring team of options counselors are happy to speak with you and provide the factual information that you need to make informed decisions as you take your next steps. Contact or call us anytime at (239) 703-8600 to connect with an experienced options counselor and get adoption help in Florida, at no cost to you. We are happy to help you learn about your rights as a father and explore the options available to you.
