Do unplanned pregnancies ruin relationships?

While an unplanned pregnancy doesn't have to impact your relationship in a negative way, it can certainly do just that. Some new relationships are unable to withstand the pressure of an unexpected pregnancy. This doesn't mean your relationship is a failure; it's just that things happened at the wrong time.


Things Will Change
An unplanned pregnancy in any relationship is life-changing. In a new relationship, unplanned pregnancy news can drastically alter the trajectory of the relationship. At first this can be challenging, especially if things were going well. But this news doesn’t have to be bad.

Take the time you need to process through all of the emotions that come with a surprise pregnancy. If it’s possible, process these emotions together. Give each other room to work through the negative feelings — fear, frustration, confusion — that come with unplanned pregnancy. Even though it’s hard, and even though things are going to change, they can change for the better in the end.

It Could Make Things Better
The timeline may be significantly faster than you had hoped, but an unplanned pregnancy can cause you and your partner to commit to each other in a serious way.

If you truly see a future together and see a path forward through one of your unplanned pregnancy options, this is a challenge you can face together. If you’re able to do this, it will be possible to navigate your new relationship and unplanned pregnancy at the same time.