My Girlfriend Is Pregnant - What Should I Do?

Did your girlfriend just tell you that she’s pregnant? If so, you’re likely freaking out, and we understand.

After all, being a dad is no walk in the park. Worse yet, the difficulties can pile up if you’re not ready for the responsibility of being a father.

Right now, we get that it’s easy to think of whose fault it was or whether or not your pregnant girlfriend is taking you for a ride. Nevertheless, it’s no longer about what could have or should have been and more about what you’re going to do next — and we’ve got your back!

Stick around to learn what you can do after your girlfriend tells you that she’s pregnant.

1. Improve Your Situation

In the context of being a new dad, improving your situation will often mean improving your financial situation. This can mean getting a job while you’re in school or leveling up your career prospects by going back to school.

It can also mean you having to look for ways to make passive income on the side. Perhaps now would be a good time to revisit that side hustle you’ve been planning. You can also look into taking extra shifts or even a side job.

Whatever you choose to do, it needs to result in you being able to provide not just for yourself but for your family-to-be. After all, as a dad, one of your main responsibilities is to be a provider.

2. Be Smarter With Your Money

There are no two ways about it — kids will cost you. For this reason, you’ll have to be mindful about where your money goes in your pursuit to perform step number one.

Tracking your expenses is the first step to financial discipline and independence. By knowing where your money goes every week or month, you’ll be able to cut down on unnecessary expenses and have enough left for when the baby arrives.

Right away, you’ll have to tighten your belt on recreational or leisure expenses such as night-outs with your girlfriend and even your hobbies.

If you’re not sure about where to start with regard to your money, there are tons of free resources out there. You’ll find videos on YouTube about financial management and budgeting — and, yes, they’re free!

So, educate yourself and make wiser decisions with your spending. Doing so will pay dividends by the time your baby arrives and for years after.

3. Stop Wasting Time

Money isn’t the only thing you shouldn’t waste when you’re about to be a dad. You should also spend your time wisely. What does this mean exactly?

Spending your time wisely means dialing down on activities that bring you zero return. Off the top of our heads, these activities are hanging out with friends (unless they’re parents who are teaching you to be a father), video games, drinking, and partying.

Instead, spend your time on things that will contribute to your finances and on your new role as a dad. More specifically, education, health, and self-development should all be your major priorities.

You’ll be amazed at the returns these will bring once your baby arrives.

4. Establish Your Support System

No matter how hard you’re willing to try or how self-reliant you claim to be, fatherhood is a different kind of challenge. With this in mind, you need to seek a support system that can get you through this new chapter of your life.

Having people who are willing to support you through this uncertain time is powerful. With these people by your side, you’ll learn the ins and outs of being a dad and have someone to call when you don’t feel up to the task.

Now you might be asking who you can have as your support person. Right away, the first people on your list should be your parents and your pregnant girlfriend’s. They’re people who have already gone through their parenthood journey and can share a thing or two with you about being a dad.

You can also build your support system to include your friends. Choose the ones that you trust the most or those who are parents themselves.

5. Be There for Your Child

This is a big one.

Whether you planned for it or not, the baby is 50% yours. For this reason, you have an obligation to be there for your child.

Besides being there for your baby, you should also get along with Mom if you’re not on good terms. After all, you can’t raise the child alone, and, whether you like it or not, you two are on this new journey together.

You’ll also have to get along with your pregnant girlfriend’s family as they’ll be critical support people in your new journey.

By being on good terms with your future in-laws, you’ll have some help available when you need it. Most importantly, your pregnant girlfriend’s parents can be sources of valuable parenthood knowledge.

Likewise, you’ll want to make sure your parents are on good terms with your pregnant girlfriend as well as this can make things easier for both of you when the baby comes.

Being there for your child involves more than being present. Part of doing this is also making sure that everyone around you is on board in your new journey to be a dad.

You Got This! Welcome to the Dad Club!

You may not have planned it, but we at Dad University aren’t lying when we say everything is going to be OK.

Just follow the tips we’ve shared here, and before you know it, you’ll be a full-fledged dad.

So, in advance, congratulations, and welcome to the Dad Club!

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