Discovering you are pregnant is an emotional moment under the best of circumstances. When the person you share your life with has hurt you, that moment can be frightening.

You are not to blame for the abuse, and you do not have to figure out what comes next on your own.

Pregnancy can intensify a controlling or violent dynamic, especially if your partner reacts badly to the news. Before you tell him anything, your priority is making sure you and your baby are safe.

Pregnancy Help Center of Central Missouri is a safe and confidential place to get connected to the help and resources you need to keep you and your baby safe.

Your Safety Comes First

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and leave the area. For ongoing support and to build a personal safety plan, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or use the confidential online chat at thehotline.org.

A few quiet preparations can make a real difference if you ever need to leave quickly:

Keep important documents (ID, Social Security card, insurance cards, banking information) in a place your partner cannot access, or with a trusted friend or relative.
Pack a small bag with clothes, medications, and toiletries, and store it outside your home.
Set aside emergency cash and program key numbers into a second phone if possible.
Identify a safe place to go, whether that is family, a friend’s home, or a local shelter.

The Health of You and Your Baby

Abuse during pregnancy is not only a danger to you, but physical harm can also lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, and low birth weight.

Constant fear and high stress can also affect your sleep, blood pressure, and prenatal nutrition.

If you have been hit, choked, or pushed, please seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries during pregnancy are internal and easy to miss.

Telling Your Partner, If and When You Choose

You decide when, where, and whether to share the news. If you do choose to tell your partner, try to do it in a public place, bring along someone you trust, and have a way to leave on your own.

Remember, the decision about your pregnancy is yours alone, and no one is allowed to pressure you into a decision.

How PHC Jefferson City Can Help

At the Pregnancy Help Center of Central Missouri, every service is free and confidential.

We offer lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited obstetric ultrasounds performed by registered nurses, and limited STI testing and treatment. We can also connect you with resources to help your pregnancy and keep you safe.

Our caring staff will listen without judgment and walk through your options at your pace.

You are stronger than you feel right now, and help is closer than you think.