If you are pregnant and considering marriage, there are a number of things for you to consider before you make your decision. Remember that marriage is a big decision, and one that should be made independent of any other circumstances that may be surrounding your relationship, such as your pregnancy. Here are some questions for you to ask yourself as you consider the option of marriage.

What is your relationship like? Are the two of you good friends? Are you attracted to each other's personalities along with being physically attracted? Do you enjoy spending time together? Are you ready to commit to each other for life? Are you willing to put each other's needs ahead of your own? Think about who you are and who your partner is before you decide to enter into a marriage commitment.

Is your pregnancy the reason for your marriage? If your pregnancy is the only thing holding you together, is that a good enough reason to marry? Were you considering marriage before you found out about your pregnancy? Statistics show that when pregnancy is the primary reason for marriage, 90% of marriages fail within the first six years. (Cite – A Case for Adoption) Is your relationship among the 10% that will survive the challenges of parenting your child together?

Are the two of you ready to be parents together? Do you and your partner want children? Could the two of you make a good home for your baby? Are you both ready for the challenges of parenthood? Do you make a good team? Will your home be a happy and safe place for your baby? Children need nurturing places to grow, and the relationship that exists between a child’s parents is a good indicator of how that child will relate to others, how they will learn how to love, and ultimately the kind of person they will turn out to be. Is your relationship a good model for children?

Whatever choice you make, you must always first consider the well being of your baby. After determining what might be best for your child, think about you. Will your decision allow you to meet some of the goals you’ve set for yourself? Remember, this is YOUR decision. Although the opinion of people like your parents and teachers is important to consider, don’t allow their opinions to outweigh your own.

How can we help? The Nebraska Children's Home Society is here to help you sort out these questions and issues. Our caseworkers will help you ask yourself the right questions to determine whether or not marriage is right for you. You can call our toll-free hotline at any time. 800-390-6754
We'll help you no matter what you decide. Our goal is to help you find the best plan for you and your baby.

Once you get together with one of our caseworkers, we can talk about how to take care of your pregnancy-related needs and about the decisions that lie ahead for you. Your meetings and phone calls will all be held in the strictest of confidence, and you won't be obligated to do anything. We want to see your child living a happy life with the best possible chances for meeting his or her own goals for a great future. Call or e-mail us to find out more about how we can help you to make the best decision for your baby and for you.