Some babies are planned and wanted, hoped for and tried for over months or even years. Others are total surprises but still loved and wanted, and as far as I can tell, it’s the last two components that really matter the most.
It can be a shock to the system, though, seeing those two pink lines when you really, really didn’t expect it – and if you’re wondering what it’s like, here are 14 parents who have been there to tell you from experience.
14. I definitely think it’s different for men.
It doesn’t meant they don’t have feelings about being a father.
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Image Credit: Whisper
13. At least he came around in the end.
I imagine those were a tense couple of weeks.
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Image Credit: Whisper
12. The actual baby will make it real, and fast.
RIP your sleep, but the rest of it is pretty awesome.
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Image Credit: Whisper
11. We pick ourselves up and start planning.
Because it’s coming no matter how we feel about it.
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Image Credit: Whisper
10. Some people love surprises.
Even ones that upend your life, I suppose.
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Image Credit: Whisper
9. It can be a little bit addictive.
Those sweet little cheeks.
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Image Credit: Whisper
8. Wait for the feelings to abate, then think about it.
Find a way for your head and your heart to agree.
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Image Credit: Whisper
7. There are so many emotions that go into it.
Literally all of them, at one point or another.
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Image Credit: Whisper
6. That’s a lot to take in at once.
But at least the first trimester was a breeze.
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Image Credit: Whisper
5. Literally any way you feel is ok.
We have options.
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Image Credit: Whisper
4. One that never really slows down.
In my experience, anyway.
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Image Credit: Whisper
3. Support makes such a huge difference.
It’s not always as scary as we think it’s going to be at first.
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Image Credit: Whisper
2. We find ways to make it work.
Love goes a long way.
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Image Credit: Whisper
1. Babies definitely don’t care about timing.
The right time is when it happens, mostly.
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Image Credit: Whisper
There’s no right or wrong way to respond, I don’t think, but it can definitely be a wow moment.
If you’ve had an unplanned pregnancy, tell us in the comments the first thoughts that went through your head when you found out!