Although you may not be with your unborn child's father, that doesn't mean you can't date! Read this article if you're ready to get back in the dating game.
Let's get this out of the way right now: Ladies, you may be pregnant with another man's child, but that doesn't mean you need to step out of the dating game. In fact, many pregnant women date because they want to find that special someone who'll accept the unborn child as though it were their own. Others date because they're lonely and frisky.
The truth of the matter is, it doesn't matter the reason why you want to date. The only thing that matters is that you keep your emotions in check and know what you want out of your dating experience.
In this article, we're going to share some advice in regard to dating while pregnant.
It's Okay to Date!
As a single pregnant woman, pay may tell you that you should focus on your growing baby instead of worrying about your love life. People may even try to give you a guilt trip because you're actively going out (but not drinking, naturally) and meeting people, but you know what? You're a grown woman and their opinions shouldn't matter.
We say if you want to socialize, flirt, and have fun with people, then, by all means, go for it! A happy mother creates a happy baby!
Let Go of Old Baggage
It isn't uncommon for men to shy away from dating a pregnant woman. In his mind, she probably is still hung up on the baby's father. They may even worry that if he gets too attached to the expecting mother and her baby when it's born, the child's father may try to come back to "be a family."
We recommend that you let your new partner know that the baby's father is not a threat and that relationship truly is over. If you're on a dating website, you can say you're pregnant and so any interested people will know upfront before ever talking to you.
Don't Try to Make Them a Father Figure
One thing that you have to remember when dating while expecting is that you do not try to make this new person the child's father. This is especially true if you're just starting a relationship. Why do you ask? Simply put, he may not be ready to take that role.
Instead, we recommend letting him come to that conclusion on his own. Of course, if you're not interested in sharing the responsibilities of caring and raising your child with another person, you can be upfront and tell potential suitors that you're not looking for a father figure for your baby - you're just looking for fun and companionship.
Be Prepared for Criticism
We mentioned very briefly that people may try to guilt you out of dating while pregnant, but it goes much deeper than that. In some instances expecting mothers are judged pretty harshly for being a single mother. Some people may even call you harsh names, ridicule your child and label them a bastard, and worse.
Although harsh criticism can be a tough pill to swallow, the only opinion that you have to be concerned about is your own. People don't know your circumstances and have no right to judge. Some people ignore the comments while others confront the offender. The way you handle the criticism is completely up to you.
Dating While Pregnant Wrap-Up
Dating in and of itself can be challenging, but as an expecting mother, it becomes much more of a headache. People will judge you and they'll try to talk you into focusing solely on your pregnancy. What many of these judgmental people do not realize is that their opinion doesn't (and shouldn't) matter.
We're not going to tell you that dating while pregnant is going to be smooth sailing because it's not. You'll meet people who have a fetish for pregnant women and if you're looking for a casual fling, that's fine. However, if you're looking for a solid partner and have a serious relationship, always go with your instincts. They'll never steer you wrong.
