Partnership for life - pregnancy - happiness as parents: life does not always follow this ideal. Almost every fifth child grows up in a so-called single-parent family. You are pregnant and ask yourself: How will I manage to bring up my child on my own? Will I have enough strength, nerves and money? Then read here what single parents should know.

Doubts and fears about the new phase of life are part of the emotional world of all expectant mothers. For women who are not in a stable partnership, these concerns are usually particularly great. But you should know that you don't have to face this difficult situation alone. There are numerous advisory and support services as well as financial assistance for single pregnant women.

You may even have money worries because you are unable to work enough to support your family due to childcare. Even then, you are not on your own, but can receive state support. In addition to child benefit, this includes, for example, child supplement or housing benefit. If you have a very low income, you can apply for benefits under the Second Social Security Code and from the education and participation package; an exemption from daycare fees is also possible. If you do not receive any maintenance payments for your child, the youth welfare office will step in with the maintenance advance.
You can find a helpful overview in the article "Support services for single parents" here on the family portal.

Where should my child be born? Hospital, birth center or home birth - these are important issues for all parents-to-be. Single pregnant women are also concerned with another question: Do I want to give birth to my child alone or in the presence of a trusted person? For example, you could have a good friend or your mother at your side. Think about whether and with whom you would like to share this intimate situation and who can best support you.

As an unmarried mother, you have sole custody of your child. Even if the two of you have nothing (more) in common as parents, you should bear this in mind: Your child has a right to contact with the other parent - and conversely, the other parent is entitled and obliged to have contact with the child. In the event of a conflict, the youth welfare office can mediate between the two of you. There you will find experienced experts who will support you in clarifying questions of custody and maintenance. And who knows - maybe this will result in an approach that can benefit everyone involved.