Boys can be affected in multiple ways when their girlfriends fall pregnant due to risky sexual behavior, experiencing emotional, social, and practical impacts:

Emotional Effects

• Boys may feel a complex mix of emotions such as excitement, happiness, fear, anxiety, confusion, and being overwhelmed by the new responsibilities of impending fatherhood

• They might experience stress, worry, frustration, and pressure related to preparing for the baby, financial concerns, work demands, and uncertainty about their future role as a parent

• Anxiety and depression are common, with studies showing that about 1 in 10 expectant fathers experience significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy or shortly after birth

• Unplanned pregnancies particularly increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety in boys/fathers, sometimes doubling the odds of poor mental health outcomes postpartum

Relationship and Social Impact

• Pregnancy can change relationship dynamics, causing stress or conflict as boys may feel pressured to mature quickly and take on adult responsibilities

• There may be increased arguments and mood swings due to emotional strain on both partners, potentially leading to long-term relationship issues

• Social pressure and responsibility may weigh heavily on boys, affecting their social life and sense of identity

Practical Challenges

• Boys may face practical challenges such as financial strain, balancing work and childcare preparation, and feeling unprepared for parenting duties

• The uncertainty about their role and societal expectations can make them feel inadequate or uncertain about their ability to care for the child

Additional Considerations

• Emotional reactions of boys to pregnancy also influence the mental health of their partners; supportive and positive reactions can help improve the mother's mental health, while disapproval can exacerbate depression and anxiety during pregnancy

• Some boys may experience "sympathetic pregnancy" symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, or physical discomfort, reflecting the psychological impact of their partner's pregnancy

In summary, boys affected by their girlfriends' pregnancy due to risky sexual behavior often face a range of emotional, social, and practical challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship stress, and increased responsibility, especially when the pregnancy is unplanned