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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think I can hide this?

237 replies

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 18:33

For a multitude of reasons, we have made the decision not to tell anybody about my pregnancy until we’ve had the 20 week scan. I can successfully hide this day to day, but this is where the issue occurs.. I’m currently 17 weeks, and I’ve got a spa day planned next week where both my SIL and mum will be there. How the hell will I hide this? My bump is still small enough where i just look a bit bloated, my SIL has never seen me in a swimming costume before so for all she knows I could just normally look this way? I’ll probably get away with it with my mum as she’s not very observant 😂

My second issue is the timing of my 20 week scan, this happens the week before a family members wedding so I need to wear something where I can cover it up as I don’t want to steal focus (and this is one of the reasons why we’re leaving it so late to tell people).

AIBU to think I can pull this off? I already don’t drink so that won’t cause any suspicion, it’s just my appearance that will give me away. Bonus points to anyone who can provide clothing options to successfully conceal!

OP posts:
Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 21:32

TeaKitten · 28/04/2024 21:29

It’s not her first pregnancy though.

It’s not, it’s actually my third but I haven’t truly ‘popped’ with any of them until the 20+ week mark.

OP posts:
TeaKitten · 28/04/2024 21:29

LondonFox · 28/04/2024 21:27

Depends.
Some women don't really show, especially with first child.
I am 175, size 10 pre first and able to wear same high raise skinny jeans at 25 weeks.
Second one was whole other story.

It’s not her first pregnancy though.

LondonFox · 28/04/2024 21:27

TeaKitten · 28/04/2024 18:43

Depends on your body type doesn’t it. If you are a big overweight then maybe you’ll get away with it. If your a size 8 then you absolutely won’t, unless your family are particularly thick!

Depends.
Some women don't really show, especially with first child.
I am 175, size 10 pre first and able to wear same high raise skinny jeans at 25 weeks.
Second one was whole other story.

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 21:22

ItsAllMadness24 · 28/04/2024 21:07

I've previously been a beauty therapist. Youl be fine to have a facial. If you need to fill in the form infront of anyone else just say when you go in to the treatment room you're actually pregnant but no one knows so to leave any steps out that aren't compatible with pregnancy.

Youl likely all get robes so can stay wrapped up and just chill on a lounger. Lots of people don't use the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi anyway so wouldn't worry about that.

You could wear something ruched at the tummy like this, I appreciate darks not very spring weddingy but the dark colour would help conceal a bump

Oh thank you that’s all really helpful!

That dress is a great shape too; good find! Thank you!

OP posts:
TeachBee · 28/04/2024 21:19

Disclaimer: I haven't RTFT.

Even if you can physically hide the 'bump' how are you planning to explain that you can't use the hot tub sauna? If you're having any treatments, you'll need to declare it as back massages are a no.

Ofmince · 28/04/2024 21:13

I get it OP, I had a miscarriage at 12 weeks after telling family and some friends. If I get pregnant again, then I think I would like to keep it quiet until 20 weeks too, maybe even longer.

For the spa day, if anyone asks why you aren't in the steam room etc, could you not just say that you're playing it safe as you're in the two week wait period? Matter of factly? Would your mum and sister in law be surprised that you were trying again?

Congrats and best of luck for your next scan 🤞

GoBonobo · 28/04/2024 21:13

Trying to think of reasons not to use the steam room etc - could you say you’ve recently had low blood pressure and been advised to avoid till it’s sorted out? Or if this would cause your mum too much alarm, how about good old athlete’s foot or verrucas or similar? And as others have said, book a massage or facial or nails or similar so you can still take part in the day. Wedding should be ok with suitable loose-fronted dress.

MolkosTeenageAngst · 28/04/2024 21:11

A family member of mine wanted to announce her pregnancy whilst we were on holiday together but on a specific anniversary date which fell at the end of the holiday so we spent a few days together pee-announcement. She was at 19 weeks and I noticed the bump straight away when I saw her despite her trying to hide it. I didn’t say anything as felt it would be rude to ask about it if she was obviously choosing not to announce and I pretended to be surprised when she announced the pregnancy. That said I think some of the other family members were genuine.y surprised and hadn’t noticed though. This was in winter though so she was wearing big jumpers, I imagine a pregnancy would be hard to hide in swimwear.

Ionacat · 28/04/2024 21:09

I think you’ll be fine at the wedding, but it will be hard at the spa. It’s sometimes harder to hide around people you don’t know as if one of your SiL’s friends realises you’re not using anything like the sauna etc. they can sometimes just blurt it out without thinking, e.g. oh are you pregnant then? Where as close friends and family can be more tactful and especially given the past might realise but wouldn’t say anything.
I would suggest trying to get a mid morning slot and getting your nails done as you can’t then use the pool/jacuzzi for a few hours afterwards.

ItsAllMadness24 · 28/04/2024 21:07

I've previously been a beauty therapist. Youl be fine to have a facial. If you need to fill in the form infront of anyone else just say when you go in to the treatment room you're actually pregnant but no one knows so to leave any steps out that aren't compatible with pregnancy.

Youl likely all get robes so can stay wrapped up and just chill on a lounger. Lots of people don't use the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi anyway so wouldn't worry about that.

You could wear something ruched at the tummy like this, I appreciate darks not very spring weddingy but the dark colour would help conceal a bump

To think I can hide this?
Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 21:04

Oh my god definitely yes! Thank you!

OP posts:
Freakinfraser · 28/04/2024 21:04

op, you run the risk of a staff member mentioning it. Personally I’d just call off sick, say you’ve the shits, and let your mum and sil go on their own.

ineedtostopbeingdramaticfirst · 28/04/2024 21:01

It really depends what the facilities are like but I went to one recently with pregnant sil and she could only really do the relaxation room and the foot baths.

You are advised to avoid hot tub, sauna and steam rooms

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 20:54

YellowDaffodilRedTulip · 28/04/2024 20:48

Much more likely to steal focus if people suspect and start asking questions at the wedding.

If you read the thread you will see why no one will be questioning me being pregnant.

I’ll have a grand total of 6 family members there and barely know anybody else, of those people who know me, they would all know better than to question my situation given the history.

OP posts:
AppaTheSixLeggedFlyingBison · 28/04/2024 20:53

Congratulations on the pregnancy OP, hope everything goes well for you with the scan.

The skirted costume idea sounds good, also try to keep your robe on as much as possible as that will hide it quite well.

As for practicalities I would recommend ringing the spa to ask about the treatment options and also ask them to make a note on the system that the pregnancy is secret at the moment so to not mention it in front of any people.

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 20:51

MabelTheCow · 28/04/2024 20:42

Given your history OP, consider calling the specialist screening midwives and see if they can arrange your anatomy scan at 18 weeks to support your mental health.

Thank you, I think I will. I did discuss this with my midwife at my booking appointment but frustratingly she hasn’t been available since. I’ve only had one appointment since the booking app and met with an on call midwife who told me that my midwife had only requested the additional scans from fetal medicine the day before where I was already 16 weeks 5 days. The on call midwife said I should get in touch if I haven’t heard anything by 20 weeks and suggested I wait until then before chasing it up which I did question at the time because he suggested I’d be getting them within a matter of days of each other which I’m fairly certain isn’t recommended? But anyway; that’s a different story.

OP posts:
jgjgjgjgjg · 28/04/2024 20:51

Can you afford to book a private scan in the next few days? You can still attend your NHS one of course, but it will set your mind at rest about being safe to share the news before your Spa day.

YellowDaffodilRedTulip · 28/04/2024 20:48

Toddlerteaplease · 28/04/2024 18:43

You are overthinking the wedding. It wouldn't take away the focus.

Much more likely to steal focus if people suspect and start asking questions at the wedding.

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 20:47

DorothyCannoli · 28/04/2024 20:26

@Itstimeforbaileys congratulations on the pregnancy & good luck with the scan

Just to make you aware when I've been on a spa day the whole group filled out a health questionnaire all sat together (including asking about pregnancy) and then a member of staff came and discussed any health issues that may cause problems (such as blood pressure, medication) there at the table in front of the rest of the group. You may want to call ahead & explain your situation just in case.

Oh thank you for that! That seems really bad to do that, pregnant or not!

OP posts:
Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 20:46

CornishPorsche · 28/04/2024 20:25

Surely though, a spa day is a waste as you can't participate in things like the jacuzzi, steam room or other heated treatments. You also have to be so careful about the massage, facial therapy options and even aromatherapy oils.

Please check whether this place have any treatments specified as suitable for you in pregnancy, but tbh I'd be cancelling it and absolutely not risking it when you're already naturally worried about the health of you and the baby.

Don't waste money on a fancy swimsuit, offer your apologies and cancel.

The swimsuit won’t be a waste as we’re going on holiday next month so I’ll need it for that anyway so that’s fine.

The spa day was well paid up in advance before I was even pregnant although as we were trying I did know this could be an outcome. Thank you for pointing out about the oils and things as that isn’t something I’d considered. I do plan to speak to the spa beforehand so if there isn’t anything they can offer me then of course that will force my hand; I have just seen pictures of guests around the pool area in robes so if they’re provided then I actually think I’ll be good there.

OP posts:
MabelTheCow · 28/04/2024 20:42

Given your history OP, consider calling the specialist screening midwives and see if they can arrange your anatomy scan at 18 weeks to support your mental health.

tarheelbaby · 28/04/2024 20:41

Surely, SIL and your mum will understand that you want to keep quiet until your scan and don't want to 'steal' the wedding. So share your news but swear them to secrecy. Avoid the treatments not recommended for pregnant ladies. Find a floaty, A line dress for the wedding.
It's exciting but you can contain it. I went to a wedding expecting and no one had any idea.

Itstimeforbaileys · 28/04/2024 20:32

QueenOfWeeds · 28/04/2024 20:20

What’s your budget for a dress, @Itstimeforbaileys ? And congratulations.

I reckon in the staggered treatment situation you describe, you’ll be ok. But I would call the spa and tell them a) you are pregnant and b) not to tell anyone. I did something similar for a nice meal that was pre-booked (tasting menu, so I knew I couldn’t just pick “safe” options) and they were so, so discreet.

Up to £200? I’m not usually one for prints/patterns but definitely would wear all sorts of different shapes of dresses.

I’ll definitely let the spa know ahead of time, thank you for that!

OP posts:
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