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Abandoned at 6 weeks pregnant - AIBU to shut down?

418 replies

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 14:04

I cannot believe I am typing this but my now ex “partner”of 2 years has given me an ultimatum. Have an abortion and we carry on as a couple, or keep the pregnancy and I will never see his face again. As soon as he said this, we were done!

His initial reaction was apprehensive - I thought it was fair. But I NEVER would have imagined hed do a runner. When I first told him I was pregnant he made it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere - it just wasn't the best time. 3 days later he gave the ultimatum. He was as cold as ice.

He’s being manipulative and saying “don’t let any man tell you what to do, if you want to keep it, that’s fine, but I will not be there”. He had a truth dump and admitted to being a terrible father to his other two kids, beating them, being abusive, and basically not enjoying fatherhood. He loves them “sometimes” but cannot stand the responsibility. The entire time we were together I never met his kids but he claimed to be father of the year, pretending to see them and be with them.

I’ve cut contact with him and blocked him yesterday!

Hes ruined this. He was the one who told me not to take the morning after pill! We agreed we would see what would happen regarding family planning and a baby. Hed go up and down but always maintained it woild be a good thing.

i had a bad feeling that I’ve misjudged who this man is and contacted his ex who I have never spoken to.

she was an Angel and told me he has not seen his other two kids properly in two years due to social services intervention because he badly best their 9 year old. On top of that he was just a terrible terrible partner that financially abused her and beat her. He wouldn’t turn up to visits, ignore them for months at a time. No birthday cards….nothing. He also refused to divorce her and she had to get it done via court order. He told me they were divorced 3 weeks into us dating. The amount of lies exposed in our conversation was something out of a Netflix documentary. He told me she was a housewive….turns out she had 3 jobs while he paid for nothing. When her son was a baby she came home and he had bitten him! Hes a stranger. A stranger. I’m broken.

I basically have been with a compulsive liar and sociopath who saw our relationship as a bit of fun. I ignored a lot of red flags because I’m 34 abojt to turn 35 in December and I’m scared. I’m kicking myself for letting my loneliness consume me.

I don’t want to be pregnant anymore but already had a termination at 31 and cannot bring myself to take the pills. I feel no connection to the pregnancy anymore because of him, and am scared I’m romanticising motherhood out of fear of it not happening for me.

you know how some woman say “F U, I’m keeping it!”. That’s not me! It sounds horrible but I’d love to just have a miscarriage to take the choice out of my hands. I have no desire to be a single mother or raise the child of a compulsive liar. I don’t think I can love this child and heal from his lies. I’m also petrified this is my last chance to be a mum. I guess I’m clinging on to being pregnant - I felt so special and giddy in those short three days before my world was turned upside down.

please give advice and be soft with me. I want to be a mum but not like this. The abortion just feels….wrong. I’m 34 about to be 35. What if I never meet anyone? What if I do but we can’t get pregnant. The abortion I had at 31 was a massive massive relief. This feels like the hardest thing ever. I see no good outcome. Children abandoned by a parent seem to have a lot of trauma no matter how big the village.

my head is saying get rid of it and feel horrible because you deserve to. Deep down inside you knew who this man was and you played with fire because you were desperate. If you don’t have kids after this - that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The other side of my head is saying that I’m just grieving a massive loss and I will forgive him, come to peace with this, and love my child.

please give it to me straight and share your experiences because my brain is fried. I’m 5 weeks + 4

OP posts:
AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:26

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:25

@AllezAllezPronto No. Genuinely no. I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing but I’ve learned the hard way these past few days how cold everyone around me is. Peoole will chat on the phone a little but no one wants to be here. It’s horrible.

If you reach out here there may be a MNetter who will reach out to you if they live near. Some forums are great like this- say where you are and I bet you will get offers of help.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:26

AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:25

I know it's easy to say but your life will be 100% harder if you have this baby.
A daily reminder of what this man did.

You can deal with this.
You're a strong woman. You have taken the pills before . I know how that is as I hand-held (by phone) a friend doing just that.
Wanted a baby but wrong timing.

You'll cope fine, once you have made the decision.

Be strong.

@AllezAllezPronto than you so so so much for this. Wow. You guys have no idea how this is helping me. I had a counselling session this afternoon and this is better.

OP posts:
Buttercup211 · 24/09/2026 18:26

You say you'll never see him again and he hates you but have you considered that a man so twisted and evil may want to see his child in order to abuse them? You would live a lifetime of fearing wondering if he would come back demanding access.
This isn't your last chance of having a baby. Please think ahead to the future. This would be a lifetime being tied to this evil man. Sending strength x

PrincessDonutTheQueenAnneChonk · 24/09/2026 18:25

You're not going to be able to switch your feelings off about him overnight no matter what sort of monster he is really. Your feelings and confusion are completely valid things to be feeling.
I'd sit with you if I could. You're making one of the hardest decisions of your life and no matter what you can be proud of the fact that you got yourself away from him.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:25

AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:22

You need not be ashamed. You don't need to be scared.
Have you a friend to hand-hold?

Forget about being 34. That is not the issue.
You have TIME. As I said, I have a friend who met her H at 35, married at 36, first child 37, next at 39.

Felling you may not get another chance is not the answer to having a child in these circumstances.

@AllezAllezPronto No. Genuinely no. I don’t know if it’s a cultural thing but I’ve learned the hard way these past few days how cold everyone around me is. Peoole will chat on the phone a little but no one wants to be here. It’s horrible.

OP posts:
AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:25

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:21

@AllezAllezPronto no I regret getting pregnant, wish I woild miscarry, but am too scared and alone for the abortion. Also scared about future fertility because I really want to be a mum one day

I know it's easy to say but your life will be 100% harder if you have this baby.
A daily reminder of what this man did.

You can deal with this.
You're a strong woman. You have taken the pills before . I know how that is as I hand-held (by phone) a friend doing just that.
Wanted a baby but wrong timing.

You'll cope fine, once you have made the decision.

Be strong.

StarPyjamas · 24/09/2026 18:24

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:21

@AllezAllezPronto no I regret getting pregnant, wish I woild miscarry, but am too scared and alone for the abortion. Also scared about future fertility because I really want to be a mum one day

Being a mother is both physically and mentally demanding.

And right now, I agree you don't sound mentally well.

I just don't think it's the best thing for you, let alone the baby.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:23

WallyWinker · 24/09/2026 18:20

Can you go to your Mum and Dad? @NattyEagle

@WallyWinker no. My cousin said hed Come over and never turned up. My mum said she’s come one night and she didn’t want to be around this. Welcome to my unsupportive life. Any wonder I pick men like this?

OP posts:
AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:22

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:18

This is where I am torn @Jimmyjumpy !!! However I want to be clear and say I do not want this pregnancy anymore, I’m just too scared and ashamed for an abortion. Id be happy if I had a miscarriage.

You need not be ashamed. You don't need to be scared.
Have you a friend to hand-hold?

Forget about being 34. That is not the issue.
You have TIME. As I said, I have a friend who met her H at 35, married at 36, first child 37, next at 39.

Felling you may not get another chance is not the answer to having a child in these circumstances.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:21

AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:16

Oh dear. so sorry.
If his son has ADHD or other neurodiversity, many are genetic and it's quite possible this baby will have them. If it's a boy he is more likely to look like his father. Is that a life you want?

I'd forget about being 35 almost.
Put that to one side. You do not want a child at any price.
And you are not too old to conceive again - you have at least another 5-6 years (I know friends who had 2 children between 36 and 40., their first at 37.)

Anything could happen- you could meet a lovely man in a year.
You could even consider a sperm donor.

Any of those options are better IMO than having a child with a man you now hate and whose DNA might also affect his children's behaviour, health, etc.

The question is - do you want THIS baby at THIS time, with THIS man?

@AllezAllezPronto no I regret getting pregnant, wish I woild miscarry, but am too scared and alone for the abortion. Also scared about future fertility because I really want to be a mum one day

OP posts:
lostatsea15 · 24/09/2026 18:21

It's always going to be your choice, you have asked for opinions.
I'm so sorry how you have been treated, you sound so alone, and lonely.
Possibly your family are keeping away as they can see relationship as it is, and you haven't been able to till now? I hope they rally round you soon.
A baby isn't going to heal or help you, they totally take from you, cause they are babies and deserve it. Those of us who aren't mentally doing well , are not content, needing time to work on ourselves aren't always the best mothers. If baby was to portray behaviours reminding you of a man who has really treated you badly, how would you feel? What if they are 17? Kids deserve their parents, but how will you deal with a 10 year old knowing dad's about but not involved, parenting is a minefield generally but you would be foolish to not be extremely wary. This guy will not stop being dangerous to be about. You sound like your really needing to nurture some good friendships/relationships, a baby on your own is extremely time consuming.
Personally, from a very far distance I would say your fears are valid regarding future chances, but you are pregnant, so your definitely still able to have a baby by a much safer partner/doner.
Your confidence is wrecked, no wonder. Repair for a bit before being a mother. Your future self will really appreciate you taking the pills, just my thoughts

WallyWinker · 24/09/2026 18:20

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:18

This is where I am torn @Jimmyjumpy !!! However I want to be clear and say I do not want this pregnancy anymore, I’m just too scared and ashamed for an abortion. Id be happy if I had a miscarriage.

Can you go to your Mum and Dad? @NattyEagle

Iamnotalemming · 24/09/2026 18:19

I just wanted to send a big unmumsnetty hug. Whatever the future holds it will be better without that man. I can you can move forwards positively.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:19

dcadmamagain · 24/09/2026 18:15

I just wanted to give you a cuddle. You’re between a rock and a hard place. But it’s only you who can make this decision . Whatever decision you make is the right one xx

This was so simple but so comforting @dcadmamagain telling me any decision is the right one

OP posts:
StarPyjamas · 24/09/2026 18:19

dcadmamagain · 24/09/2026 18:15

I just wanted to give you a cuddle. You’re between a rock and a hard place. But it’s only you who can make this decision . Whatever decision you make is the right one xx

Whatever decision you make is the right one xx

What does this actually mean?

How do you know it'll be the right one? 😳

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:18

Jimmyjumpy · 24/09/2026 18:09

He sounds awful and you and your unborn child are better off without him. The one thing Id say is this child is innocent and you must try not to transfer your dislike of this man onto your baby. It seems it was an intentional thing and you were happy about it until you found out all about him. If I were in your shoes Id keep the pregnancy. Cut him off. Be a good Mum to a child you will love for being themselves.

This is where I am torn @Jimmyjumpy !!! However I want to be clear and say I do not want this pregnancy anymore, I’m just too scared and ashamed for an abortion. Id be happy if I had a miscarriage.

OP posts:
AllezAllezPronto · 24/09/2026 18:16

Oh dear. so sorry.
If his son has ADHD or other neurodiversity, many are genetic and it's quite possible this baby will have them. If it's a boy he is more likely to look like his father. Is that a life you want?

I'd forget about being 35 almost.
Put that to one side. You do not want a child at any price.
And you are not too old to conceive again - you have at least another 5-6 years (I know friends who had 2 children between 36 and 40., their first at 37.)

Anything could happen- you could meet a lovely man in a year.
You could even consider a sperm donor.

Any of those options are better IMO than having a child with a man you now hate and whose DNA might also affect his children's behaviour, health, etc.

The question is - do you want THIS baby at THIS time, with THIS man?

dcadmamagain · 24/09/2026 18:15

I just wanted to give you a cuddle. You’re between a rock and a hard place. But it’s only you who can make this decision . Whatever decision you make is the right one xx

StarPyjamas · 24/09/2026 18:13

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:11

Just to confirm to those that haven’t been following the thread. I know it’s a long one.

He DOES NOT see his two kids but PRETENDED TO SEE THEM FOR TWO YEARS! His ex said social services are involved now but it doesn’t even matter because HE NEVER WANTED TO SEE THEM ANYWAY.

When there was contact it was because she practically begged him because the kids missed their dad but he would always cancel, give them back early, not come and get them, or resent having them so much he would treat them like crap! I only just found this out on Sunday! He is an absent father! When he was with ex, as I said in my posts, he paid for NOTHING!

He asked me to have an abortion and told me he feels no connection to his kids and he is truly happy not seeing them! His ex confirmed with me that he hasn’t seen his kids, or TRIED to see his kids in a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The year before that it was like 4 times and she had to beg him. He really isn’t one of those guys that fight for his kids etc he is actually happy to stay away! He would nevvvvvvvveeeeeer take her to court for them, he regrets having them in the first place. He fully broke down and admitted this to me, telling me I’m not who I think he is and no child deserves this and it’s not right! He was as cold as ice but he did say it. His ex confirmed it’s probably the first time hes ever told the truth.

Well he saw his 9 year old kid long enough to beat him up, didn't he?

LowlandLucky · 24/09/2026 18:12

Please do not bring a child into this chaos. Your decision is not just about you it is about a child that will have to go through life with a father that has abandoned them. The whole situation is a mess.

Happyjoe · 24/09/2026 18:12

I don't think it's fair on you or the baby to have this man anywhere near either of you. Yes, he says he's done with being a dad but he's already proven himself to be a liar, unreliable and an abuser. He could make life very very difficult for you going forward if you keep the baby. It's also unfair on children not to have contact with both parents imo.

Totally totally up to you but if it were me, I would terminate, take some time out of everything, heal and then get some therapy as to why I allowed a relationship with this man to start with. Am so sorry you're going through all this. Best of luck and wish you a lot of better times going forward, whatever that looks like for you.

NattyEagle · 24/09/2026 18:11

StarPyjamas · 24/09/2026 17:54

Oh stop it.

You keep saying you know he wouldn't do this and you know he wouldn't do that.

And in the same breath you've told us you didn't know this man at all until you told him you were pregnant.

Go ahead and have this vile piece of shit's baby if that's what you want.

But stop making up a narrative about him never wanting to lay eyes on you and the baby, ever etc.

It's a REAL possibility and one you need to think about rather than deny.

Just to confirm to those that haven’t been following the thread. I know it’s a long one.

He DOES NOT see his two kids but PRETENDED TO SEE THEM FOR TWO YEARS! His ex said social services are involved now but it doesn’t even matter because HE NEVER WANTED TO SEE THEM ANYWAY.

When there was contact it was because she practically begged him because the kids missed their dad but he would always cancel, give them back early, not come and get them, or resent having them so much he would treat them like crap! I only just found this out on Sunday! He is an absent father! When he was with ex, as I said in my posts, he paid for NOTHING!

He asked me to have an abortion and told me he feels no connection to his kids and he is truly happy not seeing them! His ex confirmed with me that he hasn’t seen his kids, or TRIED to see his kids in a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The year before that it was like 4 times and she had to beg him. He really isn’t one of those guys that fight for his kids etc he is actually happy to stay away! He would nevvvvvvvveeeeeer take her to court for them, he regrets having them in the first place. He fully broke down and admitted this to me, telling me I’m not who I think he is and no child deserves this and it’s not right! He was as cold as ice but he did say it. His ex confirmed it’s probably the first time hes ever told the truth.

OP posts:
WallyWinker · 24/09/2026 18:11

Ponderingwindow · 24/09/2026 14:29

This man could choose to parent this child if you proceed. He will be in your life and the child’s life forever. You will constantly be trying to protect your child from abuse with a social services system that does not always help.

You can have a baby many ways. I would be extremely hesitant to have this baby.

@NattyEagle I have a few friends who 'SOLO' parent, IE have had a sperm donor. Its not even that expensive - not like IVF. That would be my path if I wanted Motherhood without the 'having to find a partner'. It can be done, they are very happy and fulfilled mummies.
Good Luck

LaBarucci · 24/09/2026 18:11

OP, I had a termination at six/seven weeks before abortion pills came on the market, in a situation not quite as difficult as yours, but not far from it. This isn't just about the dreadful dilemma you're in, it's the way you are going to go about terminating the pregnancy if you do decide on that. Sitting in a house, all on your own, no support, no family to hold your hand, nothing, taking the pills, ejecting the foetus, in wracking pain, coping with the blood and muck on the toilet, isolated, all on your own: are you serious?

You need as much support as you can get, professional attention, including someone to talk through your situation for as long as it takes. Whether this pregnancy is at an early stage or not, I would check in to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, and lay the whole thing out to the professionals there: and take the pills or whatever they recommend in a comfortable, clean, suitable environment, with the pre and aftercare you need.

Jimmyjumpy · 24/09/2026 18:09

He sounds awful and you and your unborn child are better off without him. The one thing Id say is this child is innocent and you must try not to transfer your dislike of this man onto your baby. It seems it was an intentional thing and you were happy about it until you found out all about him. If I were in your shoes Id keep the pregnancy. Cut him off. Be a good Mum to a child you will love for being themselves.