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Help me lie to my family!!

52 replies

Nerdynerdynerd · 29/09/2023 08:34

I'm 4 weeks pregnant and have a family night away in a few weeks time. There's a hot tub and I don't want to take the risk of getting in it, I also don't want to tell them that soon!

If I "forget" my costume one of my sisters or aunts will lend me one, so that's out!

Hideous toenail infection?
Newly developed phobia of hot tubs?
Weird flaky skin condition over just the covered parts of my body?

OP posts:
EggTheParrot · 29/09/2023 09:07

Not being funny but if someone told me they had a sickness bug but were going to 'drag themselves out' I'd tell them not to bother.

ZombieBoob · 29/09/2023 09:07

The risk is you fainting with the heat not actually causing damage to the baby. You can find the info on the NHS website just Google it

RampantIvy · 29/09/2023 09:08

also can say on antibiotics so not drinking

That won't wash as it is a very overused and unoriginal excuse and is a synonym for being pregnant. You can drink with most antibiotics these days. The only one I can think of that you can't drink with is Metronidazole.

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youdo · 29/09/2023 09:09

Thrush, you don't want to get in because it will aggravate it! Tummy bug limits you so always go with the thrush!

howaboutchocolate · 29/09/2023 09:10

You have a UTI. You feel better but you've been on antibiotics. It's not contagious so you can still go, but you feel a bit funny and have to be careful (with hot tub, food and drink). Take cranberry juice to drink as you're flushing it out.

kittenseverywhere · 29/09/2023 09:11

I'd be prepared for them to guess OP. When someone I know is pregnant I notice it within the month. You can try to fool them but do most people (especially if they are older) know about avoiding hot tubs in pregnancy? I think most wouldn't.

Justmuddlingalong · 29/09/2023 09:12

I second saying you've got thrush. Take a tube of canestan with a bit squeezed out of it as a prop.

Funkyslippers · 29/09/2023 09:12

CurlewKate well it has to be really hot

RampantIvy · 29/09/2023 09:13

The problem with lying is that you might forget. It is far easier to stay as near to the truth as possible then you won't get cuaght out.

"I don't want to" is true and a perfect reason. You don't need to justify it.

Daffodil18 · 29/09/2023 09:15

You will be 7 weeks by that time. Have an early scan before you go and if everything is fine then tell them. I had IVF and the clinic told me they do the early scan at 6.5 weeks and if everything looks fine then it probably will be.

quickqpls · 29/09/2023 09:22

I don't think many people would immediately think PREGNANT, if somebody didn't want to get in hot tub!
A drinker not drinking, for sure, but many won't even know it's a risk.
I know this is semi-lighthearted but I find it a little odd that you can't just say - not for me, don't fancy it!
But if you want to lie - can you say the chemicals irritate your skin or something light like that?

Tigertigertigertiger · 29/09/2023 09:22

Don't be daft .
Just say you don't want to drink or go in the hot tub.

Just like my male friend said last week when he visited.

And congratulations 🥳

LovelaceBiggWither · 29/09/2023 09:26

It's not the risk of fainting and it definitely is not safe to do just because your 6 week scan was fine.

From the NHS
"Overheating. When you use a sauna, jacuzzi, hot tub or steam room, your body is unable to lose heat effectively by sweating. This means your body's core temperature rises. It's possible that a significant rise in your core temperature could be harmful in pregnancy, particularly in the first 12 weeks.'

LeafLife · 29/09/2023 09:28

I think I would either tell them the truth (because they will likely guess anyway with your changed behaviour) or make an excuse not to go at all if I wanted to keep it secret.

SkyTree · 29/09/2023 09:33

I had this a few months ago, people guessed but were polite enough not to say anything.

There being a sign right next to the hot tub advising that pregnant women shouldn’t use it didnt help 😂

Missedmytoe · 29/09/2023 09:38

If you use any of the excuses about not getting in, you could "show willing" by dunking your feet in for a bit with heavy sighs, before rushing to the loo!

Thisisnowmyusername · 29/09/2023 09:41

If it is that big of a gathering including multiple sisters and multiple aunts, I doubt everyone will get in the hot tub at once, there wouldn't be room, so on the first time, simply say 'not now, maybe tomorrow, Barbara and I were just going to have a game of cards/watch The Chase on tv'. Then the next day, simply say you don't feel like it. No need for any big excuses.

ThreeRingCircus · 29/09/2023 10:04

I would say you're on your period and it's really heavy at the moment. It's too much information so will stop people asking any questions.

Sunshinenrain · 29/09/2023 10:24

How far along will you be by then?

When are you planning on telling them?

As a PP said I think they’ll clock if they know you well enough and so I personally would be honest if it’s after the 12 weeks scan.

If not people may guess but just say you don’t want to say anything until it’s confirmed.

Nerdynerdynerd · 29/09/2023 15:03

@RampantIvy
@TGGreen

It's easier if you don't go in hot tubs, unfortunately I always go in them and we've been in many together in the past so not a simple "don't like them" because they know I do!

OP posts:
Gcsunnyside23 · 29/09/2023 15:34

Can you say you have a UTI and don't want to get in the water, maybe get your suit on but sit on the edge

WannabeMathematician · 29/09/2023 15:39

If these are the people who would support you if you have a miscarriage then I would tell them.

If not, what about thrush?

DappledThings · 29/09/2023 15:41

I'd just be honest. The more you try to concoct a cover story the less believable it becomes. So they will know anyway, either by guessing or because you tell them.

I would far rather know I'd told people than be left guessing who has guessed. Far too tedious.

Anontocomment · 29/09/2023 15:44

Another one saying UTI or Thrush; easy enough to remember and won't be questioned. Yes, close family may guess but you don't have to say anything until you are ready.

OstrichInPink · 29/09/2023 15:49

Buy some plasticine and model some impetigo on your skin, start asking what it is on family whatsapp. Build up to doctor appointment and they will be begging you not to get in. They'll think it's funny after the event (hopefully).