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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU: re: not being sure what to do about this pregnancy

13 replies

octopusfeet · 25/04/2019 12:29

We have two children - a daughter (aged 4) and a new baby who is six months old. I always hummed and hawed over wanting a third, but the second pregnancy/birth and post partum period was so awful I decided very firmly that our family was complete. My husband has never wanted a third (despite being the oldest of 4!).

I've just found out that I am pregnant again. Early days. Complete surprise, we had been using contraception very carefully.

My husband does not want the baby. He doesn't even think having a termination is an issue because it's just a ball of cells. I am very pro choice, but I am really struggling. In my head, I know we cannot possibly afford a third. We are going to struggle to pay childcare fees when I go back to work soon. Me being a SAHP is not an option. I am hoping to increase my earnings when I return to work, but this will only cover our costs.

I've already booked an appointment to have the abortion pills, because I'd rather have an appointment then cancel it, rather than risk having delays which take me past 9 weeks.

AIBU to have no idea what to do? My husband really sees this as a cut and dry decision. He isn't cruel, he just doesn't understand why I would have doubts. I had no joy when I saw the positive results on the test, just dread. I feel guilty, but that was my reaction.

But maybe it's the hormones, but I'm beginning to think maybe we could just deal with it.

Basically, AIBU to not know what the fuck to do. Would I be unreasonable to suggest continuing the pregnancy even though it would cause financial difficulties for years to come, and we had agreed no more kids? It would also have a big impact on my career and possibly marriage.

Please help.

OP posts:
Frume · 25/04/2019 12:35

Hugs! More than likely, you will manage some how. Do not have the termination if you're even slightly unsure, you will regret it for the rest of your life Flowers

mum2three0 · 25/04/2019 12:37

Hello, not sure if I'll be of much help. I have 3 children(youngest only 8m) and back in January found myself pregnant. I had a termination, my DP was very much like yours "it isn't anything, just cells"
I even posted on here and people told me I'd probably miscarry before the termination appointment!!
My termination was about 9 weeks ago and I regret it so much, I hate myself every single day and just think why didn't I fight for that baby harder!!
It doesn't help that I had a lot of complications from the termination and needed TWO d&cs Sad
Just be really, really sure. Deep down I think we could have managed, it'd have been a struggle sure but it could of been manageable Sad

Purplelion · 25/04/2019 12:39

I am currently 5 months pregnant with a surprise 3rd baby! Before we always said if there was an accident I would have a termination. When I did the test OH looked at it and told me it was positive! I then knew I wanted to keep it. I told OH and he just said we will manage somehow! Still no idea how but we will!
It’s a huge decision but for me I knew what I wanted to do as soon as I knew I was pregnant!

Waveysnail · 25/04/2019 12:50

Do what's right for your family and for yourself. Ignore other people's stories of happiness or regret. Have a heart to heart with your partner and decide together

PlainSpeakingStraightTalking · 25/04/2019 12:53

You do what you want to do - dont be swayed into rash decisions because of someone else.

AryaStarkWolf · 25/04/2019 12:53

ah sorry OP, it's a tough one, logically the abortion is the thing to do but that doesn't make it an easy choice or necessarily the right choice for you either. I don't think any of us here can give you the answer to this unfortunately.

NotSoThinLizzy · 25/04/2019 12:56

Same here pregnant with surprise 3rd baby and we was using protection. I couldn't decide if I wanted another but I guess life had one more for me 😂 you need to have a while to think about this decision so you don't end up regretting it either way you go. Spend one day like your going to keep it see how you feel then spend one day like you've had an abortion. It might help separate some feelings.

BarbarianMum · 25/04/2019 12:59

"You will manage somehow"

Please don't base your decision on the vague reassurance of a total stranger - they won't be there when you aren't/can't manage.

If you are considering continuing the pregnancy then have a hard think about how you will manage. Can you/your dh give up your current job and work evening/weekend shifts around childcare? Get better paid work? Change career? Or could you cut back to the bone and hang on in there for a couple of years til 2nd is in nursery?

I'm not saying have/dont have the baby - that of course is your decision. I am saying it is possible to be in a position where no choice is good or feels right. And that it possible to regret having a child, as well as having a termination.

ParmaHamAndMozzarella · 25/04/2019 13:03

So sorry you’ve found yourself in this difficult position. Only you can make the decision, lots of people can say what they would do or what they did do in similar circumstances but they aren’t you. You’ve done the right thing to book it first and then think about it. Best of luck whatever your decision may be.

HBStowe · 25/04/2019 13:03

It sounds like your reasons for a termination are very sensible - huge financial cost, possibly costing your marriage etc. Especially as you didn’t ever want the third. But feelings are hard, and don’t always follow logic. Talk it over again with your husband, and see where you end up. And maybe think about your worst case scenarios for each option. Worst case scenario for aborting - it’s emotionally very difficult and you regret it forever (but you have financial stability and your family). Worst case scenario for keeping - it costs you career / money / possibly husband (but on the other hand maybe it doesn’t. And you would ultimately have a third kid to love)

Boom45 · 25/04/2019 13:11

I've been in your position. I always kinda wanted 3 babies, after 2 difficult deliveries we decided to stop at 2. I then found myself pregnant and logically knew i couldn't do it again but desperately didn't want to have an abortion.
I had the abortion and it was so so hard, i really regretted it at first and felt really guilty - like I'd prioritised my comfort (financial and health wise) over a baby. But I'm 4 years past the abortion now and i know in my heart i made the right choice. Hardest thing i ever did tho and my story is mine, won't necessarily be yours.
Be kind to yourself x

Ihatehashtags · 26/04/2019 06:42

Would you consider adopting your baby out?

octopusfeet · 26/04/2019 11:36

Absolutely not.

I would rather have a termination (I am very very early days) than adopt my born child into the care system, which is known for being appauling.

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