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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I have been asked to host a party for a friend in my house while 9 months pregnant

593 replies

BrinaEds · 04/10/2022 13:20

AIBU, I have been asked by a close friend to host a party in my house for them. I'll be 9 months pregnant by the day of the party and I'm already tired all the time but I don't feel like I can say no. I would have thought that some consideration would have been given to the fact I'm pregnant before they even asked but they recently did helped me out with something which they pushed to do but was helpful (nothing on this scale) so now I feel obliged. My main concern about the whole thing is having a bunch of strangers in my house (20-30 people), the possibility of picking up a cold/flu and the deep clean that will have to happen after the event because tidying is not the same as cleaning. DH says he will manage the day and sort out all the cleaning after but I just don't feel comfortable with the whole thing. AIBU?

OP posts:
Doowop1919 · 14/10/2022 16:36

I'm glad it has resolved itself, op. But you're brushing over the fact your inconsiderate and selfish DH still would have allowed this and is still going to the party. We might be a bit extreme but my DH isn't doing anything from when I'm 36 weeks pregnant because he doesn't want to risk catching COVID and not being allowed in to see his child being born or being able to support me. It's just one party that your DH could easily skip.

dontputitthere · 14/10/2022 16:44

billy1966 · 14/10/2022 14:59

OP, only in the deepest of deepest denials could someone find this situation and its outcome a win.

Your nasty excuse of a husband told you to leave your own home, where you pay most.

So his family can use your home whilst you are about to give birth, and trying to avoid a virus, that could seriously impact you and your baby.

Only on MN is this a win🤷🏻‍♀️

You poor, poor deluded woman.

He has shown you EXACTLY who he is and you are determined to look the other way.

This will undoubtedly cost you into the future.

Look after your job, finances, friends and family, with a waster like him, you are going to need them all.

Every good wish for the birth.

This. All of this

This is not a win. I wouldn't be celebrating.

Also your dh is planning to bugger off for a party when youre due. Potentially expose himself to covid. What do you plan to do then for the birth? Birth alone?

Like I said way back. My ex dh had everything planned to the nth degree. He basically put me and the baby first.

Your dh is not doing that. You have a serious problem that runs far deeper than a party.

Delphinium20 · 14/10/2022 16:56

Very happy for you, OP. I think the situation appears a bit clearer now that ILs recognized that you might not like this but your DH didn't. Now is a good time to have a heart-to-heart and let him know he needs to consider you and baby's needs and if he doesn't know what they are, he needs to always ask first and BELIEVE you. I would be very, very firm. Remind him during labor when the midwives are in the room...they'll back you up ;)

Good luck on new baby and hope the birth goes well and baby is a good sleeper!

DahliaRose3 · 14/10/2022 18:02

I don’t understand why you are scared of your husband - that’s the only thing I can think of. I wouldn’t be scared to lose someone that doesn’t care about me, and my child. People treat you the way you let them treat you. You’re carrying his baby, the least he can do is treat you decently.

It’s not a win, because you didn’t stand up for yourself. And your partner still sucks.

My partner’s work bosses (all men) have even told him to stop coming in 1 month before the birth just in case I give birth early - he works 1,5 hours drive away which would be plenty of time. He has been super considerate of me during pregnancy, and for the upcoming birth. Forgoing unnecessary parties etc in the next month. What a good partner is supposed to do.

billy1966 · 14/10/2022 18:48

The OP is undoubtedly a lovely young woman.

She just needs to protect herself.

I, like many others, really hope she does.

jewishmum · 14/10/2022 19:12

You know I think it's important to mention that if DH does end up giving you COVID, you and baby are going to be ok G-d willing.

I was alone on an isolated ward and had COVID giving birth and I didn't need anyone's help or hardly notice nobody was there (apart from the nurse) because I was too concentrated on getting through contractions and when baby was born it was bliss.

So you know I was really very scared of the thought of going into labour with COVID and prayed every day that baby would be overdue but in the end it was alright and baby always been healthy.

HotWashCycle · 14/10/2022 19:30

Make sure he does not go to the party OP. Your baby's health and welfare and yours HAS to come first. Is he in denial about fatherhood? Good luck.

VisitingThem · 14/10/2022 19:35

I'm glad its worked out in that your IL's have realised what cheeky sods they were being. However you still have a husband that lacks an ounce of common sense, and has shown a severe lack of empathy toward you. Hopefully he will step up when baby arrives, but my money is him being the 'well you are on HOLIDAY so you can deal with everything' type!

Pipsquiggle · 14/10/2022 20:07

Glad that the party is no longer happening at your home, however, your DH still seems to be lacking the emotional intelligence to be a trusted partner who has your back

comfortablyfrumpy · 14/10/2022 20:21

That's great news OP.
All the best, hopefully you can rest properly before baby comes :)

Schnooze · 15/10/2022 09:18

I should think that someone else pointed out to the in laws, the stupidity of asking you to host. I should think they were discussing your conversation, or perhaps it finally filtered through to themselves.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 15/10/2022 19:20

Op. I am so glad for you that the situation has resolved itself and that the stress this was causing you has been removed and you can look forward to a bit of peace and quiet for the birth.
This is great news and everyone has to start somewhere, But, with an eye to the future dealing with such situations, you need to think about the following comments you made and how you could improve on that to be more assertive.

Naturally I was internally overjoyed but didn't want to come across too pleased. They said that my condition had crossed their mind before asking but when DH didn't seem to think that would be an issue they cracked on

Why pretend you aren't pleased or at least relieved? You need to express your real feelings more ( you are allowed to put yourself first!) as it sounds like both your DH and ILs will keep being overbearing if you don't speak up for yourself. Also the fact that DH didn't think it was an issue and they were stupid enough to accept that is mind boggling.

I cautiously said that if I wasn't pregnant and this far along I would always help where I can ... I added that DH said he would handle things if there's really no other options.

Why are you promising to always help? Why not wait until the next bout of help is asked for and make a decision then? Otherwise you will feell obliged to help, even if its very inconvenient, because you told them you would always help. Madness. It comes across as apologising to them because you physically couldn't comply with their ridiculous inconsiderate plan that has caused you so much worry and stress.

Then you tell that them that if they can't find any other option - they've just said they can - that DH will go ahead and handle it anyway. You are actually almost saying to them if its too inconvenient they can still have the party at your house anyway? You are so lucky that they said no as you very nearly invited them to carry on. You need to check with yourself next time and keep silent if someone has just agreed to a request and not fill the conversation with extra offers. If they say they are moving the party. just say thanks. I'm relieved.

Also. You are worried about covid. You are about to give birth but your DH is going to the party anyway. Several PPs have said that he should avoid going if that is a concern. He may be fine. You may be fine. But isn't this a time where a bit of playing safe wouldn't go amiss? and he has a perfect excuse.
It doesn't sound like he is putting you or the baby first and you should def make him attend the next midwife session and ask her to tell him what she thinks.

Please look into reading about assertiveness training as it will stand you in good stead for motherhood. But its great that they have backed down and I wish you all the very best with the birth.

MountainChalet · 15/10/2022 21:18

That's good news! From now on be more assertive with your husband.

slithytoveisascientist · 16/10/2022 01:32

So, your in laws did the right thing but your husband didn’t. You still have a problem OP. Don’t let this go easily, it needs exploring and resolving.

Mummyoflittledragon · 16/10/2022 02:35

billy1966 · 14/10/2022 14:59

OP, only in the deepest of deepest denials could someone find this situation and its outcome a win.

Your nasty excuse of a husband told you to leave your own home, where you pay most.

So his family can use your home whilst you are about to give birth, and trying to avoid a virus, that could seriously impact you and your baby.

Only on MN is this a win🤷🏻‍♀️

You poor, poor deluded woman.

He has shown you EXACTLY who he is and you are determined to look the other way.

This will undoubtedly cost you into the future.

Look after your job, finances, friends and family, with a waster like him, you are going to need them all.

Every good wish for the birth.

Spot on as always. Listen to billy op. She always talks a lot of sense.

BCBird · 16/10/2022 04:57

You are not being unreasonable. I had a friend who said although it can be uncomfortable when in this sort of situation it is best just to say no. No reason needs to be given as when you do it invites discussion. Yes it is uncomfortable but it does the job.
If ur friend is aware you will be 9 months pregnant I would be questioning your friendship if it was me. Re Covid, as well as cold etc, that's the last thing you need. Stay strong.

Endlesslysurprised84 · 19/10/2022 18:30

Appreciate few days ago

but OP - what about your friends? I can’t imagine not telling my close friends this and if I had a shit DH as sadly you do, they would rally for me.

Endlesslysurprised84 · 19/10/2022 18:31

Op

you will be back many many times on mumsnet so starting threads I suspect. Each getting progressively more and more depressing

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