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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Bad reaction to pregnancy announcement

442 replies

Familydrama25 · 04/07/2025 01:48

Username changed for this.
Sorry it's a long one to get it all out.

For reference I'm 27 with a 5 year old. I was already apprehensive about telling my family and my fears came true. And when I say family, I mean more my mum. I'm 18 weeks and held off as long as I could.

She had a suspicion recently and went "you're not pregnant are you, you better not be pregnant". At first I thought it was an opening but her wording put me on the defensive. I decided I will come down with some scan photos delivering the news a bit more how I would like and with my parents together - and I'm glad I did because my dad acted as some sort of neutraliser in all this.

I presented the photos and said how there's going to be a new member of the family by Christmas. She just said "why". I didn't really know how to respond to this. Dad moved it on, oh let's look at the pictures then. I don't even recall her even looking at the photos actually. I think she got up to do the dishes. From the kitchen she goes "take it you didn't take any precautions then", leaving my dad and I awkwardly looking at each other. He moved it on asking when it's due. "It better not be around Christmas" she pipes up and then made a dramatic sigh when I said 1st December. She told me how unfair this is on the child to share birthday and Christmas so close together. Despite them knowing I'm with someone, she goes "do you even know who the dad is". I clarified it was him but she clearly doesn't view me in a good light.

She then wants to plan a family holiday next year for us. And a bit child like she goes "I wanted to go Disney next year". I said we can still go. She replies well that was for (name of my ds). This was one of the first things she said and I still can't see how it's relevant. If anything it sounds like she's already excluding the unborn one!

In the end I just said can't you be happy for me and she replies a blunt "no". And a "why would I be".

I didn't expect her to be jumping with joy, but she couldn't even keep it neutral, especially knowing it's a moment that stays with you. Last time her response was "what have you done that for" but I was 21 so understand I was just starting out in life. I know I'm still young and it feels like she's mad at me for having done it again.

In all honesty the decision for me to go ahead with this pregnancy was a hard one. It was all about her but it would have been nice to be asked how I was feeling. In an ideal world, I would have liked to have been able to open up to her months ago and get some support around what to do but I think I've accepted she's not the one to do this with. It saddens me that she's actually the last person that I can come to with anything emotionally.

Recently her friend gave her some news about getting married and I had her friend call me up asking if she was ok because she didn't respond as how you would expect. So maybe it's not just me?

What would you do from here? It makes me want to distance myself but I'm still determined to go back and patch things up. It's a lot to take in and she's never been one at handling her emotions well.

AIBU - she has her reasons to lash out
YNBU - there was no need to say all those comments. There's better ways at going about expressing your concerns.

OP posts:
ByLimeAnt · 04/07/2025 01:51

In so sorry. Congratulations on your pregnancy, that's lovely!

Familydrama25 · 04/07/2025 01:52

ByLimeAnt · 04/07/2025 01:51

In so sorry. Congratulations on your pregnancy, that's lovely!

Thank you 🥰

OP posts:
FeistyCat · 04/07/2025 05:34

She sounds like a very jealous and bitter person to be honest if she is also like that with friends. Like she needs to drag everyone down to be as miserable at life as she is. I'm sorry that she can't be supportive. Does she normally have a happy and exciting life? Or is it dull and miserable or so-so?

Helpmeplease2025 · 04/07/2025 05:38

Unless you live with her, or already rely on her for help with DC1, I can’t see why she’s so bothered?

IwasDueANameChange · 04/07/2025 05:42

The question of who the dad is is telling. Is it a long term relationship you are in?

How are your finances? Are you employed, is he? Can you afford the childcare after mat leave?

MoreChocPls · 04/07/2025 05:43

Your mum is a cow. Why on earth would you want to go on holiday with her? Congrats on the baby!

CaptainFuture · 04/07/2025 05:46

Helpmeplease2025 · 04/07/2025 05:38

Unless you live with her, or already rely on her for help with DC1, I can’t see why she’s so bothered?

This, with the caveat of is the dad in prison/an addict/violent... what's it to her?.

Is she too young to be a grandma?

terracelane23 · 04/07/2025 05:56

It sounds all about her being some sort of victim here. What a horrible reaction.

Francestein · 04/07/2025 05:57

Couple of questions for context… Where do you live? With baby’s dad or with parents? If she’s underwhelmed because she’s supporting you, I kind of get it. If you support yourself and live elsewhere, and she’s underwhelmed just because you’re not married or because she wanted to go to an over-priced theme park ihabited by a giant rodent, then she’s just a twat.

AuntyHistamine · 04/07/2025 05:58

She really does sound thoroughly unpleasant and I'd be distancing myself to limit her toxic influence, however I think we need more background. If you've only been with this bf five minutes then it might be understandable that she's apprehensive about this. If it's a long term relationship and you can afford a second child then why would you want to 'patch things up' with someone this unpleasant?

Glowingup · 04/07/2025 05:59

It’s odd. Did she have to do a lot of childcare or help out financially with your first one? It doesn’t sound like she knows your new partner if she doesn’t know his name or anything and asked who the dad was. Have you been together long? It’s tempting to just write her off as a bitch but sometimes people who have to pick up the pieces of others’ chaotic lives reach a breaking point. Not saying this is the case here of course but sometimes it is.

uncomfortablydumb60 · 04/07/2025 06:04

I’m really sorry You should be able to shout your lovely news from the roof tops if you want
if it’s any consolation When I told her I was pregnant with DS3 She simply said “ oh dear”I was bloody delighted

uncomfortablydumb60 · 04/07/2025 06:04

Sorry Wgen I told my best friend of 25 years !!!

Roselilly36 · 04/07/2025 06:10

Is your mum usually like this? Seems an odd reaction to happy news. Many congratulations OP. Pleased your Dad was more supportive. Good luck going forward.

AbsoluteBeginner1 · 04/07/2025 06:11

It sounds like she doesnt like dad and thinks you've made the same mistake again. Does he live with you? Are there issues there?

Bellavida99 · 04/07/2025 06:13

She does sound horrible but you haven’t mentioned your living situation. Are you in a stable relationship with a decent person? Are you both financially secure? Do you have room for the baby where you’re living? Can you afford childcare when you go back to work? If some of these answers aren’t ideal she is probably worried even though her response seemed unkind I would understand it

Pollqueen · 04/07/2025 06:18

Do you live at home OP? Do you work? There's many reasons for your mum's reaction so those questions are important

whynotmereally · 04/07/2025 06:18

Her response is horrid but also it depends on the situation.
Was the pregnancy planned? Are you married/in a ltr?
Do you have your own house? Are you financially stable?

if the answer to any of these questions is no it could be she is worried about you and your son and you making life hard for yourself.

Meadowfinch · 04/07/2025 06:20

Congratulations

That's how my dm would have reacted.

She saw children as a burden, a disaster. Something to be avoided or regretted. But my dm was around before the contraceptive pill, when she spent her whole time trying not to get pregnant (odd then that she chose to marry).

Your dm doesn't have that background. Unless your dm thinks she will be left holding the baby, she is being completely unreasonable. It is your choice. Perhaps she relies on you and you have less time with her as each baby comes along. Or she is jealous.

4pmwinetimebebeh · 04/07/2025 06:21

I’m sorry OP that’s sad. As others have said context is key though- if she’s normally great (is she?) why would she be unhappy about a baby? If she’s clarifying who the father is it sounds like potentially a newish relationship- maybe that’s a worry? Trying to play devils advocate not agree with your mum- you’re a proper adult now so enjoy your pregnancy!

TimeForATerf · 04/07/2025 06:23

My first thought is that you live with them and your mum has already spent the last five years helping with childcare and supporting you both, and you’re now expecting again without considering the implications on them.

can you please clarify so you can get appropriate advice?

Auroraloves · 04/07/2025 06:27

Congratulations ❤️ this is a her problem. If anyone needs to be patching anything up, it’s not you. She sounds like she has mental issues that need addressing.

SockFluffInTheBath · 04/07/2025 06:31

Same thoughts as many others, is she concerned about your ability to independently feed and house another child, do you expect them to be your childcare?

If you’re not already leaning on them- and now expecting more- then it seems an odd reaction, maybe she’s just a miserable cow?

NeelyOHara · 04/07/2025 06:35

Do you rely on her financially? Does she look after your existing child already and is worried she’ll have to look after two?
How long have you been in the relationship with the father for?
These things do make a difference I’m afraid.

Slightyamusedandsilly · 04/07/2025 06:36

I suspect there is a lot of backstory here.

Pregnant at 21. Unplanned? Were you still living with your parents? Was the father involved? Who had to support you through the birth/new born stage?

This pregnancy sounds like it was also unplanned. How long have you been with the father, because it sounds as if your mum isn't even sure who the dad is? Do you work? Do you have maternity pay? Who do you live with?

Do you rely on your parents for childcare? Are you a burden to them in any other way?

IF all of the questions above have positive answers, maybe your mum is just a cow. But I think there is another side to this story and that maybe your mum is reacting badly because of previous bad planning/irresponsibility.