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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Soon to be ex Husband moving on after 2 months, whilst I’m pregnant with his baby

151 replies

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 17:15

Hi all,
Wondering if any of you can give me your two pence on this situation and whether I’m just over emotional (pregnancy) or not.
I posted here back end of last year/beginning of this year regarding my husband (we’ve been together for 9 years) and his selfish ways, putting his hobbies first, not doing anything around the house and his laziness with our now 2 year old daughter, as well as his temper.

Well, 2-3 months ago I found out I was pregnant. I was nearly 7 weeks at this point. Things weren’t good between myself and my husband and we were having counselling. I really didn’t believe that keeping the baby was a good idea. My mental health was getting worse, my husband was not coping with our daughter and the thought of bringing another one into this house made me feel sick. My husband then told me he would not be able to give up his “life” (by which he was referring to his hobbies) for me to train and progress as a solicitor, after I’d had this baby. For context, he completed his part time degree whilst working full time in the period I had my daughter and by the time she was 1. I have always wanted to be a solicitor, and this was a discussion we had had before our first. I discussed an abortion with my husband and he told me if I were to do that, we would have to separate. As he cannot cope with that.
I had it booked for a week later and agreed we would separate. I had to put my mental health first, so I could look after our daughter.

After less than a week of moving out (he kicked me out and told me I couldn’t stay if I were to get rid of the baby), I realised my mental health was improving. I realised it wasn’t the baby making me anxious, it was the situation and knowledge that in this relationship I would not be able to cope with a newborn, my daughter and basically a second child.

So I agreed to keep the baby but told my husband that things weren’t working and unless he managed to change his ways and prioritise us, I would be leaving. He didn’t change his ways; the house became disgusting, every time I visited to drop off our daughter or look after the dogs. My daughter’s clothes weren’t being washed regularly enough, so they were mouldy. The house smelled. But he continued to do his hobbies and focus on him.

Anyway, in this time he has been coming to my scans, we’ve discussed him being there during my labour and birth, and spending the first 2 weeks together following the birth so he can be with his baby.

Up until 3 weeks ago, he was also constantly making comments that we’d be better off together and to rethink getting divorce.
A divorce had not been filed at this stage and we were waiting until after the baby. I think maybe I hoped he would see reason and sort his life out.

On Saturday we decided to celebrate our daughter’s 2nd birthday together by going to a farm. He wanted me to take photos of her whilst she was feeding the lambs. I didn’t have my phone - it was in the pram parked at the back of the queue.

I asked him if I could just use his to take photos. He hesitated and then stuttered and said he didn’t see why not. He made sure to get the camera up for me. He clearly accidentally unlocked the phone and at the bottom left was a nude of him, he had clearly recently taken.

When I asked if i was seeing things correctly, he went red and told me to mind my business.

Obviously i was upset. I moved out in June. Having had further conversations with him, he states he has done nothing wrong. He is chatting with a girl and intends to meet up with her for “just sex”.

Turns out my daughter, who hasn’t been very well the last week, was in the room next door, whilst he’s doing taking and exchanging photos and masturbating to them. Now; if it wasn’t for the fact that that night he was messaging me every 20 mins or so to say she was upset and clearly not well, I wouldn’t have minded.

But whilst she is upset, he is next door, distracted.

I think I’m in a bit of shock, he told me a few weeks back that I wasn’t to shag anyone whilst pregnant with his child (I’m now 5 months). Never in a million years did I think he’d be looking to do the same so early on.
I just want to know if anyone else thinks it’s wrong and very quick.

He says “single is single” and he can do what he wants. But I just think he’s showing no respect for the fact I’m carrying his baby and looking after his child, while he sees her every other weekend.
I have gone absolutely mad and he has said he is “shaken” by my response; saying he didn’t realise he was losing a friend too.

OP posts:
legoplaybook · 27/08/2025 18:45

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 18:18

Thank you. He won’t be having baby on their own for some time, and thankfully as baby needs to be there for them to be registered, it’s highly unlikely he will manage it. He can barely remember to flush the toilet. I can’t imagine he will know to register the child. I’ll get them registered asap. Thanks for the heads up.
He won’t be at my labour. My best friend and my mum will be there.

The baby doesn't need to be present to register the birth, he can go on his own.

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 18:52

legoplaybook · 27/08/2025 18:45

The baby doesn't need to be present to register the birth, he can go on his own.

Thanks for this. I was not aware. I will certainly be making sure I get baby registered asap. Hopefully my birth isn’t terrible and I’ll be in a fit state to do so.
is there a reason he would choose to register the birth without me? Does that mean he can leave me off the birth certificate? And if that’s the case, could I not also leave him off the certificate? (Not that I would - it’s his child)

OP posts:
legoplaybook · 27/08/2025 18:59

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 18:52

Thanks for this. I was not aware. I will certainly be making sure I get baby registered asap. Hopefully my birth isn’t terrible and I’ll be in a fit state to do so.
is there a reason he would choose to register the birth without me? Does that mean he can leave me off the birth certificate? And if that’s the case, could I not also leave him off the certificate? (Not that I would - it’s his child)

No, mum is always on the birth certificate and mum's husband is always legally the baby's father.
Unmarried fathers can only go on the birth certificate if they attend with the mother.

The only reasons I can imagine that he would choose to register the birth without you is to be helpful and let you rest, or to be malicious (eg choose a name you don't like!) so it's worth being aware of.

Huhuhuhu39272 · 27/08/2025 19:00

Man’s a narcissistic little boy. So many red flags here I can’t even count.

Run. Pray he has found someone else to latch on to.

I’d also be finding a way to keep my daughter safe and out of that house because from the sounds of it, it’s filthy and he’s an utter creep.

Honestly, the man gives me the chills just from your description.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/08/2025 19:02

Omg he is horrendous!! I’ve been single and pregnant too - you need to be so brave, but I’m so glad you already realize that it’s him, not your baby or hormones, that made you so anxious.
he absolutely CANNOT kick you out of the marital home you have every right to be there- please talk to a lawyer

Netcurtainnelly · 27/08/2025 19:04

Yuk

He's putting a shag with a random. Over and above a stable relationship with you and his daughter.
What a catch not.

Mischance · 27/08/2025 19:06

Wave him goodbye. He is not a fit adult to be a partner and father.

Get all the right legal advice and crack on with your life.

regista · 27/08/2025 19:13

I appreciate you have let him remain in the marital home as pragmatically it makes sense with his parents so far away etc., however you need to change your mindset and think very objectively about what is now best for you and your daughter and baby. That needs to guide you as you are the parent that gives a damn about them. It may still be that this particular decision makes sense as you need your parents support etc, but just be sure. Put you and your children first, every time from now on, he is not on your side, you don't need to be on his any more.

heroinechic · 27/08/2025 19:13

He isn’t doing anything wrong by exchanging messages and having sex with other people as you are separated.

What he has done wrong, is doing that whilst telling you he wants it to work. If he genuinely wanted it to work, he wouldn’t be pursuing other women. He’d be getting his shit together and showing you why you should stay.

He’s quite clearly demonstrating to you that he has very little interest in making a change! I’d refuse to entertain any conversation other than around the separation of assets or arrangements/welfare of the children.

Hopefully in years to come you can co-parent in a friendlier way, but I think the dust needs to settle here.

(My petty side would also let him know that I am free to have sex with whoever I want, pregnant or not, and it has fuck all to do with him.)

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:21

Netcurtainnelly · 27/08/2025 19:04

Yuk

He's putting a shag with a random. Over and above a stable relationship with you and his daughter.
What a catch not.

Unfortunately I wouldn’t say it was a stable relationship, especially as we were separated. But he definitely had soooo many opportunities to make it right. But hey ho!

OP posts:
Joeylove88 · 27/08/2025 19:25

As long from now on you make it clear to him that you will date/shag anyone that you want pregnant with his child or not (I know the chances of you doing this are basically zero but its making a point that he can fuck off dictating your life to you). You are definitely well shot he sounds utterly gross in many ways! You will have your babies and he can jog on!

Meadowfinch · 27/08/2025 19:25

For goodness sake cut this loathsome individual out of your life.

He puts his hobbies before his wife and 2yo
He kicks his wife and child out
He only sees his child every two weeks
He masturbates online while 'caring' for his 2yo
He tries to control what you do with your body while carrying 'his' baby
He puts his hobbies before your career, despite knowing you are going to separate.
He can't manage basic hygiene
He expects you to look after his dogs.

He's not a man, he's a worthless piece of shit. Cut contact, move on with your life and never look back. Stop enabling him. You and your children deserve far far better. Best to get them away from him now, so he doesn't get the chance to disappoint them too.

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:27

heroinechic · 27/08/2025 19:13

He isn’t doing anything wrong by exchanging messages and having sex with other people as you are separated.

What he has done wrong, is doing that whilst telling you he wants it to work. If he genuinely wanted it to work, he wouldn’t be pursuing other women. He’d be getting his shit together and showing you why you should stay.

He’s quite clearly demonstrating to you that he has very little interest in making a change! I’d refuse to entertain any conversation other than around the separation of assets or arrangements/welfare of the children.

Hopefully in years to come you can co-parent in a friendlier way, but I think the dust needs to settle here.

(My petty side would also let him know that I am free to have sex with whoever I want, pregnant or not, and it has fuck all to do with him.)

whilst I do get where you’re coming from, I think for me, the fact he begged me to keep this baby, said he’d leave if I didn’t, and then continues to want to be a part of all the scans and everything to do with them, stating he will support me however etc etc, I think it’s completely jack he is entertaining other women whilst I am pregnant with his child, and doing 80%+ of the childcare whilst it isn’t convenient for him to have her more. (He said when she is at school he wants her 50/50).
I also think that, given filing a divorce makes you wait 20 weeks until you can get an order for divorce, to be jumping into bed 2 months after separating is way too soon, and proves he hasn’t even made any effort to make things work.

I hadn’t, and neither had (or even mentioned it!) filed for divorce at this point. It all just feels so wrong imo.

OP posts:
Lmnop22 · 27/08/2025 19:30

Singe may be single, but respect is also respect and it is just so disrespectful to dictate your ability to move on by banning sex for you, keeping you hopeful of a reconciliation and making plans together when he’s pursuing other women.

Also, it’s never “just for sex”, may be intended that way but rest assured if he catches feelings, he won’t give you or your baby a second thought. I was left by my fiancé for a mutual friend he was fucking when our baby was 5 days old and we had an older child.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 27/08/2025 19:31

@Legallymum if he has kicked ou out, then where are you staying? tell him you have a date next week. see how worried he gets. he sounds a very immature prick.

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:33

Lmnop22 · 27/08/2025 19:30

Singe may be single, but respect is also respect and it is just so disrespectful to dictate your ability to move on by banning sex for you, keeping you hopeful of a reconciliation and making plans together when he’s pursuing other women.

Also, it’s never “just for sex”, may be intended that way but rest assured if he catches feelings, he won’t give you or your baby a second thought. I was left by my fiancé for a mutual friend he was fucking when our baby was 5 days old and we had an older child.

No way, I am so so sorry that happened to you.
I may regret this, but I actually wish he would walk away and leave it to it. It would make things so much better and would leave me stressing less when he has her. I already worry what she might be like as an adult with him as an influence.
Yeah, I think for me it’s just the lack of respect. I’m pregnant with his child and he knows there is 0 chance of anyone wanting me in this state. But he’s happy to crack on, despite that. And still ask to come to everything in relationship the baby I am growing.

OP posts:
Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:34

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 27/08/2025 19:31

@Legallymum if he has kicked ou out, then where are you staying? tell him you have a date next week. see how worried he gets. he sounds a very immature prick.

I’m staying with my mum and dad. Me and my little girl are fortunate to have a room each, and it’s actually been so much easier there than it is at my own house. Me and my mum work well together and looking after my daughter is a breeze in comparison to with my husband.

OP posts:
Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:37

Meadowfinch · 27/08/2025 19:25

For goodness sake cut this loathsome individual out of your life.

He puts his hobbies before his wife and 2yo
He kicks his wife and child out
He only sees his child every two weeks
He masturbates online while 'caring' for his 2yo
He tries to control what you do with your body while carrying 'his' baby
He puts his hobbies before your career, despite knowing you are going to separate.
He can't manage basic hygiene
He expects you to look after his dogs.

He's not a man, he's a worthless piece of shit. Cut contact, move on with your life and never look back. Stop enabling him. You and your children deserve far far better. Best to get them away from him now, so he doesn't get the chance to disappoint them too.

Yeah, it’s been going on for some time and I have begged and begged him to change. I truly love him and wished he would, but he has no discipline. Even out marriage counsellor couldn’t get through to him.
unfortunately, despite his comments on how he feels suicidal when my daughter kicks off and cries etc, he thinks he will manage 50/50 just fine and will be able to cope with our toddler and a newborn.
He isn’t living in the same world as me, clearly.

OP posts:
Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:38

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/08/2025 19:02

Omg he is horrendous!! I’ve been single and pregnant too - you need to be so brave, but I’m so glad you already realize that it’s him, not your baby or hormones, that made you so anxious.
he absolutely CANNOT kick you out of the marital home you have every right to be there- please talk to a lawyer

Whilst I know he can’t kick me out, I was trying so hard to keep things amicable so that if we could, we might make things work. And I wanted the best for everyone. So it made sense to let him stay.
but it’s actually a hinderance. He hasn’t sold the house; doesn’t look after it or clean, and gets me back several times a month to look after the dogs while he goes away with work or away on holiday with his mates.

OP posts:
Lmnop22 · 27/08/2025 19:41

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:33

No way, I am so so sorry that happened to you.
I may regret this, but I actually wish he would walk away and leave it to it. It would make things so much better and would leave me stressing less when he has her. I already worry what she might be like as an adult with him as an influence.
Yeah, I think for me it’s just the lack of respect. I’m pregnant with his child and he knows there is 0 chance of anyone wanting me in this state. But he’s happy to crack on, despite that. And still ask to come to everything in relationship the baby I am growing.

Yeah my ex was doing all the right things during the pregnancy but the affair had already started about four months in.

To be honest, I agree with you that it was easier not being the instigator or the “strong one” and he left and didn’t want me back nor did he express regret or remorse for going so I got no choice and it was awful at the time but with hindsight made it easier to move on. We now coparent fine and I’m still single but I’m honestly happy and the longer I spend away from him, the more I realise what had been a very suffocating relationship.

You’ve made such a strong decision to leave and you’re very vulnerable when pregnant. But you knew he wasn’t the man for you and, in time, you’re gonna meet the one that makes you so so grateful you never took him back.

heroinechic · 27/08/2025 19:41

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:27

whilst I do get where you’re coming from, I think for me, the fact he begged me to keep this baby, said he’d leave if I didn’t, and then continues to want to be a part of all the scans and everything to do with them, stating he will support me however etc etc, I think it’s completely jack he is entertaining other women whilst I am pregnant with his child, and doing 80%+ of the childcare whilst it isn’t convenient for him to have her more. (He said when she is at school he wants her 50/50).
I also think that, given filing a divorce makes you wait 20 weeks until you can get an order for divorce, to be jumping into bed 2 months after separating is way too soon, and proves he hasn’t even made any effort to make things work.

I hadn’t, and neither had (or even mentioned it!) filed for divorce at this point. It all just feels so wrong imo.

I think you need to separate his role as a father from his role as a husband.

Your marriage is over. Him entertaining other women is understandably hurtful for you considering the history and the pregnancy, but it doesn’t have any bearing on his responsibilities as a father.

IMO it’s right that he is still offering support to you as the mother of his children, and is wanting to attend scans etc. Him being involved with the children doesn’t mean he needs to be celibate!

He shouldn’t be telling you what you can do whilst you’re pregnant (in terms of romantic relationships with others) and you shouldn’t be telling him either.

Unless you both come to some kind of agreement to not explore other connections, neither of you is doing anything wrong in that regard. The caveat of course is that he shouldn’t have been doing it while selling you the dream of a reconciliation.

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 27/08/2025 19:50

OP, if he kicked you out of the house, especially while pregnant, he doesn't give a shit about you or the kids. If he did he would be supporting you and looking after you, not kicking you out and wanking himself off in the other room while caring for your daughter.
You do what you want to do moving forward and don't give the gormless bastard a second thought. I hope you have support irl. If you have to move to be closer to family I would do that.

Legallymum · 27/08/2025 19:52

heroinechic · 27/08/2025 19:41

I think you need to separate his role as a father from his role as a husband.

Your marriage is over. Him entertaining other women is understandably hurtful for you considering the history and the pregnancy, but it doesn’t have any bearing on his responsibilities as a father.

IMO it’s right that he is still offering support to you as the mother of his children, and is wanting to attend scans etc. Him being involved with the children doesn’t mean he needs to be celibate!

He shouldn’t be telling you what you can do whilst you’re pregnant (in terms of romantic relationships with others) and you shouldn’t be telling him either.

Unless you both come to some kind of agreement to not explore other connections, neither of you is doing anything wrong in that regard. The caveat of course is that he shouldn’t have been doing it while selling you the dream of a reconciliation.

I think that’s where the confusion has come from. He kept making out we should stay together, how we’re better off married and then to make a comment that I am not to sleep with anyone whilst pregnant with his child, I wrongly assumed he would respect his requests and not sleep with anyone else whilst I’m pregnant.

Also to add to this, I think it’s very difficult to differentiate and separate the role of husband and father at this stage, especially when it comes to the baby. At the end of the day, he is being there as a supportive role, during a very difficult situation for me. I didn’t want to end the relationship, but he left me no choice as he wouldn’t make any effort in any way. Including in his appearance (which he is beginning to do, for this new shag!). So to then play happy families, getting me to spend weekends with him with our daughter for her sake, asking to be there at the birth (which is about me; not the baby - let’s be honest). All whilst trying to get in someone’s pants, I think is quite deceitful. He never suggested he would be open to doing things and certainly wouldn’t be happy about me doing it.
Of course, technically, he’s done nothing wrong. But it’s been 2 months, 9 years together and I’m pregnant with his child. He could have just had some respect and compassion for the situation and waited.

OP posts:
leccybill · 27/08/2025 19:52

What were his hobbies that were so time consuming he couldn't even tidy up a bit?

PigletSanders · 27/08/2025 19:59

This man is a cunt. 💯

He threatened you about an abortion, thus forcing your hand to continue the unplanned pregnancy. Then he behaved like a selfish monster, and forces the end of the relationship, with you trapped pregnant with his child. He ^forbids* you fro seeing anyone else, while he selfishly begins to fuck sbout.

He’s a shit father, and a shit human.

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