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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Gender disappointment

140 replies

Zola78 · 28/12/2007 21:05

I'm now 38 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I have two boys already and am hoping that this, my last pregnancy, is a girl. But today and in recent weeks I have become more and more depressed at the thought of having another boy. When we were trying to concieve I think I convinced myself that it didn't matter if this baby wasn't a girl but now I'm close to tears.

The irony is I'm scared of having a girl but I think that's to do with the unknown. I guess I'm just posting for support and to find out if I'm alone.

OP posts:
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PeachyHasAFiggyPudInTheOven · 30/12/2007 18:43

A heathy baby isn't a given, its as much a matter of luck and genetics here as anywhere for many of us (this one has up to 80% chance ASD).

however, our chances are so much higher than in other countries and fr that we should at elast be grateful of course.

There's nothing wrong with feeling a bit disappointed or anxious about a bibies gender, the images of our 'perfect' family are built up for many of us as children (mine was all girls- pmsl!), and an adjustment period is perfectly normal. There are people out there going through far worse- of course there are. but I think its best to be honest, deal with it, maybe buy a very nice babygrow or two to puit away JIC and then just see what nature brings. be gentle with yourself and it will pass quickly; if it doesn't I would say get help for what could actually be part of a PND ready to develop.

scorpio1 · 30/12/2007 18:47

Have just read OP.

First pg, i wanted a girl, had a boy. I didn't need much adjusting, about a week until i was happy about it.

Second pg i don't remember particularly wanting a girl, i had another boy. loveliest boy ever!

Third time (am now 25 weeks) i wanted a boy, had boys name ready, had picked out babygros in shop, etc. Scan and 3d scan have showed a girl. took me about 2 weeks to get used to this! Am now over the moon, but also afraid of the unknown.

i do think if you have a perticular gender in mind that if baby is another it does take a little time. However if you are very upset (and you do seem stressed by it because you are nearly crying) then i would talk to someone about it.

herindoors5 · 31/12/2007 18:13

Oh my goodness!
im pregnant again! this is number 5! Not planned but im 12 weeks now so the shock has worn off a bit. I have 4 fantastic sons but i know my husband would love a daughter. does anyone know what the odds are that after 4 boys i could have a girl? Is it just 50/50 or is it less? my head is all over the place.. i sort of want a girl but im not sure how id handle a girl.. i know this sounds awful but up to now ive been the only female in my hubbys life. My mum said she felt the same when i was born which doesnt fill me with confidence!

herindoors5 · 31/12/2007 18:16

Oh my goodness!
im pregnant again! this is number 5! Not planned but im 12 weeks now so the shock has worn off a bit. I have 4 fantastic sons but i know my husband would love a daughter. does anyone know what the odds are that after 4 boys i could have a girl? Is it just 50/50 or is it less? my head is all over the place.. i sort of want a girl but im not sure how id handle a girl.. i know this sounds awful but up to now ive been the only female in my hubbys life. My mum said she felt the same when i was born which doesnt fill me with confidence!

hatrick · 31/12/2007 18:18

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hatrick · 31/12/2007 18:18

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MulledWino · 31/12/2007 18:29

A healthy baby isn't a "given" Zola. That was my whole point.

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 31/12/2007 18:40

I think it's acceptable to have a desire for a particular sex but to be depressed or close to tears over it is a bit much. Sorry.

I had a much wanted girl after two boys - she's fab but was not the healthy 'given' I had hoped for.

Zola78 · 02/01/2008 13:10

MulledWino, you've also missed my point. Of course a healthy baby isn't a given but in the west we have come to EXPECT that we will have healthy babies. That maybe why we focus on other issues so strongly.

Herindoors5, how do you deal with all 4 boys. I know from my 2 that they are very different but I can't help feeling that my last little boy is my baby.

OP posts:
ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 02/01/2008 14:09

I'm Mulled Wino. I don't think I'm missing the point. I am trying to say this: don't assume that your baby with be healthy and that's that, although hope he/she will be all means. Then perhaps you won't be as preoccupied by the gender.

I totally get the point that most of us may think "Oh I hope it's a boy.." or "A girl would be nice this time.." BUT if you find youself thinking "Oh I'll be so gutted if it's a girl.." or "I'm am so disappointed to be having a boy.. I can't stop crying", then you have an issue you need to address.

In those cicmstances, reminding youself of families who have far worse baby-related scenarios to grapple with (perhaps life threatening/limiting) may put it into context. And even better, consider that before you even get pregnant, then the gender may feel less important to you from the word go. And you will avoid the "being in tears from disappointment" scenario entirely.

Other people's disability/serious health issues are so easy to ignore. Maybe make an attempt to at least consider them, rationally and sympathetically sometimes, and the fact that it can happen to anyone.. any family.. any pregnant woman, suddenly, without warning, plunged to into a whole different world that she never wanted to be part of. And the key word there is rationally.. I'm not suggested anyone should worry and stress and become neurotic over all the many possible terrible scenarios that could - but probably won't - happen. Just give them a moment's consideration, when you find yourself wishing irrationally for a girl (or boy.)

Yes, you are entitled to your feelings, yes you are entitled to talk about them. But also, you should expect to have them commented on occasionally on a way that irritates you. You feel irritated because you are being forced to consider the unthinkable. But you are only been forced to think about it for a moment,.. not, I sincerely hope for your sakes, actually live it.

That's the "putting into context" and "perspective" that I mean. Someone below disagreed and said no, that is my context only and that I'm being unkind. Well unkindness is and was not my intention just general perspective and consideration of a "there but for the grace of God" scenario.

FioFio · 02/01/2008 14:17

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emkana · 02/01/2008 16:59

what a fantastic post shiny

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 02/01/2008 17:03

I agree.

ShinyHappyPeopleHoldingHands · 02/01/2008 17:09

Gosh, thanks! Was berating myself for coming back to the thread and expecting more backlash. The thing is, I really don't think these type of threads should be "no go zones" for those of who did have the "unthinkable" happen. That just puts an unecessary division between people, when, as I have been trying to say, disability/serious illness can happen to any baby/family. Chances are, it won't but if a moments' consideration if that fact helps people stop tearing themselves apart over having a boy or a girl, then considering the "unthinkable" is worthwhile.

FioFio · 02/01/2008 17:28

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