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Pregnancy

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

Am I overreacting about partner’s drinking?

11 replies

Sneezy123 · 04/09/2022 21:22

I’m 35 weeks pregnant and a couple of weeks ago I asked my partner to stop drinking over the legal driving limit in the evenings in case I needed to go to hospital. I am consultant led in this pregnancy due to complications with our daughter, who is now 5 so am feeling quite anxious that the same problems will occur. He seemed surprised and kind of joked that I could get an Uber if necessary or that there are family nearby who could help or I could call an ambulance. But he reluctantly agreed and made a few jokey snide comments but did stop for almost a week. Then he said would it be ok if he had one beer a week (he drinks the large bottles that I think are automatically over the limit). I said fine I never asked him to stop just to not go over the driving limit. Since then, so about a week ago, he has had one or two bottles most nights. I don’t know if it’s pregnancy hormones but I’m so incredibly upset and let down by this but I can’t bring myself to talk to him about it as he’s so defensive about things like this. I feel he’s prioritised his need for beer over mine and our baby’s wellbeing and frankly I’m really disappointed and kind of disgusted by him.

I don’t really drink and my parents never really drank so I don’t know if I’m hugely overreacting about his alcohol consumption. His parents on the other hand were alcoholics and he has definitely drunk way too much in the past. At one point about 8 years ago he was getting through a bottle of wine most nights a week which I think is wildly excessive and we had a lot of difficult conversations before he cut down.
Anyway, I’m actually so embarrassed by what I see as his lack of consideration that I can’t talk to friends about it. Am I being a bit nuts or is he being completely out of order?

OP posts:
PMAmostofthetime · 04/09/2022 21:27

@Sneezy123 I don't think your over reacting it's selfish- he should be able to support you if he's drunk they won't let him into the delivery ward- will he still drink when the babies here?
What if your ill and he needs to care for the baby and your little one or what if the baby needs to go somewhere and one of you need to care for your daughter?

A drink once a week I understand- daily he has a problem.

Hatscats · 04/09/2022 21:28

After 37 weeks mine didn’t drink at all! And before that he would only have a couple of small beers. He needs to be ready to take you to hospital if needed!

BlueBunny23 · 04/09/2022 21:31

He shouldn’t be drinking all of the time like that and not when baby is due and what’s he going to do once baby is here? Sit and drink every night around a new born baby??
no I don’t like it and my partner wouldn’t do that, he’s at work most nights anyways so if I need hospital I’ll be off on my own in a taxi, he needs to stop it’s not acceptable and will only get worse. Nobody should be drinking around a new baby so he needs to stop now

Sneezy123 · 04/09/2022 21:45

Yes I’ve started worrying too about whether he’ll drink when baby arrives. It’s not like he gets drunk as such but if he can’t drive then it’s not great! Especially as I’m likely to need a C-section. Urgh I’d better sort myself out and try and talk to him. I just know it will be a difficult conversation but it’s good to know that you also think I’m not being over the top about it all.

OP posts:
NeuroticFox1 · 05/09/2022 22:36

I agree with other comments. I think partners often don't understand all the many lifestyle compromises mum's make during pregnancy and it does no harm for them to experience a bit too. My partner likes a drink and with baby 2 I've asked him to not drink for a month after birth and I guess you're right about staying within limits after 37 wks X

PersonaNonGarter · 05/09/2022 22:44

His parents were alcoholics? Oh dear.

I think you truly deep down know where this is going. Either he faces up to drinking and stops or you will need to leave. Good luck.

Cakecakecheese · 06/09/2022 08:40

No you're not overreacting to want your partner to be sober enough to drive you to hospital if necessary! His priorities are quite concerning.

Drinkinggreentea · 07/09/2022 17:41

I left a great boyfriend who had this problem because I didn't want to deal with an alcoholic husband later on. I think you sound reasonable. Time to bring it up again. I would be worried personally, especially about the fact that he's defensive about it and there are alcoholics in his family. He needs to step it up - you're about to give birth.

Sapphire387 · 07/09/2022 19:50

My husband isn't drinking at all while I am pregnant. He's said if I can't drink, he won't either. I thought that's just what decent men do, in solidarity.

I think your partner has an alcohol problem, honestly. He's behaving really badly.

i83 · 07/09/2022 20:16

You’re not overreacting at all. That’s nothing to ask of him.

I will be honest, my partner and I used to drink a couple of glasses of wine or he’d have a few beers, nearly every night of the week!
It started when we worked from home during covid and having a drink in the evening would just separate the day from the night. It would always be with a lovely home-cooked meal.
We didn’t ever have hangovers or feel tired.
(That’s all the excuses!!)

Anyway, we did dry January so didn’t drink at all. In February, March and April, we had literally one glass of wine a week and then since April we’ve not drank at all.

My OH has got into the non-alcohol Guinness, San Miguel, Shipyard and Erdinger.

He says he feels guilty for having those but I tell him to carry on as much as he likes! It’s the non-alcoholic bit that’s important!

Maybe your partner could try something like that?
Some of them aren’t great but some are really good. My partner was a big drinker and he’s not others by it now.

i83 · 07/09/2022 20:18

^ *not bothered by it now… that should have read!

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