24 weeks pregnant and feeling like I don’t want a baby.

[LBNM19]

I am 24 almost 25 weeks pregnant and found out that my partner has been lying to me for a long time. He has a gambling problem and has constantly lied to me through our relationship. Some of this he has admitted but a lot of stuff he is still lying about.

I have 3 children from a previous relationship and I got a notification this week from the child maintenance service that their Dad can no longer pay maintenance due to loosing his job.

I feel absolutely at my wits end and I’m not going to be able cope finically on maternity pay now. I’ve been very unwell through out my pregnancy. I had hyperemesis etc.

I often feel breathless and faint now. I’m exhausted all the time. I feel so upset and let down and hopeless really.

I feel like this is awful to say but I don’t want a baby, I know I won’t cope. Has anyone else experienced similar feelings?

You will be entitled to universal credit I think?

Just use your partner for practical help; keep in charge of finances and get rid of the partner if he keeps lying when you don't need his help postpartum anymore

(Unless he's willing to go to gamblers anonymous etc)

Sorry OP but it's too late to decide you don't want a baby. At 24 weeks you can't terminate.

Regardless of whether this pregnancy was planned, and whatever your thought processes over the last 24 weeks, it's too late now and you can't turn back time, so you'll have to make the best of your situation. It's a shame for your existing children but it is what it is.

You will have to split up with your partner and claim child maintenance from him.

Are you in paid work, will you get maternity pay?

It is to late and it’s not something I would of considered so far into my pregnancy but there are other options. I don’t want to feel like this but I do.

I employed yes. I will get maternity pay for 18 weeks it’s a decent amount but after that it gos to SMP.

I have split with my partner so now face being a single mum again.

There are other options - what do you mean? Adoption?

Things can change quickly. And although you ex lost his job that isn't permanent.
In the meantime he should be looking for work and helping out extra with his kids so you can focus on your health and current partner situation.