Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy choices

This topic is for sharing experiences of pregnancy choices; to debate the ethics of termination, visit our Politics or Chat forums.

Struggling at 18 weeks

6 replies

Butterfly34 · 05/03/2020 13:41

I posted a few months ago. I actually went to BPAS a month ago and decided to continue the pregnancy. I am really struggling. I keep wanting to end this pregnancy.
This is a planned pregnancy. I have a lovely husband of 10 years, I'm 34, we own our house and financially fine. I have hyperemesis and antenatal depression. My hyperemesis is getting better. Despite feeling physically better my feeling towards this pregnancy are so very negative.
I think I'll probably regret an abortion if I have one. But I keep thinking about it so much so does that just mean that deep down I want an abortion and just need to be brave enough to do it? I have my 20 week scan in 2 weeks. A big part of me hopes there's a problem with the scan meaning I need to have an abortion. I feel so dreadful thinking like this especially as it upsets my husband so much.
I think the biggest thing is hating how much my life will change with a baby. I don't think I'll be able to cope and had got quite comfortable with my life. My husband is supportive and is brilliant with children.
I don't know if anyone else has felt like this? I just feel so tormented by my feelings. I'm upsetting my husband talking about it now (it's been going on for over 3 months) and as he's finding it so emotionally draining.

OP posts:
LandlockedBlues · 05/03/2020 23:47

Hi there. I remember your previous post, I replied and said I was in a similar situation but less far along. In the meantime I've been for a consultation and counselling at BPAS, I haven't quite made my final decision but I think I will make it in the next few days and book a termination.
I have always been hoping for a miscarriage because it would solve the issue while taking the choice away from me. If I got to the stage you're at, I expect I would also be hoping for problems to emerge at the scan. So, these feelings are not unheard of, even if relatively uncommon.

You said before that it was positive seeing the scan and you were starting to develop a bond - how do you feel about that now?

Obviously nobody can advise you what to do. And what I've come to realise is that you can't rule out the possibility of regret, whatever you choose, as there are so many unknowns. It's certainly possible that you would come to regret having an abortion. But equally here on mumsnet you can find a number of parents who, on balance, regret having children. There are no certainties in life and the fact that something involves some regret doesn't necessarily mean it was the worse option. None of this is intended as advice in either direction. But realising that regret can't be ruled out whatever you do has helped me to think more clearly about my situation.

Can you picture yourself with a baby, and then with a small child?

How do you feel about the image of yourself in ten years time with a child, and the same without a child?

If you had an abortion now, do you think you would potentially try again in the future, or would you consider it done?

I don't know if any of this is useful, but you're not alone in these feelings anyway.

Hugtheduggee · 06/03/2020 11:20

Few people can visualise their lives in the future with a child etc, and those that do often find the reality very difficult. I wasn't bothered about kids and I resented the impact it would have on me and felt it would clip my wings. I felt claustrophobic at the restrictions on life.

5 years later, and 2 children, it's actually clipped my wings less than I thought, and the joy they have brought has outweighed any claustrophobia. It feels terrifying because it feels like an era in life is over - and it's a good era as a happy couple together. But it's a new era where with a bit of effort you can still do most of what you did before (honestly most of the restrictions come from limits parents out in themselves not the children) and you get to do a whole bunch of new things.

When you had your previous scan (I remember you) you felt better, and bonded and much happier about carrying on. I think some of your reluctance now is because it's been a while since you've seen the scan and it's not fresh for you any more.

Parenthood has its tough moments, but don't forget that people often only post a topic in somewhere like mn because they are struggling. No one posts saying how amazing it is, or how easy they find it

I still avoid places with children, sit away from kids on public transport, try to avoid them in restaurants etc, but my own kids I adore. It's a weird thing.

chelle862 · 29/03/2020 22:32

Dr Now (my 600lb life) said unwanted pregnancies don't always mean they are unwanted children.

I understand how you're feeling, I'm hating being pregnant, I'm miserable, tired, fed up and can't see the end. Abortion is always on my mind because I feel like I can't cope with feeling so shit all the time.

Butterfly34 · 31/03/2020 12:21

Thanks for your replies. I'm much the same unfortunately. I had my 20 week scan and cried that there was nothing wrong. I'm 22 weeks now and accepted I probably cant get a termination at this stage. I just feel so down about it all.

OP posts:
sunandrose · 31/03/2020 12:50

I’m so sorry you’re in this situation and feeling the way you do. There’s no right or wrong answer and you can’t help how you feel. You may feel differently in the future, you may not it’s all so unknown.

I can’t offer any words of advice. I’m in a totally different situation, but similar in a way that all I can think about is terminating this pregnancy.

I’ve got two children and can tell you that it’s changed my life for the better. I would not change a thing. However, no 3 is now on the way and I can’t imagine life with three. I’m terrified of everything that there is to go wrong.

Have you spoken to a professional about this? I’ve got a phone call appointment tomorrow to discuss this. Right now though I know I need to go with my gut instinct, as heartbreaking as it will be. I think you feel these things for a reason. But then what if it’s something that will haunt you in years to come?

I don’t think I ever bonded with my last two babies during pregnancy, I didn’t have that ‘hand on bump’ gushing feelings i thought I was meant to. It doesn’t mean you won’t feel instant love at birth. Even if you don’t feel that instant bond, it can and will come.

Sorry I can’t be of any help. In fact my response is just so jumbled. Just know that you’re not alone x

chocsaucestrawb · 23/11/2022 09:26

@Butterfly34 I know this is an old thread but i just wondered how you are doing now baby is here ?,

New posts on this thread. Refresh page