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Trapped and scared

52 replies

shypineapple · 23/03/2022 06:17

Hello I’m new here. Apologies if this is long but really need to get this off my chest. I have nowhere else to turn.
I know this won’t make me very popular and people will hate me, but I ask that you please read and at least try to understand. And please don’t judge me too harshly. I’ve had more than enough of that lately and I honestly can’t take any more…

I recently had a health scare and was admitted to hospital where I found out via blood test that I was pregnant. To say I was in shock is a complete understatement! I had absolutely no idea! No symptoms, no weight gain, still having periods… yes I am completely serious!
I didn’t believe it at first, hence the scan confirming I was actually approx 18w along!!!! I burst into tears.
It’s been a few days. I thought that if I gave myself some time/slept on it, I’d come to terms with it, but the truth is, I haven’t. It fills me with absolute dread and to be honest, I don’t want to go through with it…

I’m in my 30s. My husband and I are happily married; no issues at all. We have four children as it is - and the youngest started reception year of school last September. I finally have my dream career and it took me YEARS to finally get to this point; I had to work so hard and prove myself even more than most, as I suffer from C-PTSD and am on the autism spectrum. It took a lot for me to get where I am. Not only that, but I have had the worst couple of years of my life, and that’s saying something because unfortunately I have not had an easy life at all.
I am no longer involved with my biological parents (they abused me all my life. I was actually trapped with them until I was 21 and managed to get some help to leave). Up until I was in year 9 of secondary school, it was actually my grandparents who really raised me. I absolutely adored them so much, and unfortunately I have now lost them both; last Feb I lost my Grandad, and the same year in June, I lost my Grandma. It’s like losing actual parents. I also lost an Uncle that I was close to, around this time (late March) last year too!
And as if that wasn’t bad enough, I was also pregnant last year (we had been trying), and shortly after losing my Grandma, I lost our baby too. I just fell apart to be honest; four losses in the space of a few months just completely ripped me apart. I’m grieving and heartbroken, and I’ve barely been able to function ever since - emotionally, mentally or physically. I don’t even know how I’m still able to wake up in the mornings sometimes. I wish I didn’t.
Work have been surprisingly understanding and supportive, allowing me to work from home. I know working from home sounds like it’s restful, but it’s not. I am still very very busy, and sometimes I do still need to go into the studio anyway. I work full time hours.
Anyway, I have now found myself pregnant. I’m about 19 weeks now. I still don’t know how this happened as I’ve been so depressed from everything for so long, sex hasn’t exactly been top of my list for the past year! The few times we have done it, have always been protected. And I made it clear I wasn’t ready to try again so I had the implanon put in, back in early November. However, we must have conceived back in late November I believe? Even though I had the contraceptive implant then, and we used condoms. (Husband is definitely not the type to go poking holes in things!). Anyway, of course, he was with me in hospital when I was informed and he is happy. Over the moon, in fact, especially since he asked for the sex of the baby and was told.
But the truth is, that after everything, I just don’t want this baby. I’ve been called every name under the sun from “friends”, and his family are just all under the assumption that this is all going ahead, that I’m having this baby and that’s that!
I have felt nothing but dread, and then guilt, and sadness and grief. I just don’t feel ready for this after everything, AT ALL. I still have not got over losing my last baby, and yes I do see the “irony” here, so please don’t bring it up. It’s still very painful.
Also I was violently sexually assaulted and raped back in January of this year by a total stranger, even though I was completely sober (I’m teetotal anyway), and did everything “right” - tried to fight back, was actually out with my husband and a group of our friends at the time, was fully clothed obviously, and I reported it to police immediately etc.
Hubby has been so incredibly supportive with everything I’ve been through, which just makes me absolutely hate myself even more.
I haven’t stopped crying, I can’t eat properly, I’m severely severely depressed and traumatised, my physical health is bad as it is and as I already mentioned, we already have four children, whom I had awful pregnancies and traumatic births with already. I can’t go through it all again. I just can’t. This past year has been absolute hell for me. I’m already receiving therapy and counselling anyway for everything else. I’m also on antidepressants. I just do not want to go ahead with this, my body physically can’t take it again, and I mentally and emotionally can’t take it again.
I’m not at all religious so please don’t try to use religion on me. I’ve already had that guilt trip and verbal abuse from one now-former “friend” trying to shove it down my throat.
I feel absolutely trapped… hubby obviously wants this baby but I don’t. The guilt is eating me alive but so is everything else. No matter what I do, I don’t think our marriage will survive this? If I terminate, I’m terrified he will leave me and I already suffer abandonment trauma as it is. But if I’m forced to go ahead with this, I will resent him. I’m just not in any fit state mentally or physically to go through another pregnancy, birth and newborn baby phase. I literally can’t do it. I feel so trapped and frightened and guilty, and I’m so alone.
I really don’t want to be here any more…

I don’t know what I’m looking for really. Just to get it off my chest I suppose? Maybe someone who understands?
Just please don’t make me feel worse than I already do. I hate myself more than anything right now as it is.

Thanks for reading.

OP posts:
shypineapple · 23/03/2022 14:08

@HebeMumsnet

Hi there, OP,

We're so sorry to hear you've had such an awful time of it and now find yourself in this really difficult position Flowers.

You seem to be getting lots of useful suggestions and supportive posts here, but we just thought we would pop by with our usual link to our mental health webguide just in case there are any numbers there that you might want to ring to seek support or talk about this further.

We do hope you manage to find a way through this and feel stronger the other side of it all.

Thank you. I have mentioned already that I already see a therapist and spoke to her two days ago.

Thanks

OP posts:
Dodie66 · 23/03/2022 14:26

shypineapple I wasn’t implying that you were going to abandon them. I was just concerned about them
I’m wondering why you haven’t spoken to your DH about it’s he is their father. Does that mean that you will be taking them away from him ? Doesn’t he get any say in it?

CavernousScream · 23/03/2022 14:48

I’m so sorry this latest in a long line of shit things had happened to you. When you spoke to your therapist did you discuss the fact you’re feeling suicidal? Do you have any emergency plans in place? It sounds like the priority for now has to be to keep you safe. Does your husband know the full extent of what you’re thinking? Could your therapist facilitate a discussion between you and your husband?

shypineapple · 23/03/2022 17:11

@Dodie66

shypineapple I wasn’t implying that you were going to abandon them. I was just concerned about them I’m wondering why you haven’t spoken to your DH about it’s he is their father. Does that mean that you will be taking them away from him ? Doesn’t he get any say in it?
Where on earth did I say or institute that I would take his children away from him?!?! I said I was sorting something, not that I was taking his kids away. What a horrible assumption to make. Since he clearly won’t listen to me, I am sorting something with a third party (his sister) to speak to him about their childcare. Please don’t jump to conclusions, I really do not need this nastiness right now. Your comment was not at all helpful.
OP posts:
shypineapple · 23/03/2022 17:21

@CavernousScream

I’m so sorry this latest in a long line of shit things had happened to you. When you spoke to your therapist did you discuss the fact you’re feeling suicidal? Do you have any emergency plans in place? It sounds like the priority for now has to be to keep you safe. Does your husband know the full extent of what you’re thinking? Could your therapist facilitate a discussion between you and your husband?
Thank you. Yes, it isn’t the first time I’ve felt suicidal anyway, especially in this last year. She knows all about it. I have a plan in place to go stay with my cousin abroad for a while after this procedure… He’s arranging to fly over and stay with me in a hotel for a few days until I should hopefully feel more able to fly. It is long haul though, but I feel I have no choice. I just can’t stay here any longer and I don’t have anyone else I can stay with here. My closest relatives have all passed away. He’s all I have 😞 I’m not entirely sure. I’ve tried telling him, and he says he’s here for me, and tries to console me, but then just says “you’ll feel better soon, I know it’s been a huge shock for you. Don’t worry, I’ll be here for you.” He just doesn’t get it. He just seems to assume we’re having this baby. I can’t even talk to him about it anymore because he just says I’ll get used to it or it’ll pass. I know myself well enough to know that it won’t. I feel so invalidated and infantilised. Everyone seems to think they know me/know what I’m thinking or feeling, and know what’s best for me. I’ve had no end of people jumping to conclusions about me this past few days and I just can’t take any more of being made out to be some shit person.

No, I don’t think she could to be honest. Not in time anyway. X

OP posts:
shypineapple · 23/03/2022 17:24

Insinuate*
Damn phone.

OP posts:
LittleOwl153 · 23/03/2022 17:27

Hopefully you will get your clinic appointment quickly. You really need to speak to someone who knows all the ins and outs if this without the judgement.

In terms of going to your cousins and work - could you get your GP or the clinic to sign you off sick for a period of time. That will give you some time to think before you have to make decisions about giving up your job. If they can give you a month or even 2 - after that you will need to come back and sort things out if nothing else for your exisitng children.

For what it's worth I think your husband is awful to go announcing the news of this pregnancy to all before you have had chance to work out what will happen. That says to me that he is not a good man and will force through what he wants to get his own way. For that reason I think I would make him aware of the clinic appointment - but I would not allow him to attend. (He can attend at a later point if he is prepared to discuss at all or needs support for himself).

It sounds like life has been incredibly cruel and traumatic for you for the last couple of years. I hope things settle down and you are able to get back to some sort of normal.

Dodie66 · 23/03/2022 17:37

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mommaneedssleep · 23/03/2022 17:42

Op with the way you are feeling at the moment and the extra stress being added from people around you is there anyway your councillor can refer you to some sort of MH ward? I'm not sure if that kind of thing exists or is available but it seems like you really need to be in a safe and supportive place urgently

shypineapple · 23/03/2022 18:34

@LittleOwl153

Hopefully you will get your clinic appointment quickly. You really need to speak to someone who knows all the ins and outs if this without the judgement.

In terms of going to your cousins and work - could you get your GP or the clinic to sign you off sick for a period of time. That will give you some time to think before you have to make decisions about giving up your job. If they can give you a month or even 2 - after that you will need to come back and sort things out if nothing else for your exisitng children.

For what it's worth I think your husband is awful to go announcing the news of this pregnancy to all before you have had chance to work out what will happen. That says to me that he is not a good man and will force through what he wants to get his own way. For that reason I think I would make him aware of the clinic appointment - but I would not allow him to attend. (He can attend at a later point if he is prepared to discuss at all or needs support for himself).

It sounds like life has been incredibly cruel and traumatic for you for the last couple of years. I hope things settle down and you are able to get back to some sort of normal.

They’re trying to arrange it for ASAP.

I could see about that I suppose. That thought never occurred to me. Thanks, will try going down that avenue.
I am already in the process of sorting out childcare for my children.
Obviously I can’t bring them with me as they’re in school, and I don’t want to unsettle them or make them miss school or their family.

I don’t think he’s AWFUL per se; just over excited since our last loss, I think.
I don’t think he’s not a good man either; he always has been in all the years I’ve known him and he does love me and care about me. I think he’s just been completely overcome with excitement by this to be honest. Nothing much else seems to exist outside of this excitement bubble for him I think. He’s just being thoughtless but he’s not doing it deliberately or to be abusive or harmful. He genuinely seems to believe I’m just in shock and scared… I have tried telling him though. He’s been trying to console me and he’s always been incredibly supportive with everything else. So he is a good man actually, but he’s just been overexcited by this. I did tell him off for telling everyone before I was ready, and he did apologise and was sincere with it. But obviously he can’t exactly take it back now. He’s asked everyone he told to not keep bringing it up around me until I’m ready to talk… again, he thinks it’s just going to take me some time, I know he means well but that’s because he just really doesn’t get it.
I know I’m going to have to tell him at some point but it’s a question of when and how…
He would never be abusive or lay a hand on me like that so I’m not afraid of hun doing anything or trying to force me out of it. He wouldn’t do that.
What I’m actually afraid of is hurting him… I know this will kill him. I think he’s in deep denial to be honest.

That’s definitely true unfortunately… it’s just horrendous and I’m sick of merely “surviving”. I would like to have a happy life. I’m so tired and drained in every possible way. Thank you. X

OP posts:
shypineapple · 23/03/2022 18:40

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted as it quotes a deleted post.

shypineapple · 23/03/2022 18:42

@mommaneedssleep

Op with the way you are feeling at the moment and the extra stress being added from people around you is there anyway your councillor can refer you to some sort of MH ward? I'm not sure if that kind of thing exists or is available but it seems like you really need to be in a safe and supportive place urgently
You mean sectioning me? I don’t need or want that thank you. I am not a danger to myself or others.
OP posts:
mommaneedssleep · 23/03/2022 19:03

@shypineapple sorry that's not what I meant at all and I'm sorry if I offended you. I just meant is there like a voluntary place you could go where there are people who could help you sort out all your thoughts, help you get the appointment booked ect where you can have a little breathing space from the people who are putting more pressure on you. Sorry if my suggestion was wrong, just seems like you are at a really low point and not able to talk to people about it irl

shypineapple · 23/03/2022 22:08

[quote mommaneedssleep]@shypineapple sorry that's not what I meant at all and I'm sorry if I offended you. I just meant is there like a voluntary place you could go where there are people who could help you sort out all your thoughts, help you get the appointment booked ect where you can have a little breathing space from the people who are putting more pressure on you. Sorry if my suggestion was wrong, just seems like you are at a really low point and not able to talk to people about it irl [/quote]
Oh right. No there isn’t, and I’m going to stay with a relative abroad after it’s done. I don’t want to go anywhere with people I don’t personally know or trust right now

OP posts:
coldfeetmama · 24/03/2022 06:27

Just to clarify from a previous post - if you do progress to termination

You DO NOT have to go through induced labour
You would most likely be offered surgical treatment
Extensive counselling is available before and after
There is no pressure on you to go ahead with termination but Consultation will be able to determine if you are medically and psychologically suitable and discuss your options

It is almost impossible for you to fall pregnant with Implanon or Explanon , it is more likely you conceived before or as it was fitted .

Glad to read you are having counselling for all the awful trauma you have been through
Take care

GrandRapids · 24/03/2022 13:10

Really really feel for you OP. But I'm glad you've got the ball rolling so to speak.

Fwiw, I've had two terminations. Not at the same stage but I was absolutely sure of my decision both times and didn't regret it.

GrandRapids · 24/03/2022 13:14

Also I understand why you would be pissed of with people telling you that it will be a blessing in time or that you'll get there/accept it etc.

You are certain that is not how you feel and that's absolutely fine. It's a very unfortunate situation but I think you have to try and see the positive in that you have taken decisive action rather than having such a major life changing (and possibly life threatening) decision being influenced by other people.

GodspeedJune · 24/03/2022 13:55

@Dodie66

Am I the only one worrying about what is happening with your other 4 children? Not saying you shouldn’t do what is best for you. Just wondering if you have talked to your DH about childcare etc. hope all goes well for you
Really?! Leave the OP alone. They have a perfectly capable other parent who can take care of them while the OP is in such despair. Leave the thread if you’re going to be critical.

OP, I’m so sorry that you’re in this position. Please don’t contemplate ending your life. This situation can be sorted, it will be difficult for you, but it will pass by and you will be able to regain a footing in the life you were getting on with before this happened. You’re in the thick of it now but you will recover and get through this. Sending you best wishes.

shypineapple · 24/03/2022 16:48

@coldfeetmama

Just to clarify from a previous post - if you do progress to termination

You DO NOT have to go through induced labour
You would most likely be offered surgical treatment
Extensive counselling is available before and after
There is no pressure on you to go ahead with termination but Consultation will be able to determine if you are medically and psychologically suitable and discuss your options

It is almost impossible for you to fall pregnant with Implanon or Explanon , it is more likely you conceived before or as it was fitted .

Glad to read you are having counselling for all the awful trauma you have been through
Take care

I DID fall pregnant whilst the implant was in, though. We hadn’t slept together for months prior to that, due to my miscarriage. And of course I took the advice to wait for a week or so after it was fitted before having sex again. In fact, I still wasn’t in a very good headspace so we didn’t sleep together until late Nov. I had it fitted at the beginning of that month. So yes it did happen whilst on that. Also I’ve now since read accounts from - and spoken to - quite a few other people now, who have also fallen pregnant whilst their implant was fitted - a few even months or a year later! So clearly not almost impossible!
OP posts:
shypineapple · 24/03/2022 17:07

@GrandRapids

Also I understand why you would be pissed of with people telling you that it will be a blessing in time or that you'll get there/accept it etc.

You are certain that is not how you feel and that's absolutely fine. It's a very unfortunate situation but I think you have to try and see the positive in that you have taken decisive action rather than having such a major life changing (and possibly life threatening) decision being influenced by other people.

Thank you. Yes, very pissed off with it. It just feels like I’m being pressured and guilt tripped. I wrote hubby a letter explaining how I feel, because clearly he doesn’t get it. I left it for him this morning. Couldn’t face him, just got the kids ready for school, took them in, and now I’m staying in a hotel for a while. Have had a call back about an appointment and just spoken to my GP, explaining everything and asking for a sick note, thankfully she’s been brilliant and understanding, and has agreed. Just told work this a few mins ago about being signed off sick for quite a while. Will have to go and pick up my sick note tomorrow then hand it in at work myself. I’m not going back home. I can’t face him; I’m almost convinced he will try to talk me out of it after reading the letter. He wouldn’t hurt me or anything like that though, I think he’d just be devastated and try begging me maybe, and I just can’t deal with that on top of everything else right now. I know what this termination will entail… I’ve asked all the relevant questions and researched it. Yes it will be absolutely horrible, yes I do feel so awful, but I know that it is for the best for all involved. I can’t be a good mother to a newborn right now, and I can at least admit that. I can barely even function myself at the moment. I dread to think what that poor child would feel growing up, knowing I only had them because I was forced to. I don’t want to even risk it. I was an unwanted child; my parents didn’t want me and I was abused my whole life. I never, ever want to end up like them. To be honest, they should’ve aborted me. I would’ve been a lot better off, but instead they had me and I paid the price all my life. I can’t do that to an innocent child. I’ll never be my “parents”! My body is in horrendous condition anyway. My emotional and mental health are in tatters. I don’t even know how I’m even hanging on to be honest. I feel immense guilt and like I’m just being a harsh horrible bitch but I genuinely cannot do this and I’m so tired of being told “aww yes you can”. No. I can’t. I know my limitations and my capabilities, and right now I’m barely hanging on by a thread. I’m so sad… I’m sad for my husband more than anything. Hate knowing what this will do to him, especially since the last thing I ever wanted to do was to hurt him, but he just wouldn’t listen to me or understand! 😢 Will be staying away from home for a while… x
OP posts:
AchillesPoirot · 24/03/2022 17:11

Oh op I am so sorry you are in this situation.

shypineapple · 24/03/2022 17:21

Thank you. That person really effing hurt me with their comments. Ended up basically implying that I was using my kids as a weapon against my husband and “doesn’t he have a say in this?” When I never said or implied any such thing?! Just reported the comments. Why kick me when I’m already down? No idea where they got that idea from! Then had the bloody nerve to say “maybe if you’d have explained that I wouldn’t have thought what I did.” I don’t owe anyone an in depth explanation of my childcare arrangements?! Only my children and their dad. It’s now taken care of - their aunt (his sister) is going to speak to him about it for me, and also lend a hand where she can. I have spoken to my children and explained that mummy isn’t very well, and that daddy and auntie and grandma will be looking after them for a little while, but I will still call and video call them, and they can call and video call me. I have told them that I will be back (I will be, of course!). And not to worry.
Obviously there were some questions, and I tried to answer as best I could, but also not to worry them. I think they understand to some degree.

I’m not going to end my life. At least I don’t think I am. I don’t have any plan to, is what I’m trying to say.
I’m going to stay with a relative abroad, after all of this, just for a while, for a bit of respite and support. Seems to be the only place in real life that I am getting any! :(
I’m sure I’ll be Public Enemy Number One when I do eventually come home.
My cousin that I’m staying with, said I should just tell husband that I’ve had a miscarriage, if he wouldn’t support my decision, but I don’t agree with deceiving him to be honest. He’d only find out the truth anyway.
I feel awful for doing this as it is, I feel really sad for my husband, I don’t want to have to lie to him too. Surely that would just make things worse?
Sorry, I’m rambling now.
Right now I can’t even try to envision coming out the other side of this. I hope I can. But I’m so scared of my marriage being over. I really do love him 😢
Thank you x

OP posts:
IshaCoco · 24/03/2022 19:11

Op - your strength, courage and sense of self is shining out here. You're facing a world of shit and yet you are steadfast and stalwart. You are showing true bravery in the face of adversity and one day you will be incredibly proud of yourself, even if that seems a step too far just now.

I hope things go smoothly for you and that you get the recuperation you need.

GodspeedJune · 24/03/2022 19:24

Some time away to recuperate and be looked after sounds like just what you need. The children will be fine with your husband - of course they will, and you don’t need to explain yourself to anyone here.

The main priority at the moment is you. You know best whether to tell your husband the truth, keeping it a secret seems like another pressure on you but he does need to support you even if he doesn’t agree with your choice. In terms of telling other people who he has shared the news with, all that needs to be said is that the pregnancy didn’t continue. You don’t have to explain what happened to anyone, and most people will assume a miscarriage.

You will get through this. There’s always people here to chat if you want to get your thoughts written down. It’s good that you’ve been signed off, take good care of yourself now as you’ll be run down physically and mentally from all the turmoil.

GrandRapids · 24/03/2022 19:42

I just really really hope your husband can find it in himself to be supportive. At the end of the day it might be upsetting for him and hard to come to terms with BUT this is so much harder for you. I hope he can recognise that.