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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

pregnant, shocked and a bit lost.

328 replies

sugarcoatedthorns · 24/05/2014 15:37

I don't know what to do!

I have just found out I am pregnant and am so confused about what to do. My DH wants an abortion and I'm horrified that he doesn't want the DB. It wasn't planned and was despite precautions. So i know he doesn't have to want a baby, but he always refuses to talk to me about anything, anything.
The trouble is I feel scared of having a baby with him! He seems to keep setting traps for me to walk into and sits back and laughs at me, he takes the piss out of me a lot and I feel reaaly down about everything now.

One thing I do know is how much I want to keep this baby and cannot bear to think about going throygh the abortion he wants me to have. I would hate to feel that he had stayed with me because of a baby, but I cannot have an abortion and I told him this, but now he is telling people and making me look stupid about it.

He is telling people as a joke that we are having a baby when we are both out of work (I have just given my notice at a very well paid job because of constructive dismissal so yes it is the worst situation) and he had already decided to leave work to start as s/employed. but hes using this i think to ridicule me. When Ive been upset abouut the terrible work situation and try to talk about it he calls me boring and negative. I kind offeel that all the time I am happy and doing absolutely everything he is ok, but he gets very angry if I am having a bad day or anything. like i'm not allowed to worry or be upset.

I have got so down about it all and when I told a friend that i was starting to worry and feel a bit scared about him getting angry she told me that I probably need to get onto some antidepressants fro m the doctor. I think i am going mad, and i feel like a bad person for having any negative emotions.

Am i just scared because of being pregant? should I have antidepressants to help me cope with him because I don't think i am coping with him and don't feel allowed to be unhappy for fear of being accusedof being negative and him getting in a mood and shouting at me.

The only thing I do know is that I want this baby. because he won't talk to me how will i know whether hes still with me only because he will look bad to others if we did separate? He is very fo the do the right thing in front of others, but hes so differrent indoors, but he jjust keeps making me look stupid in front of other people and then saying its just a joke.

OP posts:
MexicanSpringtime · 01/06/2014 22:13

This man has ground you down, OP, as anyone else would have been similarly ground down in your shoes. He is charming and that is how you fell under his spell.

Now you are taking the first steps towards your freedom. In a couple of years time you will look back in wonder at the person you were.

PacificDogwood · 01/06/2014 22:18

sugarcoated, you doing so well to even have started this thread and to have written what you have written. I am sure there is so much more and that you are very, very confused just now.

You are being v strong just now - you may not feel it, but you are doing so well Thanks.

Stop looking for answers for why he behaves like he does and start thinking about what kind of a life you want for yourself and your baby. That is all.
Baby steps.

IAmNotAMindReader · 01/06/2014 23:30

Why does he behave like that? Because he wants to and because you are willing to accept it. You may challenge his view point but the status quo remains and you never leave thus in his eyes you accept what he does. You could not do those things to someone therefore you will never understand the ego kick he gets out of it, the sense of control over his world and the power. Conversely he will never see your viewpoint because his in his eyes is the only one that is correct and the only one that matters.

sugarcoatedthorns · 02/06/2014 00:39

i have spent too many years feeling miserable and having him and me blaming me for that, and always trying to be 'up' and laughing at his jokes at my expense for fear of being accused of not having a sense of humour, and being so up myself.

I have been brewing for saying all this for a long time, but what stopped me, being told it was all my fault and i should shut up and get over myself and if i wasn't so miserable he would be happy with me, but now i write that it sounds like bollocks to me.

I was too scared to speak. i can see why i have stayed with him, feeling sorry for him, loving him, trying to help him, hoping and dreaming that yes, one day would come, and growing fear that took me to a dark place of being too scared of facing that i was all the horrible things he said i was.

i also know that in believing myself, i have to face the horror, and that is the cost of believing me, the years of pain and fear i have kept hidden and lied to myself about, but also continually challenged him over until my head doesn't know which way is up.

i needed to hear everything you have all said, and i guess needed to be heard too to be believed and feel support that i can believe what i feel and need no excuse, that i can go for whatever reason without reason, thats very freeing.

its blown my mind really, grief stricken at the loss of it all, but lighter at detaching from the awfulness of it, of him. he tried his usual Sunday night thing tonight, because we'd gone for a walk, and i always run late for everything so we didn't get out til later (but then I had to do 4 loads of washing and get lunch and plan dinner, and get the garden cleared), so i dreaded going because I thought he's gonna go mad later. He got cross that 'i thought we were going out fo rthis walk', so i quickly finished up everything and off we went and i spent the whole time not knowing how to be with him anymore and knowing how it would be when we got home, and then thinking, no i'm just imagining it, but i wasn't. and went off to bed and snoring after he's vented and some beers. I've been up crying, am exhausted again, and he went to bed after having ripped me up for doing everything wrong and being so late and just raaaaa, raging. but i've stopped, because i really don't like him anymore. i knew he would do this. he doesn't like me, no, so why is he with me, and yes, why am i with him. I hate it, the things he does, the way he treats me, and i hate my life here, its dingy and getting horribly predictable, that i never know when he will explode and blame me. I am annoying I can't keep to a schedule, and i oversleep always too exhausted /unhappy to get up and get on witht he drudge of it all. When i get good from teh relationship is when i have the energy to put all the effort in required,and no it shouldnt be that hard. its hard to face that he hates me, but its all i can think.

I'm calling round to see my tenant in the morning after he's gone to work to explain that i need to hurry things up.

I'm also starting to think that this might just be the way the pregnancy will be with me and my baby, broken sleep, and continual period crampiness and sick (started drinking ginger which makes me feel sick, but it then stops me feeling sick,which is weird), mainly because i feel so sick that i must have the sticking hormones from the baby, and more than once its been said that this can be normal too, and not even spotting.

I don't want to be like this anymore, and without him i might be better, and i certainly won't be scared, but i am scared of his being enraged at this happening, when its over, but i don't want to worry anyone, i won't be around for any reaction from him. he probably won't care less and say good riddance, which really tells me everything i need to know. I have to hang on to those thoughts

OP posts:
sugarcoatedthorns · 02/06/2014 01:11

I needed to know and say all this stuff right at the start,but i didn't know about mn then and really didnt know how to say it or what i needed to see, couldn't put my finger on it. Staying in it this long has been years of erosion of me, and it absollutely doesn't help him at all anyway.

I need to find somewhere to get myself back, to get me, my identity back. i'm still thinking maybe it was me, but then quite quickly i'm coming back with another ansswer now that actually no, he really isn't the caring sort no matter how he tries to come across. I think its gonna take some time to totally and really get it for myself, but i need to get strong. i should never have stayed iwth him all these years.

OP posts:
MexicanSpringtime · 02/06/2014 02:29

Oh sugar I am so glad that your ordeal is coming to an end.

dramajustfollowsme · 02/06/2014 05:50

Sugar, it is hard because he has worn you down. You are doing so well and are now seeing that this existence is no way to live.
Be careful and plan your escape from this horrible man.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/06/2014 07:03

No doubt pregnancy is making you feel rough, but you have anxiety, fear and misery on top of it to contend with. You deserve better.

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 02/06/2014 07:14

Sugar I'm so pleased to read your update, that you've realised you don't have to tolerate this and you are entitled to a happy life.

Ginger can help with sickness. Period cramping can be normal as your body stretches and your ligaments loosen. The sickness can be a bit of a roller coaster, can come anytime. Just eat whatever you need to make you feel better. Don't forget to see a mw, it's important you and baby are checked, have bloods and scans.

If you are worried about how to leave safety I would phone Women's Aid for advice. Gather up all important paperwork you have. Leave when he's out.

Lots of luck. Don't forget, this isn't your fault and you and your baby deserve a lovely happy life together, without fear, without anxiety, without worry, and without abuse.

Footle · 02/06/2014 07:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Itsfab · 02/06/2014 07:59

Just a quick thought - remember you don't have to tell people why you have left. It is really no one else's business and don't feel you owe anyone an explanation. Including us.

FantasticButtocks · 02/06/2014 08:20

Wow Sugar reading your last posts, I see you've turned a corner!

Keep detached from him now while you make your escape from this relationship.

So glad to hear that resolve from you, that realisation...

You have the right to end this because you just don't want to be with him anymore. You do not have to explain beyond that to anyone.

Great to hear you sounding so strong Thanks

sugarcoatedthorns · 02/06/2014 09:11

I have way too much to do, and don't knowhow i'll cope financially. my lodger to me at my word and looked at a load of new places. I jjust got back fromher telling me she is waiting for all her paperwork to go throguhon one that shes really keen on thats available now. I don't know how i'm not going to end up on the street with my work coming to an end and a baby coming. Feels an awful lot like exchanging one set of horrible stuff with another set of bad bad worries. I know my house is safe if she lives there but if i move in and then have no money and a baby and end up losing my home.

enough of that. running away with worries. I need to keep strong about knowing he's wrong as i keep swinging this way and that. thinking i'm wrong, that i've got it wrong. I feel differently about him anyway and i know i'm not happy there so thats all that matters.

OP posts:
PacificDogwood · 02/06/2014 09:19

Sugarcoated, you've come a very long way already, on this thread alone Smile

Your life will be immeasurably better without his toxic and damaging presence in your life. It'll change, for sure, but for the better.
You are lucky to have your house - even if you were to lose it (and you may of course not) at least you have an asset you could sell.

You are right - do not let worries run away with yourself. One breath, one step, one day at a time.

Start making plans. There will be somebody more knowledgeable than me along, I am sure.
You need paperwork like your passport, bank statements if you can get ahold of them, think about money, get legal advice, ?CBA re possible benefits etc.

Hope you have a good day Thanks

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 02/06/2014 09:39

You could go to the CAB to talk about benefits etc and find a good solicitor. I can't remember if you said you were married. I think Women's Aid can give advice on money, I'm sure someone who knows more will be along soon.

QueenOfThorns · 02/06/2014 10:08

I've been following your thread and worrying about you, so I'm so relieved to hear that you're taking steps to leave. I had some thoughts about your financial situation:

You mentioned constructive dismissal in your original post. Are you taking any action against your employer? If you have grounds, you could try to get some sort of compensation. I don't know anything about this, but presumably the CAB could advise.

How big is your house? If you have a second bedroom, is there potential to rent that out for some extra cash?

I wish you all the best, you sound like a very brave person. Congratulations on your pregnancy Thanks

fusspot66 · 02/06/2014 10:40

Something practical.... Look up the 'entitledto' website. It may be better than you think., financially. Can your mortgage lender do you a payment holiday? I have followed your posts from the start and your man is nasty and vicious. I think you need the help and support of WA and a refuge till you are free of his spell and the backlash of leaving.
Godspeed .....

Itsfab · 02/06/2014 12:58

It isn't for YOU to help him. When you are in a loving marriage and one of you has difficulties then of course you support each other but not when one is being abusive to the other. STOP that thought right now that it is your job to help or fix him.

Another thought - could you share with your tenant? You could go right now if she agrees to it.

tipsytrifle · 02/06/2014 14:06

You know, sugar I'm delighted and awed at the glimpses of the Real You emerging in your latest posts. You know the horror of it all but there's a grit on your words that, terrified as you are, will drive your getting out of this nightmare.

The advice you're receiving so gracefully from everyone here is awesome too. It might be dawning on you that people truly care about you. You are soooo worthy, good lady!

I hope you find some joy in your day even though there are shadows aplenty. Any day now you're going to do that phoenix thing, rising new and bright from the wreckage of before Smile

DustBunnyFarmer · 02/06/2014 15:23

Any day now you're going to do that phoenix thing, rising new and bright from the wreckage of before

All being well, with a beautiful baby on your hip and a bright future ahead of the both of you.

oikopolis · 02/06/2014 16:30

sugar, I would have this thread hidden or deleted, and I would urge you to change your username and hide your browsing. If you download Chrome, you can use Incognito browsing to keep yourself safe. Lots I want to say here but am worried about exposing you to abuse. All the best to you xx

MintyCoolMojito · 02/06/2014 18:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NettleTea · 02/06/2014 18:57

so much on this thread sounds all too familiar sadly, and it was pregnancy which focused my mind on how dysfunctional and abusive my relationship was.
It didnt surprise me to hear that your family wouldnt be a huge amount of support - so many of us dont know any better, we may be high achievers academically or professionally, but our personal lives are horrific due to not having had the right nurturing childhood.
I gave my H another chance when I was pregnant (I too found out at a constructive dismissal point!) and similarly he too gave up his job soon after - I suspect he begrudged the thought of having to support me, despite my having supported him for years.
It was a waste of time, I should have left at that point. Despite the pleading, begging, promising and reassurances it got worse (please look up 'hoovering' as I suspect this will happen when you state your intention to leave, or even if he suspects you beginning to not care.
Thing is, once you have seen who they are, you cannot go back. Once your eyes have been opened you cannot unsee it.

sugarcoatedthorns · 02/06/2014 23:46

what's happening oikropolis? change my username? Lots you want to say, but I will be exposed? t his is a worry

i love the references to pheonix rising, but i suspect there is not much left of me to rise. I know thats a bit of a gloomy response to an inspirational comment, but like others have said, it hasn't left me liking myself atall, and doubting myself all the time. Seriously groudn me down and not trusting, i don't even trust my 'friends' see? He tells me things about them. He doesn't speak and chatter about stuff, but its like he will think and ponder and then come out with one thing which isn't very nice about someone and mkae me doubt them. he did horribly about the friend i mentioned before, saying that she was really cross with me, and another friend actually, and really upset me, when i asked them i hadnt upset them, or maybe they were too polite to say it to my face, and i have found myself mistrusting so much. This is who i am, i'm so scared the misery will stay once I leave and then that would , well .be unthinkable, butthats where its got me to.

I think i'm so overtired and done in with all this.

I havve to say so much, thank you thank you every one of you for al lthe supportive comments and suggestions. Ir ealise I have pretty much just posted on and on often without acknowledgement or reference to such very valuable and sense-making comments, telling me you believe me and its him. I could never have expected such a removed. I only just noticed that i've moved too, at someone else's request. I seem to be going along in a fog, not really noticing anything. One thing I have lost is my memory, as I don't remember anything properly any more. Well I think i do, at least with other things but not when it comes to him, i seem to constantly misunderstand and misremember what was agreed and said.

Its not a very nice place to be here, in me. There has to be better.

OP posts:
sugarcoatedthorns · 02/06/2014 23:53

.... expected such a response (not 'removed') -see? tired. goodnight just amazing ladies

OP posts:
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