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Relationships

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6 weeks pregnant and partner wants me to terminate, not sure what to do

499 replies

theprocrastin8er · 28/03/2019 17:15

I would really appreciate advice on my complicated and stressful situation. Please bear with me on the back history because I think it is relevant for understanding why i'm in the situation I am now in.

I am 34 and a half and I have been with my partner for 9 years (first 5 were long-distance but lived together for 4). We have a happy, relaxed drama-free relationship in most respects. In the early years I would occasionally ask about children and he would say 'yes probably in the future, not now'. Four years ago after some blood tests for something else I was told I had low ovarian reserve for my age (30 at the time) and advised to do prviate IVF if I could afford it (I couldn't). I was in shock but after lots of discussion my partner agreed I could come off the pill to see if it happened naturally. Three years later, lots of sex and no pregnancies, I went back to the GP and they sent me to the hospital for tests etc, and was referred for NHS IVF.

At this point my partner freaked out and said he wasn't sure he wanted children yet. We then spent several months agonising over it. With a lot of persuasion (with hindsight, I can see this is where I went wrong) and him changing his mind several times he agreed to start IVF in November 2018, and by the end of the process he seemed quite 'in it' and wanting it to be successful, mainly to make me happy I think. However, it failed. This then brought up more difficult conversations about whether to have another go (we had 2 frozen embryos). He asked for time to think about, which I gave him, thinking that probably he would come round to it post-Brexit (he works in that area and has a lot of work stress). This brings us up to March 2019.

Then, three weeks ago - in the course of an argument about something else - he said he had decided he probably didn't want children. I was devastated and suggested we have some time apart to think about what to do. He agreed time apart would be good and said he wasn't sure how much it was the stress of the IVF but he wasn't feeling as happy in our relationship and felt I was angry with him a lot (I suppose I was a bit as I was so worried about missing my chance to be a mother), although this was the first time he'd mentioned it. We spent a few days talking and crying a lot and he started looking for a shared flat to move to.

Then... I discovered I was pregnant (conceived before his 'decision'). So after several years of believing it would only happen through IVF, we're suddenly pregnant naturally, which was a huge shock to us both. Neither of us believed that could happen.

He did not take it well at all. He wants me to terminate and feels that he had decided not to have children, so we can't proceed. He says if I proceed we will have to separate and there is no chance of us parenting together as a happy family. He thinks a child will ruin his life and that he won't love it as he ought to. He thinks it's completely wrong for a child to be brought into this messy situation.

So here I am, 6 weeks pregnant and scared. I never imagined myself as a single parent and don't have much family support nearby. I do however have a flat that I own and a part-time job so will get some maternity pay. I'm 35 this year and worried that if I terminate this pregnancy I might not get pregnant again, even if I were lucky enough to meet someone else who wanted children.

My initial reaction to the pregnancy was shock but also happiness. But now he has said this I am terrified of doing it alone, and am not sure I'll manage it. Also, I wonder whether he's right, and its unfair on the child to proceed. I don't want to be selfish. It worries me the child would have separated parents and no siblings. None of this is what I imagined.

He has agreed to talk to a counsellor but tells me not to hold out any hope of him changing his mind.

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you for reading such a long post.

OP posts:
C0untDucku1a · 29/03/2019 18:05

How DARE he use the word consent in this way. This has made me very angry indeed. He consented to sex. He consented to ivf. He consented to pregnancy. He does not get to force you to terminate and say he didnt consent to taking a pregnancy to full term, which is what he is suggesting he has a right to do.

He is scum.

Haffdonga · 29/03/2019 18:11

I know he's very worried about not being able to afford to rent and also pay child maintenance

Once again, not your problem. He should have thought of that before creating his future son or daughter. He will have as much financial and moral responsibility for this child as you whether he likes it or not so he needs to find a way to make the money.

tinyvulture · 29/03/2019 18:13

Hi OP, I was in a similar situation to you in some ways, as my (now separated from) husband agreed to trying for a child (tho to be honest I knew he wasn’t sure, even at the time - in retrospect I should not have gone ahead. Though I do not regret my actions now, for reasons I will explain in a sec). Anyway, when I got pregnant he didn’t want me to have the baby - was horrified in fact. We stayed together, but the pregnancy was hell. But when DD was born DH did take to her - in fact, he was and is a decent father in some ways. The marriage never really recovered though (there were a number of other issues too) and we are now separated. In many ways my life would be easier if I did not have a child with the man, BUT dd is wonderful and a blessing, and I don’t think I’ll have any more children, so I never ever regret my decision to have her even for a second.
Everyone’s situation is different, but I just wanted to share that with you. Few people in real life know what my pregnancy was actually like. I wish you all the best, whatever you decide!

GreenTulips · 29/03/2019 18:17

will be hard because I know he's very worried about not being able to afford to rent and also pay child maintenance

Save your head space for you and baby, how he manages his money is up to him, and no longer your concern

YouBumder · 29/03/2019 18:46

I know he's very worried about not being able to afford to rent and also pay child maintenance

Tough titty. Don’t let him off the hook!

CanuckBC · 29/03/2019 19:08

I am a single mom to two boys and have been since they were 2 & 4. They are now 10 & 12. My ex is semi involved but only every other weekend and every other Thursday. I am a full on parent.

I didn’t plan it this way but my boys are my life! They keep me going when my mental health is shit. They keep me going with their laughter and their constant fighting🤣🤯. My little family is fantastic. Even now as we all struggle with mental health. We are working on it slowly together.

You can do this! You will have struggles! Even with a partner you would have struggles so it’s not just down to being a single parent! The joys of being a single parent is no arguing about how to parent, no other parent undermining you:). Your say so is final:).

This first months are hard as you adjust, they are the hardest and most loving days as your learn your 👶 newborn. Breastfeeding if you choose can be a bitch until you both figure it out. Once you do, it’s a dream:)

You will be able to do this! As with any challenge in life, you will have days where you will go, what the f did I do! Others where you go, omg, this is why:). No matter what, in the end, you will live your child❤️

OutAndAbouter · 29/03/2019 19:13

Maybe go and get yourself an early dating scan? I had an unexpected pregnancy, my OH definitely wasn't pushing for a termination but said it would be his preference but would respect whichever decision I made and stand by me and the baby. I always knew I wanted my baby but seeing it on the scan really gave me the strength and the vision to see this baby and our lives together.

And congratulations on your pregnancy OP - you've got this momma!

Oliversmumsarmy · 29/03/2019 20:41

Step 4 will be hard because I know he's very worried about not being able to afford to rent and also pay child maintenance

I think this is where you have to put a bit of distance between you and him.

How he spends his money is not your concern.

You are making a baby and have your own financials to deal with you can’t take on his financial issues as well.

Feel for you with morning sickness. I managed to lose 2 stones during the first 6 months of my pregnancy with dd.

MulticolourMophead · 29/03/2019 21:25

I wouldn't be surprised if this OH agreed to IVF thinking it would never happen, and that it would keep OP sweet.

timeisnotaline · 29/03/2019 23:06

He consented all along. He consented to being in a relationship with a woman who wanted children through almost 10 years of her prime fertile years, he consented to actively trying for a child through ivf, he (enthusiastically im sure) consented to unprotected sex. He must have been prepared to support a child then (actually I doubt it, I think he was prepared to put his sad face on and say I did everything I could), financially he still earns what he did several months ago I assume? Claim whatever you are entitled to to support your child. Don’t protect him from his own decisions, you have enough responsibility on your plate now.

DontCallMeCharlotte · 29/03/2019 23:12

He's right to he concerned that he will be portrayed as the bad guy because he is the bad guy. To be honest his initial reaction to the your pregnancy news would have killed the relationship stone dead for me anyway.

'it proves I can get pregnant' so it can happen again in future.

This has made me livid. I took two years to conceive, miscarried at 12 weeks but recovered quite well (emotionally) because I was now confident that I could get pregnant. I never conceived again. So tell him to stick that argument where the sun doesn't shine.

I hope all goes well. You sound like you still empathise with him which makes me think you have more than enough love for your baby. Good luck Smile

MCC85 · 29/03/2019 23:15

Just read your update Lovely, I'm so glad you have made the decision to have your baby.

Congratulations, and I wish you a healthy pregnancy and short and sweet birth!x

theprocrastin8er · 30/03/2019 00:26

So I told him tonight I didn't think I could terminate. It went worse than I imagined. He was extremely shocked, he seems to have been assuming I would eventually agree to terminate. He cried and told me he can't see a way to live the life I'm forcing on him. He said it was selfish and completely out of character for me and he couldn't believe it. He said he would have to kill himself if I go ahead and I really fear he might, even though I know it sounds like empty threats. He has talked of suicidal thoughts in the past (in a non manipulative context, not something he goes on about) and he is very isolated in some ways, has few friends and a poor relationship with family. I really felt so stuck, scared, sick and upset I cried a lot and didn't manage to say all the wise things posters have suggested.

I ended up directing the conversation towards our relationship and, in brief, we have agreed to spilt up. He is going to see a flat share on Sunday but this is London and it usually takes a while to find a flat share.

I think he still thinks I'll probably terminate. Sadly I think maybe I need to get him moved out before I can tell him it's definitely not happening, I was so worried he would jump out of the window or something and my phone battery was dead.

Anyway, I know splitting up was really the only course of action and it might sound silly but I still feel so very sad. Before all the baby stuff came up it was honestly a good relationship and I thought we would grow old together. Tonight has been pretty terrible though.

OP posts:
almondykess · 30/03/2019 00:33

I've been lurking mumsnet for a few weeks and never felt the urge to comment until now. I think you absolutely did the right thing and were so brave for going through with telling him Flowers I don't think he's being fair to you at all--it seems like all he can think about is himself.

MadameAnchou · 30/03/2019 00:35

It wasn't a good relationship because you mentioned even in your OP that you were both considering splitting before the pregnancy came up. And it's by the by. This is who he is now. I'd call the police next time he threatens suicide. A lot of them do it. It's a manipulative ploy.

I think he still thinks I'll probably terminate. Sadly I think maybe I need to get him moved out before I can tell him it's definitely not happening, I was so worried he would jump out of the window or something and my phone battery was dead.

Yes, he still thinks he can bully you into his way. He needs to get out. Don't fall for his can't find a flatshare, he can be in one quite quickly. Can you stay somewhere else whilst he looks for a share?

He's toxic. Once you're out you'll start to realise it wasn't a very good relationship at all.

Stand firm. You want to keep this baby.

almondykess · 30/03/2019 00:37

And i'm so sorry, it's horrible to lose a relationship in that way. Make yourself a cup of tea and eat something nice? At least it's done now and you don't need to worry about telling him any more Flowers

Hillfarmer · 30/03/2019 00:41

OP you are doing really well. Don’t feel guilt. He is obsessed with himself. You have the power here. You have made your decision, you need to try to ignore him. Don’t feel bad. You are totally ok here. Don’t listen to the bullshit. This is your baby. How vile does a person have to be to demand that a much-longed-for baby is aborted? how bloody dare he?

You’ve been honest all the way through. He hasn’t.

Tavannach · 30/03/2019 00:45

It does not come naturally to me to be firm about money.

Don't worry, it comes naturally to the CMS. He will not be paying you, rather making a contribution towards his child.

howmanyleftfeet · 30/03/2019 00:48

I'm so sorry you're going through this Flowers

I've had three exes who threatened to kill themselves now (I know how to pick, em, hey?)

They didn't. It was bullshit, it turns out. But I didn't think it was at the time and I remember the fear of it happening, I'm sorry if you're feeling that.

One of my exes in particular went as far as letting me call an ambulance for him, went to hospital, was put on a drip, had treatment of some kind, I forget what now as it was so long ago. The nurse came and looked me in the eye and said "we found nothing in his blood". I didn't understand at the time why she was saying it to me like that. I was just relieved he was OK. Now I realise she was telling me - look, I don't know what the fuck this guy is playing at, but he didn't take what he said he did.

My friend, on the other hand, tried to commit suicide, for real as she genuinely thought the world would be better off without her. She was clinically depressed. She didn't tell anyone, she slipped away to do it. She was saved by a friend knowing her well enough to surmise what was going on despite my friend's best attempt to not let anyone know. People who are actually suicidal don't tend to tell everyone about it.

I'm not surprised you feel sad. You've had so much to get your head around. Even if he's being a complete shit, it's totally normal to grieve the future you thought you had. Flowers

I think you're wise to leave this subject now till he goes. Do you think he will go? What will you do if he drags it out? He needs to go, this kind of bullshit from him is no good for you.

howmanyleftfeet · 30/03/2019 00:50

I'd call the police next time he threatens suicide

I agree 100%. Call his bluff. If he genuinely is suicidal, then calling 999 is the responsible thing to do. If he isn't, well, hopefully he'll back down and STFU.

Thisimmortalcurl · 30/03/2019 00:53

It really sounds like you should continue with your pregnancy . I was a teenage mum to two children as a single parent and they have both graduated from uni and are doing just great , my third child I had with my husband who I have been with for 20 years but really when it boils down to it I feel always much more responsible. Even in a solid marriage you never know what might happen but you know if you split then you are likely to have the bulk of the parenting .. so every child I have had this has been my take on it .. that really they are my sole responsibility.. it’s obviouksky worked out with my husband but that’s how I viewed it .
You have endured the horrors off IVF .. you have a little gift inside you , cherish and enjoy and I can predict what the dad will do .. he may we’ll have a massive turn around but do this for you

BitOfFun · 30/03/2019 00:53

He is not your responsibility. You are only responsible for YOU and your baby. You can totally do this.

howmanyleftfeet · 30/03/2019 00:54

He said it was selfish and completely out of character for me and he couldn't believe it

And talking you into a termination when he knows your history isn't? He doesn't like you standing up for what you want, does he?

Thisimmortalcurl · 30/03/2019 00:55

“ can’t predict “ .. I just read your update .. please ignore this manipulation of being suicidal etc , it’s usually mind games in situations like this .

howmanyleftfeet · 30/03/2019 01:06

I've just read your updates upthread that you've decided you are going to keep the baby? Congratulations! Flowers Flowers

I've been holding off saying this until you were sure, but get yourself over to the MN antenatal threads for your due date! (Is it November?).

I found my antenatal threads for both my DS an invaluable source of support when I was pregnant - and with the second group we made a Facebook group, several years later now, we've got to know each other really well.