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Relationships

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

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:
howmanyleftfeet · 29/03/2019 01:29

It sounds like one of the problems is he's used to putting his feelings before everything, and you're not.

This time, this really is about you. It's your body that will grow and carry this baby, it's you who love her or him and bring them up, if that's what you choose. Or, if you chose not to, it's you who will have to bear the possible emotional scarring, if you decide that's for the best.

He doesn't have to do either of those, not in the same way you do.

He's just (as someone said up thread about their ex), noise in the background. He might be a loud noise right now as he's up close. But, this really isn't his choice to make, even if he would like it to be. He's already written himself out of the picture anyway.

You have every right to be angry with him for the way he's treating you.

Make this decision about what you want, not what he wants.

Nat6999 · 29/03/2019 01:32

Tell him he either goes & plays no part in this child's life or he pulls up his big boy pants & works hard to become a good father, that's his choice. It's blindingly obvious that you want this baby & with or without him you will make a brilliant mum. Like everyone else has said, this may be your only chance to be a mum & if that's what you want, grab your chance. If he walks, don't look back, you are better off without him, go to the baby shop & buy your baby that first present. He will probably get to his 40's & panic, marry the first woman who will have him & have kids, who cares? This isn't about him, it's about you & the child you are expecting. I'm pro choice but I can tell that if you terminated you would spend the rest of your life regretting the decision. I hope you & your baby have a brilliant life together.

dreichuplands · 29/03/2019 01:37

Jeez, men don't give consent to pregnancy. They have sex, it may lead to a pregnancy but their consent has nothing to do with it, it is a biological fact.
OP, it is as simple as do you want to have this baby? If you do, then have it. It really is not your DP's decision.

howmanyleftfeet · 29/03/2019 01:42

Tell him he either goes & plays no part in this child's life

I think that's unfair on the child tbh. Some men do eventually step up and become decent non-resident parents once they grow up a bit.

That's not good enough as a partner, you can't wait around for someone to grow up enough to have a romantic relationship!

But he may realise he wants to have a relationship with his child as a father once the baby's there. Actual babies, rather than ideas of babies, do tend to change people's perspective.

Of course that may never happen, and the OP needs to be prepared for that. But it's not right to cut him off or for anyone to use access to a baby as a bargaining chip IMO.

howmanyleftfeet · 29/03/2019 01:42

Not right, in terms of what's in the child's best interests, I mean.

Oliversmumsarmy · 29/03/2019 01:43

You are nearly 35 with low egg reserves, you have a job, your own place and you want to be a mother and you are pregnant There shouldn’t be any debate.

Stop listening to him whining about what HE wants and how HE feels and him saying how no one will speak to HIM if you have this baby.

The only person making this situation sound bad is your partner and he sounds like he is talking through his backside.

He decided he didn’t want to have children 2 weeks ago but got you pregnant 4 weeks before.
He is threatening suicide and leaving you.
(There is another thread on here atm about a woman who has left her abusive husband and he too is threatening suicide to keep her in line.
It really is like a script they use)

If he doesn’t want children then it is a bit late now.

He doesn’t have to be a part of this babies life. You have everything going for you.

Most of the women I know are single mothers and some were in situations like yours.

They are all really happy.
They don’t have to think about the wants and needs of another adult.

If they want to go on a beach holiday to Spain they go. There is no one saying they don’t want to go as they want to go skiing instead.

If they can’t be bothered to cook they can get take out, they haven’t got any one moaning about home cooked meals or the washing up isn’t done.

They go out and have fun.

Please don’t be scared about being a single parent

Just as an aside. Someone I know of tried for years to get pregnant doing several rounds of IVF.
At 49 they decided to just concentrate on having a lovely life and thought that having children was not going to be for them.
She gave birth at 50.
We all think that the IVF must have kicked something into action. Similar I think probably happened to you.

wombat1a · 29/03/2019 02:08

Go ahead and have it, this could be your one and only chance, if he doesn't want to be involved then so what, that's his loss.

JingsMahBucket · 29/03/2019 02:37

He’s being insanely manipulative and coercive right now trying to make you think he “has to give consent”. This is not The Handmaid’s Tale where he controls your body. He gave consent when you had sex consentually.

If I were you, I’d start putting physical distance between the two of you in order to get some breathing and thinking space. He can sleep in the guest room or on the couch. Start breaking the mental bond(age) so you don’t feel guilt or consider his thrashing emotions too much over yours.

Middlrm · 29/03/2019 02:39

Firstly he had unprotected sex which he was aware of by choice

He was aware you want kids ... because you had ivf

What you are finding most likely is when he talks to you he puts all things on you alone ( guy attic a friend pointed out)

So beef each sentence ( so it fits use the YOU la gauge back)

You knew I wanted kids
You agreed to ivf
You didn’t discuss not having kids before I was pregnant, and it you are aware of my fertility issues yet you want me to terminate why? What has changed with you from November ?

You get more out of them that way ... what I find is when someone uses the you language it. Holds them accountable and stops them putting all ownership on you therefore crippling you emotionally with the entire issue as yours alone to deal with.

It’s all calm you’s No argument needed ... not raised voices ( hard sometimes )

But honestly do what you want, because he is not going to change .

I had a friend who had hermiricle baby and the guy ran for the hills (35 year going through early menopause) she didkt in her own and the world would be a safer place with out little autumn ... that being said it must be so tough at times...
I have just had a baby) with a wonderful partner) and the first few weeks were tough...so I would never say you have to have a baby ... but if you want a baby ... my god the love 💗 is amazing I had pnd for a few months so it took a little while for that cloud to shift but now it has I would literally do anything for this kid ... I never realised.

In this case take partner out of equation and think about what you want if your pragmatic work on finances what ever it is that helps you make your choice x x

WantToRunThere · 29/03/2019 03:11

I think you need to tell someone in real life.
He’s relying on if you do have an abortion that you’ll keep it quiet. So he can walk away with no shame.
If you continue the pregnancy it’s really obvious what he’s done.

He’s so worried about how he’ll look, especially saying he doesn’t ‘consent’. To me that sticks out as a trigger word to pressure you into doing what he wants.
I can’t imagine you doing other stuff without someone’s consent and he knows that.

Tell a sister, a friend, someone and I think you’ll be able to see it more clearly

Kaleela · 29/03/2019 03:25

Without his consent 😂 that one made me giggle. He consented when he agreed to have unprotected sex with you knowing full well that that always has the possibility of establishing a pregnancy. Tosser. Unless you have no womb to carry a baby then he does not have a leg to stand on

JingsMahBucket · 29/03/2019 03:39

Yes to telling someone in real life. He’s definitely relying on secrecy so he can slink away unharmed and unbothered.

Catastrophejane · 29/03/2019 03:51

This is your choice OP. But reading your post, it sounds like you really want to keep the baby. I completely understand how terrifying this might seem right now, but it’s completely do-able. I split up with Ds’s dad when he was a baby and there were times when it was tough, but raising him has been the best and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. There is lots of support out there- you’ll meet loads of other mums. I also joined a single parents group which is full of lovely parents who support each other.

I’m in a new relationship now and am really happy with my life. Being a single parent has lots of perks. And remember, even if your partner doesn’t want the baby, he still has to provide maintenance.

It doesn’t sound like this guy is worth wasting anymore time over. He has already wasted so much of it. So please don’t make a decision based on trying to save this relationship.

Catastrophejane · 29/03/2019 04:01

Have just read more of your posts ..and OMG- listen to everyone on mumsnet: this guy is a dick. And an abusive one.

Threatening suicide is controlling behaviour and is one of the things they look out for in domestic abuse cases. I’d echo previous posters and get some space from him.

IdblowJonSnow · 29/03/2019 04:43

If you want your baby please have your baby.
I would be letting this guy go anyway. It's over. There is no getting past his behaviour.
One he's gone you won't give a shit about him.
Onwards and upwards.
My second baby was a surprise. Neither of us really wanted or planned another child. I found I couldn't face the alternative though. My husband said my body my choice and supported me either way.
It does seem likely that this could be your only chance. Who cares what people think about him? Not your problem. Flowers

barbiegrl · 29/03/2019 04:58

If you step back and take out all the emotion, the choice is between having your partner (and it sounds like the relationship is on the outs anyway) and having a child (which you desperately want-I can't imagine someone who doesn't desperately want a child going through Ivf)
If you want to be a mother,then your only choice is to go through with the pregnancy, and on the other side-how will you feel if you terminate,and then are never able to conceive again?
Big hugs from me,you have some thinking to do,but please don't let someone who may well leave anyway dictate what your next move is x

picklemepopcorn · 29/03/2019 05:54

"if I go ahead with the pregnancy I am doing it without his consent"

That's so wrong it's funny. Your pregnancy exists, whether he consents or not!

He is trying to force you into a termination you don't want and effectively forever deny you the opportunity to be a mother.

Being around him makes you confused about what to do because he has groomed you to put his preferences first. You can't know what you want when you are near him because he imposes his wants over everything else.

You need to get away. Tell someone, even a stranger. The first time someone says 'oh, congratulations!', you will feel bowled over.

PurpleDaisies · 29/03/2019 06:20

Threatening suicide is controlling behaviour and is one of the things they look out for in domestic abuse cases. I’d echo previous posters and get some space from him.

Are you sure that’s the same poster? I thought that one said she was 21 and no mention of fertility troubles.

PurpleDaisies · 29/03/2019 06:21

And totally agree, you don’t need his “consent” to be pregnant and remain so. It’s your body. It’s your decision.

PaterPower · 29/03/2019 06:49

I (male, father to two) think you have to do what’s right for you here and if that’s taking this, possibly one and only, chance to be a parent then go for it.

As PP have said, he is being selfish and manipulative at the moment. That may or may not improve but it’s not really relevant to YOU. He was having regular unprotected sex with you and had willingly participated in a process where your fertility was being amplified - for the specific purpose of conceiving.

You didn’t put holes in his condom, sneakily take yourself off the pill, remove your coil without him knowing, forge his signature at the IVF clinic etc - THOSE are examples where he might have a point about consent.

IMO you need to block him at the moment, concentrate on yourself for the duration of the pregnancy and then arrange contact/access after the birth along with CMS payments.

Lahlahfizzyfizzydoda · 29/03/2019 07:08

Consent...Shock

He is behaving as if he is the only person to decide in regards to this pregnancy. I also agree with PP, that you have probably throughout your relationship put his needs and wants over your own.

I think you need to speak to someone in RL and also a counsellor, to sound off.

However, the only reason you have stated for you to terminate is because he has demanded you do…the rest of your posts say how much longed for this pregnancy has been.

Look, I’ve had IVF and it’s greulling. You could do everything correctly (meds, diet etc) and it still may not be successful at the end.

IMO, this is fate. Your relationship is over, so tell him to leave and give yourself some space as he is purposely trying to manipulate/coerce you into doing what he wants.

mrswilson2 · 29/03/2019 07:13

I'm just repeating others really because it seems obvious you want the baby. I also think you need to leave asap because he will continue to try and manipulate you into having an abortion. I know you're worried about your parents but they'll surely be on your side when they realise how hateful he's being ?
I've been there , it's worth it , good luck. Keep us posted.

LellyMcKelly · 29/03/2019 07:25

Have your baby. You’ll be much happier with him or her than your big manchild.

MrsTeaspoon · 29/03/2019 07:28

Why do you think you couldn’t manage on your own? It might help you come to your decision if you have a think about this. Parenting is hard, single-parenting is hard, but I can honestly say as someone who had a baby with no family help or partner, when very young too, that it is something definitely manageable if that’s what you want. It sounds like you want children, don’t let him bully you into turning down what may be your only opportunity. I went on to have further children so my experiences as a Mum alone really can’t have been that bad! (Seriously, whilst everyone has the right to choose I am so so glad I chose motherhood for me and ignored familial/societal expectations and had my baby.) Good luck with your decision making, go with what truly feels right for you deep down. Oh and be prepared that you/he may have come to the end of being together completely over this, and that’s okay too.

Beaverhausen · 29/03/2019 07:33

Hi OP,

Unfortunately after reading your post it seems like he wants out already it is all about him and how his life will be ruined.

How do you feel about the pregnancy, me personally when I found out at 36 I was pregnant I was over the moon. Her spermdonor wanted me to abort I decided to do it on my own and 11 years down the line I would still not have changed a thing. My daughter has not missed out, she never asks about him, we do not discuss him or have ever since day 1.

If this is what you want, go for it, trust me it will be emotional but so rewarding.

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