Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Pregnant and thinking of leaving DH.

105 replies

CantSleep88 · 13/12/2021 05:16

I'm so sorry I fear this is going to be long. Will try and be as concise as possible.

Background: I am 13 weeks pregnant, been with DH for 16 years. DS almost 2. Have had doubts about his behaviour in past and even spoke with Women's Aid back in the summer, but then reverted back to burying my head in the sand, I guess.

Waking up to the fact DH is selfish and a bit of a narcissist, maybe, and interested to know what people think or if it's just pregnancy hormones skewing my perspective before I throw away a long marriage.

DH doesn't like if I stick up for myself, always says "don't argue with me", says I use the wrong tone of voice or facial expression. I have taken to putting on a fake cheery voice to try and avoid upsetting him but even that doesn't work sometimes. I feel like I am treading on eggshells a lot. Things I do around house are wrong, such as where I put things, the attachment I use for the hoover. He snaps and raises voice and then says it's offensive and rude that I cower because it implies he shouts at me. Very sarcastic and if I don't hear him or answer straight away he snaps "hello?" at me. Never apologises, except sarcastically such as yesterday he said an Amazon order with some face masks wasn't coming till next week so I said no problem, I had better grab some from shop for now. He says "well sorry! It's not my fault!" even though I was being perfectly friendly. Makes me feel rushed all the time, I end up getting so nervous and flustered I drop things and my heart races. Is very patronising and if he wants things done a certain way will sigh and say "we need to do this this way" even though it's something only I do around the house.

Trying to think of some recent examples. He didn't speak to me for a day and a half because he said I slammed car door. I didn't, I was carrying a rucksack and another bag and had got DS out of car and used foot to close door but he got very angry saying I slammed the door and I know I did and stormed off. He snaps at me for things I do with DS - DS got hold of one of my old mascaras and started painting a mirror with it. I started cleaning it up and his hands but DH came along and said what on earth was I doing letting him do that, did I think that was wise, he did not want "his" son having mascara on their face (he didn't but DH seems very concerned about DS appearance, has said before he is to wear brand names and play football at school, doesn't want him growing up to be a snowflake). When out for a walk there was a cat being sick which DS thought was funny, DH snapped at me why was I letting "his" son see that, shaking his head at me. He will speak to DS but be making a dig at me such as yesterday saying "that box shouldn't have been left there for you to trip over, should it" even though it wasn't in way at all. Last Christmas he said we spent too long at my mum's although were there less than an hour, and said this year we are only to spend 20 minutes there. He has since retracted this but I am dreading the aftermath already, knowing he is going to moan about how long we take opening presents. When I found out I was pregnant this time round I really struggled initially to get my head around it and how I would cope. I went downstairs after DS asleep and burst into tears, was hyperventilating saying to DH I don't think I could cope with the pregnancy (at time was being sick multiple times a day and DS not sleeping at all) and he didn't even hug me, just said "for gods sake I was hungry and wanted to have my dinner, couldn't this have waited" before unplugging chip fryer so hard it moved down the worktop. He is not physically abusive but does slam things around now and again. Lots more examples but just a few off top of my head.

I have not had a lie in since before DS was born. DH wakes when he wants. He is and always has been a terrible sleeper, still waking multiple times a night. I am suffering with sickness and PGP this pregnancy and do not get any respite, I cosleep with DS to try and get a break and am up every couple of hours while DH is in bed from 10pm-7am. On his days off when he gets up he will say I should have woke him. If he ever does take DS to park etc he is back home within 20 minutes. However I am a SAHM (gave up work after DS born when no childcare due to covid) so do expect to do lion's share. Equally housework I do most of, he does wash up (badly) some nights but that is it, for example last night went up to bed leaving bins overflowing and dirty worktops etc for me to sort although has two days off. Lots to be done around house including putting a side gate back up, hedge cutting, tip runs etc but he will moan about state of house / gardens but not do anything to rectify. He never ever cooks. Last time he did was when DS was two days old and he made such a big song and dance about it. Has a takeaway addiction and moans about having no money. Last week spent £90 on new earphones while I was struggling to pay for food shopping and nappies. He finishes work at 4 most days and will come home, sit down and play on phone and make himself a coffee which he gets to drink hot, rarely offers me a drink. If I try and bring anything up he gets very offended and storms off even if I try and mention something in a joking way, so I just don't bother anymore.

He is permanently glued to phone. I mean he never puts it down, when interacting with DS, meal times, day trips etc. When I get up throughout night I can see the glow from his mobile phone as he sits up all night playing on it. He is obsessed with crypto / bitcoin so spends all his time on phone doing things relating to that. I do sometimes wonder if he's talking to other women but no way to prove or disprove. I feel like he is a teenager, his room has clothes all over floor, empty alcohol bottles, vaping stuff. He only eats beige food (yesterday said he is going to start eating better before having biscuits and crisps for dinner). He also vapes in bedroom and in pantry where food is kept but I've asked him not to, or to at least open door/window, as smell makes me feel sick and gets on everything, but he doesn't.

I wouldn't say he's a terrible dad but he is quite impatient, sighs a lot and gets moody and snappy. Recently I had a driving lesson in middle of day and when I came back I asked DH what DS had had for lunch and he said he hadn't given him anything as he didn't know what he eats, but had made himself something. Equally if I ask if he's had a snack or a drink he will say he forgot. Will take him out without a coat or change bag etc. Plonks DS in front of TV all the time (I am not anti-TV by any means and rely on it to get cooking done etc, but it irks me when he just puts it on so he can sit on sofa playing on phone).

I feel like I may be crucified for having children with this man, but I feel like I've just been so blinded to it and after growing up with an abusive father I think I just sought refuge with him and stayed there and unfortunately I'm only now waking up to it. I have always had anxiety and been a people pleaser so think I have just put up with things, but want my child(ren) to be happy and safe. I feel very vulnerable as I'm pregnant, not well and not working so financially vulnerable also. I don't have many friends at all. He has said before that I would not cope without him, and now I'm struggling with pregnancy I worry he will use it against me. Everyone thinks he's wonderful, his family and friends think he's a brilliant hands on dad and I guess that puts me off leaving even more. For some reason I go blank if I try and think of examples etc, so if someone were to ask what he does wrong I would struggle. I am just finding this existence treading on eggshells and wondering what I'll have said or done wrong really exhausting. I'm not sure what I want from this post really, just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and can offer any advice. Thank you.

OP posts:
kelseypops · 23/12/2021 22:15

[quote CantSleep88]@kelseypops Yes my mum is aware of how bad it is and says she can't sleep because of it and is getting angrier by the day, wanting to confront him etc but obviously I've asked her not to do this. There's just really not room, no space for a spare bed at all, the living room is tiny, open plan with a kitchen and dining room and DS is a nightmare to get to sleep still as it is, without people coming in and out of room and the light etc Sad I promise I'm not being fussy, it just isn't practical. I will try and get hold of my local housing authority next week, although when I spoke to their domestic abuse advisor before, she laughed and said perhaps I was just going through a relationship breakdown rather than abuse. So it put me off a bit.[/quote]
No that's ok - I understand. But it's a major plus to have your mum on your side. Some people struggle - my mum included as they can't see the real person, just the fake one.

As I said, it's brilliant your mum is on your side. Keep talking to her,

You will be ok, it will be a rough ride but you really have no other choice than to go through it unfortunately.

It may take a long time for you to get housing but there are hostels and refuges that could be an option for you. I'm in touch with a womens domestic abuse charity at the moment and they have been fab. They have also sent me key chains for the front door and safety measures for my mums house free of change too.

Please just try make a plan op x lots of love x

dalrympy · 23/12/2021 22:49

Is there any way you could stay in the rented house you live in now?

You would likely be entitled to universal credit housing element.

Would he leave?

kelseypops · 23/12/2021 23:29

@dalrympy

Is there any way you could stay in the rented house you live in now?

You would likely be entitled to universal credit housing element.

Would he leave?

That's what was thinking, if she could get her mum to come and stay for support and an extra person there. Dv charities can help with that but im not sure how they do it. They advised me to do that but I had already left and going back wasn't an option
CantSleep88 · 24/12/2021 02:29

@dalrympy

Is there any way you could stay in the rented house you live in now?

You would likely be entitled to universal credit housing element.

Would he leave?

I am not sure to be honest. The estate agents we rent from are very picky about people working so don't think they'd be pleased renting to a single SAHM. The tenancy expires in August (when baby #2 will be around 5/6 weeks old) but I could try it. My mum would not come and stay though, she lives with my sister who would not be left alone and my mum also has a dog that hates DS and that wouldn't be allowed in my rental property anyway.

If I am going to be the one to move I would rather it happens sooner than later because I don't want to be moving when I get more heavily pregnant. Its such a minefield.

On another note, DH still not speaking to me. My only crime is being poorly. My friend has the same cold and her partner brought her food, drink and paracetamol to bed. DH just insults me, goes cold on me and then gives me silent treatment.

OP posts:
user1471082124 · 24/12/2021 05:56

Please plan to start leaving and follow through
I don’t want to guilt trip you. Your baby is being flooded with stress hormones as you sound to be frequently stressed by his behaviour towards you ( very understandably)
Not good for you or your baby. This is one of the reasons why your midwife is interested
Don’t underestimate this effect on your baby, will be life long
Use this as a motivator for not returning to head in sand mode
Get a new safer life for your children and yourself
Good Luck 💐

Twilight7777 · 24/12/2021 06:06

Run! Run as far as you can from him, major red flags, and sounds like escalating behaviour

GAW19 · 24/12/2021 06:08

Please talk to your midwife and Womens aid again. I promise you if he is like this now it's going to get 1000% worst the further along your pregnancy gets.
Urg I really do hate men like this Sad
Please don't get in your head that he will change or you need to stay for your babies. Leaving him is the best thing to do for you and them.
Congrats on DC2 btw Smile

CantSleep88 · 24/12/2021 09:43

@user1471082124

Please plan to start leaving and follow through I don’t want to guilt trip you. Your baby is being flooded with stress hormones as you sound to be frequently stressed by his behaviour towards you ( very understandably) Not good for you or your baby. This is one of the reasons why your midwife is interested Don’t underestimate this effect on your baby, will be life long Use this as a motivator for not returning to head in sand mode Get a new safer life for your children and yourself Good Luck 💐
Thank you, I needed to hear this really. My heart is racing all the time and I constantly feel on high alert even when DH isn't here, and I know it can't be good for unborn baby.
OP posts:
MyCatIsAFuckwit · 24/12/2021 10:59

@CantSleep88
You are living a horrible horrible life at the moment. Nobody should have to live like this.
You need to plan to leave. Quietly. Once you start you will gain strength and confidence as you tick things off the list and gain momentum.

  1. Speak to Citizens Advice, they where incredible for me.
  2. Start a UC claim ASAP as it takes 5 weeks to start. Things can be tweeted or adjusted as you go for changing circumstances.
  3. Make sure you have your own personal bank account.
  4. Be sure Child Benefit is paid to you and you only.
  5. Gather together all important documents, bank accounts, bills, car information, passports, birth/marriage certificates, your husbands wage slips...everything you can find/will need.
  6. Confide in midwife, they will have seen this a thousand times. domestic abuse goes up in pregnancy.
  7. Woman's Aid may be open over Xmas/NY as domestic abuse increases at this time of year.
  8. Start looking for properties. I think UC will give a maximum of £575 towards housing.

Most of all, be safe and stay strong. An incredible friend of mine gave me two mantras which I live by many years later.

  • "Pick your battles"
  • "This too shall pass" Sending you love and strength OP. X
happydramatic · 24/12/2021 12:35

Following this to offer support, I'm just so sad and sorry to read what you're going through. Lots of great advice and I hope by next Christmas life is very different for you.
It is Not your fault in any way that your husband is abusive.

EarthSight · 24/12/2021 16:46

"don't argue with me"

He is speaking to you as of you're a child and it's a very dominant gesture to say this.

Get through the pregnancy as best as you can.

Call Women's Aid and don't hesitate to call the police if you feel threatened.

Your need to think about your longterm health. You might think you're robust and this isn't having a physical effect on you now, but stress and anxiety can cause inflammation in the body when then has all sort of effects.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/12/2021 17:43

DP works for a housing association and has previously worked for the local authority. A pregnant woman and child fleeing domestic abuse would immediately qualify for emergency accommodation from the local authority. Even without police reports - the requirement to accommodate somebody temporarily whilst the application is being dealt with is a legal one. And then, once it is dealt with, there's either local authority housing/social housing or support to cover a deposit and private rental.

You would be entitled to Universal Credit and at least a proportion of rent charged. You would have independence. Freedom from this abuser. This is exactly the sort of situation that social housing and benefits are intended for.

Christmascakecakecheese · 24/12/2021 22:14

[quote CantSleep88]@kelseypops Yes my mum is aware of how bad it is and says she can't sleep because of it and is getting angrier by the day, wanting to confront him etc but obviously I've asked her not to do this. There's just really not room, no space for a spare bed at all, the living room is tiny, open plan with a kitchen and dining room and DS is a nightmare to get to sleep still as it is, without people coming in and out of room and the light etc Sad I promise I'm not being fussy, it just isn't practical. I will try and get hold of my local housing authority next week, although when I spoke to their domestic abuse advisor before, she laughed and said perhaps I was just going through a relationship breakdown rather than abuse. So it put me off a bit.[/quote]
She laughed at you?! WTF? Ask to lodge a formal complaint and to be referred to someone else. Not good enough.

autieok · 24/12/2021 23:55

I've not read all the replies but I'm sure they say similar. This sounds awful and does not benefit you or your children. You should look at how you could leave. You could speak to citizens advice or women aid to get advice. You would get universal credit but u need to make sure you would manage financially without him.

Mumwithapub · 25/12/2021 03:39

Is there a way you, your mum, sister and little one could all move in to another place together? Or put his things in their flat move them in with you. Your mum sounds supportive but hands tied but it would help you in your pregnancy being all together.

Bogeyes · 25/12/2021 04:50

You already know the answer. You must leave this awful controlling bully...consider living with him for the rest of your life you are worth more.x

Tarne · 25/12/2021 05:21

Present homeless at A&E or even Boots ( they have a safe room where you can talk about coercive dv ) or your mum's and let the authorities take over or tell your health visitor you need to get out now or ring children s Social Services and tell them you need to get out now.

Emergency action by you will be the catalyst that changes for you because the Local Authority are duty bound by law to help you and you will be top of their list.

Don't delay. You can always go back and collect your stuff later with someone to accompany you.

Just do it and the authorities will scramble into action.

You have to be decisive that you can't go back and show them this thread.

Good luck op Flowers

Staying is not an option as you know. So let the authorities help you.

fruitypancake · 25/12/2021 06:33

Sounds to me like you've answered your own question. This will only get worse with stress of children and any behaviour for them that he doesn't like. Seek advice from womens aid. What an arsehole, you deserve better

CantSleep88 · 07/02/2022 09:00

I'm really sorry to bump my own thread. But I'm still here hanging on and now 21 weeks pregnant. I wish I could report back and say I've had the strength to leave but I haven't. And things are getting worse. All of the aforementioned but now silent treatment (has not spoke to me for three days), swearing and shouting at cat which makes me upset and uncomfortable. Still spends all his time vaping (including indoors which I've asked several times not to) and playing on his phone. I need to leave, I know I do, sooner rather than later, but it all feels so overwhelming. And if I'm being honest I feel guilt about leaving, for leaving him with a tenancy and bills to pay, despite his behaviour. I hate the thought of having to hand over DS for contact and don't know how anything is going to work logistically or practically.

I'm sorry for the pointless update. I just feel so bleak and stuck.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 07/02/2022 09:48

I am so sorry that things are so hard.

You are in a terrible abusive relationship.

It will never improve

It will never get better.

He is a terribly abusive father and husband.

Is this really the childhood you want for your child.

Only YOU can change this.

Ring Women's aid and ask for a refuge.
That is all you can do.

Flowers
SukiPook · 07/02/2022 10:33

Yes this was very like my own situation, I left when our DD was 1, after 7 years of marriage. So many parallels. I found that once I realised it was actually abuse and that it would affect our daughter I got the impetus to finally leave (tried counselling etc before but his problems and behaviour too deep-rooted!). I rang WA when pregnant and they counselled me for 6 weeks on the cycle of abuse... I read numerous good books eg The Emotionally Destructive Marriage and The Verbally Abusive Relationship etc. I had kept an online journal on and off and looking back at the instances of abuse gave me resolve. I think reading these answers and reading your own OP back will help you. It's not really other people you're trying to convince... it's yourself... because you know it's not good. The walking on eggshells feeling is shit and will be picked up on by the kids. One day last summer (I decided enough was enough by late August) I was sitting in the garden and realised I had nothing to say because he had shut me down so many times.
My H wasn't physically abusive either. There were a couple of times when he got more overtly emotionally abusive but most of the time it was as you describe, which is bad. When I looked at all of it I decided the phases where he was just critical and tutting and sighing at me constantly and criticising the housework etc were the worst. He was v unsupportive during pregnancy and breastfeeding too. And always on his phone, ignoring me and DD.

Interestingly since we've split he's being a much better dad. Coparenting is starting to work out quite well. Living with him was horrendous but he would be nice to me in front of others.

Women's Aid will also help you think about who moves out. It doesn't have to be you necessarily. You could get legal help to get him out if needed.

Good luck!

Int

Ruby0707 · 07/02/2022 10:45

Did you speak to your midwife? Have you contacted Women's Aid?

So sorry you are going through this. I hope you can find the strength to leave as this is no life for you.

WhyYesYABU · 07/02/2022 10:49

Sorry if I've missed it OP but have you spoken to Women's Aid? Please do x

Cherrysoup · 07/02/2022 12:37

Please speak to Women’s Aid, please put steps in place to leave. Is there room at your mum’s? You sound terribly unhappy. This man shouldn’t be in a relationship, he sounds like he’s clueless, nasty and abusive, training you to shut up and do all the work. Utter wanker.

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 07/02/2022 12:45

I'm sorry you ard still there, please for the sake of your children get in touch wih your midwife or with women's aid, they can help you gather the strength you need to leave

Swipe left for the next trending thread