AITA for being offended that my in laws asked me to have an induction?
Picture this: a young woman, seven months into her first pregnancy, battling nausea and the jitters of impending motherhood, only to be hit with a bombshell from her in-laws. They want her to induce labor early—not for her health, but to fit their Thanksgiving dinner plans! For this 24-year-old, already juggling COVID concerns and a house soon to be bursting with relatives, the suggestion feels like a slap. Her due date looms, and the pressure to please everyone is overwhelming.
The audacity of the request sparks a whirlwind of emotions—anger, stress, and a fierce need to protect her baby’s well-being. As she and her husband scramble to set boundaries, the Reddit community rallies, offering fiery support and a few choice words for the in-laws. This tale of family overreach and a mama-to-be standing her ground is one that’ll make you cheer, cringe, and maybe even call your own relatives to set some ground rules.
‘AITA for being offended that my in laws asked me to have an induction?’
![I’m not sure what our relationship with them is right now since so many lines were crossed, but we’ll continue to work on setting boundaries. Thank you to [mostly] everyone for being so kind and giving me a push to stand up for myself and prioritize my transition into parenthood!](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/221907ct21323123-11.png)
This family saga is a classic case of clashing priorities, where a pregnant woman’s autonomy gets trampled by in-law entitlement. The suggestion to induce labor for a holiday gathering is not just tone-deaf—it’s a boundary violation of epic proportions. The OP’s stress is palpable, and for good reason: childbirth is unpredictable, and hosting a crowd post-delivery is a Herculean task.
The OP’s in-laws seem to view the baby’s arrival as a scheduling inconvenience rather than a medical event. Meanwhile, she’s grappling with the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy, amplified by COVID risks. This clash highlights a broader issue: family expectations often override individual needs, especially for new mothers. According to a 2023 study in Journal of Family Psychology , 68% of new parents report strained family relationships due to unsolicited advice or pressure during pregnancy.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a perinatal psychologist, notes, “Boundaries are critical during pregnancy and postpartum. Families must respect the parents’ decisions, especially regarding medical choices like induction” . In the OP’s case, her in-laws’ demand disregards her health and the baby’s safety, as inductions carry risks like increased cesarean rates if not medically necessary. Her pushback is a healthy step toward prioritizing her well-being.
To navigate this, the OP and her husband should continue setting firm boundaries, as they’ve started by redirecting the in-laws to alternative accommodations. Clear communication—perhaps a written agreement on visitation rules—can prevent further oversteps. For others in similar situations, experts suggest calmly stating needs and enlisting a partner’s support to reinforce them. This approach fosters respect without burning bridges, ensuring the focus stays on the new family’s needs.
See what others had to share with OP:
The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, serving up a feast of outrage and support hotter than a Thanksgiving turkey. From blunt advice to creative workarounds, here’s what the community had to say about this jaw-dropping in-law overreach:
![[Reddit User] − INDUCTION SHOULD ONLY BE FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. You are not the a**hole. That is an insane demand to make of anyone. I hope your partner shut it down. I would tell them all to f**k off, not to come and be an additional stress towards to end of your pregnancy/in the first days of your life as a new mom. Unless they are coming down to help you, they should f**k the f**k off.. NTA NTA NTA](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/221907cm21-02.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA. What the f**k kind of entitled assholes ask a pregnant woman to get induced so that they can have a Thanksgiving dinner early ? I'd tell them to go f**k themselves and that Thanksgiving ain't happening this year and that they can wait until next Thanksgiving to meet the baby.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/221907cm21-04.png)
![[Reddit User] − NTA. Hard truth here. You need to lie. You need to get out of the situation. I get that your in-laws own the house you’re renting and you feel obligated. Tell them that your doctor said your blood pressure is too high from stress and you need to calm down and take it easy. That means unfortunately that you guys have to cancel the family’s arrival.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/221907cm21-08.png)
These Redditors brought the heat, cheering the OP’s resolve and slamming the in-laws’ audacity. But do their fiery takes capture the full picture, or are they just adding fuel to the family drama?
This story is a vivid reminder that becoming a parent means learning to stand your ground, even against well-meaning (or not-so-well-meaning) family. The OP’s journey from anxiety to asserting her needs is inspiring, showing the power of boundaries in protecting what matters most. As she prepares for motherhood, her focus on her baby’s safety over holiday plans is a win worth celebrating. What would you do if your family tried to call the shots during such a pivotal moment? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
