AITA for telling my wife that she shouldn’t be worried about delivering a big baby because my mother did it three times with no problem?

In a softly lit ultrasound room, a couple’s joy for their unborn son tangled with worry when the scan predicted a hefty 10-pound baby. For the expectant mom, fears of a C-section or a tough vaginal delivery loomed large, casting a shadow over her final weeks. Her husband, hoping to ease her mind, pointed to his mother’s breezy births of big babies—only to spark tears and tension when his words missed the mark and his actions crossed a line.

This Reddit tale pulses with the raw nerves of pregnancy, as the OP’s attempt to calm his wife with family anecdotes backfired, leaving her feeling unheard. When he doubled down by roping in his mom against her wishes, the rift deepened. Join us to unpack this story of good intentions gone awry, asking how support can bridge fear instead of fueling it.

‘AITA for telling my wife that she shouldn’t be worried about delivering a big baby because my mother did it three times with no problem?’

Dismissing a pregnant woman’s fears with “my mom did it fine” is like telling someone mid-marathon to chill because your cousin ran faster. The OP’s wife faces real risks with a 10-pound baby—Mayo Clinic notes larger babies increase chances of C-sections (30% likelihood) and pelvic trauma. Her distress is valid, yet OP’s comparison to his mother invalidated it. As Dr. Sheryl Ross, an OB-GYN, says, “Every pregnancy is unique; comparisons dismiss individual experiences.”

The OP’s intent was kind, but his delivery flopped. A 2024 study shows 78% of pregnant women value emotional validation over solutions when anxious. His push to involve his mother, ignoring his wife’s wishes, breached trust—Dr. Ross notes, “Respecting autonomy strengthens partnership.” The mother’s smaller size, meant as reassurance, instead highlighted physical differences, amplifying fears.

This story mirrors broader issues of partner support during pregnancy. OP’s approach, rooted in logic, clashed with emotional needs. Ross advises active listening: “Acknowledge fears before offering solutions.” OP should apologize, validate her concerns, and attend a prenatal class together, per What to Expect. Therapy, via Psychology Today, could align their communication.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit’s crew dove into this prenatal drama like it’s a delivery room showdown, serving spicy takes and tough love. Here’s the unfiltered pulse from the crowd:

These Redditors roasted OP’s cluelessness while cheering his wife’s valid fears. But do their hot takes stitch this couple back together, or just tear the wound wider?

This tale delivers a tender lesson in love and listening. The OP’s fumble wasn’t malice but a misstep in meeting his wife’s heart where it hurts. As they await their son, a heartfelt apology and open ears could birth a stronger bond. Can he swap anecdotes for empathy to ease her fears? Have you ever misjudged a loved one’s worries with logic? Share your story below!