AITA for ‘gossiping’ with my mum about my brother’s fiance is potentially lying about giving birth?

A 22-year-old woman is now questioning her role in a complicated family drama after her older brother’s fiancé, Jane, made several puzzling claims about her pregnancy and the birth of her baby. The woman, who has only recently begun engaging in conversations about the details of Jane’s pregnancy with her own mother, suspects that Jane may be embellishing—or even fabricating—parts of her story.

This update reveals that after noticing inconsistencies in Jane’s accounts of her early pregnancy symptoms and the birth process, the woman has voiced her doubts during discussions with her mother. In response, her brother has accused her of “bullying” Jane and demanded apologies from both her and their mother. Now, the question arises: is the woman in the wrong for questioning Jane’s narrative, or is her skepticism justified?

‘AITA for ‘gossiping’ with my mum about my brother’s fiance is potentially lying about giving birth?’

Family psychologists stress that while questioning inconsistencies in a loved one’s account can sometimes be seen as intrusive, it is not inherently wrong, especially when there is a lack of transparency about significant events. Dr. Laura Jennings, a family psychologist, explains, “When a family member repeatedly provides vague or inconsistent information about a major life event such as a pregnancy or birth, it is natural for close relatives to seek clarity. This isn’t necessarily about bullying; it can be an attempt to understand and verify facts that affect the entire family.”

Dr. Jennings continues, “However, the way questions are posed is critical. If the inquiry is done out of genuine concern rather than to undermine or shame, it can be a healthy expression of doubt—especially in situations where there might be motives for embellishment. The challenge lies in balancing this need for transparency with respect for personal boundaries, particularly when emotional topics are involved.”

Legal consultant Sarah Thompson adds, “There may also be underlying issues of trust and communication at play. In many families, such discrepancies can lead to further divisions unless handled with care. In this scenario, the woman’s concerns, if raised respectfully and supported by evidence, might actually foster a more open dialogue about family truths and histories.”

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

The Reddit community has been divided on this matter. Many commenters support the woman’s skepticism, arguing that her questions are reasonable given the numerous inconsistencies in Jane’s narrative. One user commented, “NTA – if someone’s giving you vague updates and using identical lists from an article, you have every right to ask for clarification.” Others highlighted that Jane’s insistence on privacy and her peculiar descriptions of the birth process are cause for concern, rather than just harmless embellishments.

On the other hand, some community members suggest that the focus should be on welcoming the new baby and supporting the family rather than scrutinizing Jane’s account. One commenter noted, “While it’s understandable to question inconsistencies, sometimes these stories get muddled by stress and hormones.

Perhaps it’s best to let it go and focus on the joy of a new life.” Despite these differing views, the majority sentiment leans toward understanding the woman’s need to verify information, with several advising her to approach the subject delicately to avoid alienating her brother and Jane further.

In conclusion, this situation touches on the delicate balance between seeking clarity and respecting personal boundaries within a family. The woman’s concerns about the inconsistencies in Jane’s pregnancy and birth stories appear to stem from a genuine desire for transparency rather than malicious intent.

However, the strong reaction from her brother and his fiancé, who demand apologies for “bullying,” raises the question of whether these concerns are being interpreted as invasive gossip. What do you think—should family members have a right to ask probing questions about significant events if the details seem off, or should such topics be left unchallenged in the interest of maintaining family harmony? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.