AITA for telling the father of my child that I don’t want him to be near me for the last month of my pregnancy or in the delivery room?

In the quiet hum of a new life growing, a young woman stands at a crossroads, her heart heavy from a toxic past. After enduring her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal—cheating, ultimatums, and orchestrated harassment—she’s carved out a fresh start as a systems engineer, ready to welcome her baby alone. Now, with only weeks until delivery, his sudden plea to re-enter her life stirs up old wounds, prompting her to bar him from her final month of pregnancy and the delivery room, sparking judgment from mutual friends.

This emotional saga unfolds in a foreign land, far from family, where the woman’s resolve to protect her peace clashes with her ex’s belated remorse. Her story, raw with resilience, invites readers to weigh the cost of forgiveness against the strength of self-preservation. Was she right to draw this line, or should she give him a chance?

‘AITA for telling the father of my child that I don’t want him to be near me for the last month of my pregnancy or in the delivery room?’

This pregnancy ordeal underscores the importance of protecting one’s mental health during a vulnerable time. Dr. Gail Saltz, a psychiatrist, notes, “Toxic relationships can exacerbate stress, especially during pregnancy, impacting both mother and baby” . The OP’s ex’s behavior—pressuring her to terminate, cheating, and enabling harassment—justifies her decision to keep him at bay. His sudden interest, sparked by her new relationship, suggests manipulation rather than genuine change.

The broader issue is stark: about 20% of pregnant women face emotional abuse, per a 2021 study . The OP’s choice to prioritize her well-being over her ex’s demands aligns with her right to a safe delivery. His ultimatum and harassment via proxies show a pattern of control, not care, making her boundary essential.

Dr. Saltz advises “clear, firm boundaries” to manage toxic ex-partners. The OP’s willingness to share custody post-birth is generous, but her delivery room is her sanctuary. She should inform hospital staff to bar him, as suggested by Redditors, and consult a lawyer to secure her rights. For readers, this highlights the power of saying no to toxicity, even under pressure.

To move forward, the OP should maintain her no-contact stance, leaning on her new partner and professional support. Her ex’s remorse, if sincere, can be proven through actions post-birth, not now. This story reminds us that pregnancy is a time for empowerment, not obligation—choose peace over chaos.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

The Reddit squad rallied around this mama-to-be like a virtual hug, dishing out support with a side of righteous indignation. Here’s the raw scoop from the community, packed with cheers and sharp advice:

These Redditors championed the OP’s strength, slamming her ex’s manipulative tactics while urging legal and emotional protections. Some saw his push as control, others praised her resilience. But do these fiery takes capture the full picture, or are they just fueling her resolve?

This tale of a woman reclaiming her peace amid a toxic ex’s chaos shines a light on the strength it takes to set boundaries. The OP’s stand to keep her ex out of her pregnancy’s final stretch and delivery room is a bold act of self-care, despite pressure from friends and his family. It’s a reminder that no one owes a toxic past a second chance. What would you do if faced with an ex demanding access during such a vulnerable time? Share your thoughts below!