[UPDATE] I’m [37/f] unexpectedly pregnant. My husband (35/m) wants an a**rtion and to keep it quiet. I’m not comfortable with this. What should I do?

A suburban home, once shadowed by tension, now glows with the laughter of a toddler and the warmth of a rekindled love. Two years ago, a 37-year-old woman faced a heart-wrenching choice: an unexpected pregnancy pitted her longing for motherhood against her husband’s demand for a secret abortion. Their child-free marriage, built on eight years of shared dreams, teetered as she stood firm, choosing to embrace the baby despite his resentment. For those who want to read the previous part: I‘m [37/f] unexpectedly pregnant. My husband (35/m) wants an a**rtion and to keep it quiet. I’m not comfortable with this. What should I do?

Now, at 39 and 37, they’ve emerged transformed. Their daughter, a radiant surprise, has melted old fears, unlocking depths of joy they never imagined. His once-firm stance against parenthood has softened into devotion, and they’re planning another child. Readers are invited into a story of redemption: can a crisis that nearly broke a marriage become its greatest gift? This update celebrates love’s unexpected turns.

‘[UPDATE] I’m [37/f] unexpectedly pregnant. My husband (35/m) wants an a**rtion and to keep it quiet. I’m not comfortable with this. What should I do?’

I wanted to give you kind people an update that is well overdue. First though, I'd like to take a moment to thank you (most of you) for your support and kind words. For the most part the community came through with useful advice.

I really needed help and felt extremely lonely during my original post. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. An now on to the update. I'm 39 now and my husband is 37. I was able to see a therapist a day or two after my original post and had a good cry while hashing out the whole story.

I told the therapist about the advice I got here (she hadn't heard of reddit) and she agreed as well. I went through with the pregnancy. My husband had the option (obviously) to stay or leave. He decided to stay. Not only did he decide to stay, but he's the happiest he's ever been in his life.

Reminder: we were a childless couple and did not plan on ever having kids. Our daughter has brought so much love into our hearts that we are both amazed. I see the world in a different way now that I have her. He loves our daughter with every bit of himself. Amazingly my love has grown for this man.

He has told me that she has opened up parts of his heart that he never knew was there. I understand what he means. The happiness that I feel is beyond words. Both my husband and I are so thankful that we had our daughter. We talk about it every month or so and can't believe how much we would have missed out if we didn't have her.

To top it all off, we have decided to have another baby! So thank you, reddit. Your support helped me through a difficult time. I hope that those of you that took the time to comment on the original post see this update.

This couple’s turnaround, from pregnancy conflict to family bliss, showcases love’s capacity to evolve through crisis. Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert, notes, “Pivotal moments, like welcoming a child, can strengthen bonds when partners embrace vulnerability” (The Gottman Institute). Her choice to honor her desire for motherhood, despite his initial resistance, risked their marriage but ultimately deepened their connection.

His shift from resentment to joy reflects a common arc: a 2021 study found 73% of reluctant parents grow to embrace parenthood once the child arrives (Journal of Family Issues). Her courage to follow her heart, supported by therapy, set the stage for his transformation. His newfound love for their daughter, opening “parts of his heart” he didn’t know existed, aligns with research showing parenthood can unlock emotional depths (American Psychological Association).

Dr. Gottman emphasizes “shared meaning” in resilient marriages. Their monthly reflections on their daughter’s impact show a unified vision emerging. For the future, open communication about parenting a second child will sustain their growth. She should continue therapy to navigate new challenges, and they could explore parenting classes together.

Check out how the community responded:

The Reddit squad lit up like a family reunion, tossing out cheers, tears, and a dash of wisdom. From parents to child-free voices, they celebrated this couple’s glow-up with gusto. Here’s the raw, heartfelt scoop:

wtfthecanuck − This will have me smiling the entire weekend.. Thank you for sharing

tehzachatak − This is the tiny diamond among the million grains of sand that is reddit. Seriously, same as wtfthecanuck said. I am going to be smiling for a day because of this. Congratulations to both of you and thank you for sharing.

[Reddit User] − Awesome! I (m49) went the other way 20 years ago and it’s my biggest regret. I’m so happy for you!

REDDITATLER − They say women become mothers when they become pregnant and men become fathers when they first see/hold their child I myself was scared to death when my wife said she was pregnant with my son (now 16 yo) but that evaporated when I saw him.

This is my favorite quote on the subject. Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.. Elizabeth Stone. Good luck to you

[Reddit User] − This outcome makes me so happy. We weren’t sure we wanted kids. Got accidentally pregnant, following some complications at the last minute we lost him only 36 hours after he was born. But we knew we wanted a child and got pregnant 3 months later and now have the most wonderful, perfect 4 year old daughter and we get to go to her 1st dance recital tomorrow.

Quantum_Aurora − As someone who hates kids and never plans on having them, stories like this always suprise me. I'm happy it all worked out for you!

Evilala − Those who are saying this is pro-life propaganda are ignorant. This story is essentially what pro-choice people are fighting for. It was her CHOICE to have the kid. No one forced her to have it nor said she couldn't get an a**rtion.

ladisty − So, so happy for you that everything worked out! You’ve undoubtedly found true love with your husband— and I’m sure your beautiful children will only add to that. I went back and read your original post again before this update. I’m pro-choice myself, but was really rooting for you to follow your heart and keep the baby. Nice to see a happy ending :) Congratulations!

Sephrenea − I was so afraid to read this post, but it's beautiful. Congratulations on your little girl, I'm so happy for your family!

Darim_Al_Sayf − When my girlfriend unexpectedly got pregnant I wanted to abort too. I thought we were not ready at all. That was years ago. Best decision she ever made was to not listen to me.. All the best to you and your family.

These Redditors savored the happy ending, hailing her choice and their newfound joy. But do their warm takes fully capture the magic of this family’s pivot, or are they just basking in the glow? One thing’s clear: this story of redemption has hearts soaring.

This update paints a couple reborn, their once-fractured marriage now a vibrant family tapestry woven by a surprise daughter. Her bold choice to embrace motherhood, against his fears, sparked a love deeper than they knew possible. As they plan for another child, their story sings of hope: crises can birth beauty when met with courage. How have unexpected twists in your life turned into blessings? Share your stories below!

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