u/Unlucky-Cabinet4156

I’m 35 and currently 6+ months pregnant. I live far away from my parents, and even during the hardest times in my life, they were never really there for me. I went through an ectopic pregnancy, IUIs, and IVF mostly on my own, while also dealing with hurtful comments from my mom about not having a baby.

Now that I’m finally pregnant, my mom says she wants to come and help—but realistically, I know she won’t. My dad has always been the one taking care of her, and she isn’t used to managing things on her own. I also know that if she comes, I’ll end up being blamed or stressed instead of supported.

What hurts more is seeing how differently she treats others. When my cousins were pregnant, she went out of her way to cook for them, give them nutritious food, and care for them—despite not being treated well by her own siblings. But with me, she has never even asked what I need or like.

Recently, my dad came to my town alone for a major surgery, and I’m the one taking care of him now. I don’t resent that—I would never abandon my father. But the reality is, all the attention is on him. He needs help with everything—bathing, food, daily care—and I’m managing it all.

At the same time, I feel like I’m losing my own pregnancy experience. I don’t feel connected to my baby. I’m not even sure if I’m noticing movements properly because I’m constantly busy. I haven’t had peaceful time with my husband, no simple outings, nothing joyful. I see other pregnant women being cared for and celebrated, and I just wish I could feel that too.

No one really checks on me. My mom calls—but only to tell me how to care for my dad. Not once has she asked how I’m coping or what this is doing to me.

On top of that, my mother-in-law came “to help,” but it’s been difficult in a different way. She has taken over cooking, but I’m not comfortable with how she cooks—it’s not very healthy, and the kitchen is always left messy. She puts food into the sink which gets stuck, and I end up having to clear it out again and again. I’ve told her multiple times, but it keeps happening. I still end up cleaning the whole kitchen, which makes me even more tired.

I don’t know if I should ask her to leave, or if I’m just overreacting since at least I don’t have to cook.

And honestly, if someone cooks for me, I don’t demand food the way I like it. I eat whatever is made for me, even if I personally don’t like it. That’s why I feel guilty even thinking this way. Anyone helping with cooking usually cooks what they prefer, not necessarily what I’m craving or able to eat during pregnancy.

I keep questioning myself if I’m overreacting or being ungrateful for the situation.

What worries me the most is whether all this stress is affecting my baby. I feel constantly overwhelmed, and I’m scared that I’m not giving my baby the calm, happy environment they deserve.

And another fear I can’t shake is that this pregnancy journey will be over in just a few more months… and I would have gone through it without really living in it or feeling it the way I hoped to.

Honestly, it’s just too much for my mind right now. I feel exhausted, unsupported, and a bit lost in all of this.

I just needed to vent. Sorry if this sounds unnecessary. If anyone has been through something similar or has advice, I would really appreciate it.

I have very thin, long hair that’s naturally wavy and frizzy. I usually have to straighten it every time I go out, which takes about an hour. Now that I’m 6 months pregnant, it’s getting really tiring—and I know I won’t have that kind of time once the baby arrives. Can anyone recommend a good straightener or straightening brush that works well for thin hair?

I have very thin, long hair that’s naturally wavy and frizzy. I usually have to straighten it every time I go out, which takes about an hour. Now that I’m 6 months pregnant, it’s getting really tiring—and I know I won’t have that kind of time once the baby arrives. Can anyone recommend a good straightener or straightening brush that works well for thin hair?

I have very thin, long hair that’s naturally wavy and frizzy. I usually have to straighten it every time I go out, which takes about an hour. Now that I’m 6 months pregnant, it’s getting really tiring—and I know I won’t have that kind of time once the baby arrives. Can anyone recommend a good straightener or straightening brush that works well for thin hair?

I have very thin, long hair that’s naturally wavy and frizzy. I usually have to straighten it every time I go out, which takes about an hour. Now that I’m 6 months pregnant, it’s getting really tiring—and I know I won’t have that kind of time once the baby arrives. Can anyone recommend a good straightener or straightening brush that works well for thin hair?