I’m Expecting, But My Husband Refuses to Support Me

A recent study revealed that women aged 25-34 spend over half more time on household chores than men their age, whether or not they have jobs. While some housework can be enjoyable and therapeutic, it can also be exhausting, especially during pregnancy. One NISE reader faced a difficult situation when her husband refused to help with chores despite her pregnancy. Our advice aims to help her find a solution to this challenging situation.

Hi Gigi! Thank you for trusting us with your problem. The NISE team carefully read your letter and discussed possible solutions to make your situation easier. Here’s our advice that we hope will be helpful to you.

Firstly, we want to commend you for reaching out and seeking advice during what is undoubtedly a challenging time. Your feelings of frustration and exhaustion are valid, and it’s crucial to address them for the well-being of both you and your growing family.

Your situation sheds light on an important issue that many couples face during pregnancy: the division of household responsibilities. While it's understandable that your husband may feel the weight of providing financially, it's essential to recognize that pregnancy is not a vacation from work — it's a physically and emotionally demanding journey that requires support and understanding from both partners.

Your husband’s reaction to your request for help with household chores is concerning. Pregnancy is indeed a full-time job, and the fatigue and stress it brings can be overwhelming. No one should be made to feel guilty or inadequate for needing assistance during this time. It’s disappointing that your attempts to communicate your feelings have been met with dismissal rather than empathy.

You are not wrong for expecting more support from your husband. It’s not about being overly sensitive; it’s about fostering mutual respect and understanding within your marriage. Your husband’s reluctance to step up and help out sends a troubling message about his priorities and commitment to your well-being.

Moving forward, we urge you to continue advocating for yourself and your needs. Open and honest communication is key in any relationship, especially during significant life transitions like pregnancy. If your husband is unwilling to listen and make changes, it may be beneficial to seek couples counseling to address these underlying issues.

Remember, you deserve support and understanding during this time. Don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family, or support groups for additional assistance and guidance. Ultimately, building a strong foundation of mutual respect and support within your marriage will benefit both you and your future child.

As Gigi faces her husband’s lack of support with household chores during her pregnancy, another woman’s life takes an unexpected turn upon discovering a betrayal in her marriage. Stay tuned for an engrossing tale of unfaithfulness and karmic retribution, where a cheating husband reaps what he sowed in the end.