A Reddit user is 36 weeks pregnant, exhausted, and dealing with nausea that makes even car rides miserable. But that’s not the biggest issue she’s facing. Her husband is planning to fly across state lines—for an entire week—right before she’s due to give birth. And when she asked him to stay, he called her unsupportive.
Her husband’s stepbrother recently lost his fiancée, and the funeral is just days away. He says he needs to be there. But she’s about to hit full term. Shouldn’t he be by her side, just in case the baby arrives early?
With hormones, heartbreak, and family loyalty tangled into one dramatic moment, Reddit had plenty to say. Want to see how it all unfolded? Here’s the original story.
One heavily pregnant woman’s fear of being alone during labor clashed with her husband’s plan to attend a funeral out of state
Navigating family grief and impending parenthood is like walking a tightrope blindfolded. In this case, the husband feels pulled to support his grieving stepbrother, while his wife—who could go into labor any day—needs emotional and physical backup.
Let’s be clear: At 36 weeks, pregnancy enters the “any-day-now” phase. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), labor can begin as early as 37 weeks, and only about 5% of babies actually arrive on their due date. This means his wife could be giving birth while he’s thousands of miles away.
Dr. Sarah Yamaguchi, OB-GYN at Good Samaritan Hospital, told Healthline, “It’s crucial for expectant partners to stay nearby in the final weeks. Even if it’s a first pregnancy, early labor is always possible.” Her advice? If you’re going to travel, make it quick—and have a backup plan.
Many commenters agreed: attending the funeral is understandable, but staying an entire week? That’s where empathy begins to shift. It’s not just about emotional support for his brother—it’s about responsibility to his wife and unborn child.
Even a short trip carries risk. What if she ends up in labor alone, with no one to drive her to the hospital? What if complications arise? She’s not saying “don’t care about your stepbrother.” She’s saying “don’t leave me to face the delivery room alone.”
This situation also highlights a larger societal issue: how we weigh emotional labor and caregiving. A partner’s role during pregnancy isn’t optional. It’s a commitment. Skipping out on the final weeks isn’t just a scheduling choice—it’s an emotional message. One that might be hard to take back later.
In short: yes, support your brother. But don’t abandon your wife when she needs you most. Balance, not absence, is the answer.
These Redditors supported OP, arguing a week-long trip at 37-38 weeks risks missing labor or complications, urging a shorter visit
Some saw no villains but suggested a one-day funeral trip or having a family member stay with her to balance both needs
However, this user has a different idea
At the heart of this dilemma is a question of timing, priorities, and what it means to “show up” for the people we love. Her husband wants to be there for his grieving brother, but she’s asking him to be present for their future child’s arrival.
Is she unsupportive—or is he overlooking the urgency of her situation? Would a compromise solve everything, or are some moments simply too delicate for negotiation? What do you think? Should he go or stay? Drop your take below—we’re all ears.
