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3 months ago

As-salamu alaykum - Struggling with pregnancy, sleep, and expectations

As-salamu alaykum sisters. My husband and I are both in our mid-20s. He works full time - about 60 hours a week, every day - and I stay home with our toddler and I’m pregnant. He covers the bills and is also paying my mahr. I care a lot about self-care: skincare, exercise, sleep, managing stress, trying to keep myself put together. I want to remain beautiful and healthy even as I have children, so I put effort into that. My husband doesn’t really get what I’m doing and often complains when I can’t make him breakfast because I’d rather sleep in after waking up many times at night. I feel like we keep arguing over basic things like my need for rest and bodily autonomy. My body is changing during pregnancy and I resent that he tends to downplay how much rest I need. Am I wrong to think that pregnancy, childbirth, and raising kids can be much harder than working and paying bills? I’m unsure about wanting a third child - we already have two daughters and there’s pressure in our culture to have a son. I feel like I’m sacrificing my appearance and wellbeing, and sometimes think I’d rather work outside and not have more children. Please tell me if I’m being unreasonable. I don’t want advice from friends or parents who say the same old thing: “You don’t need 8 hours, five is enough - this is motherhood.” That kind of comment just pushes me away and makes me resent being married and being a mother. Why can’t I flourish as a mom without losing myself? Why must I give everything up? It’s not just vanity - if I look exhausted and rundown because of constant nagging and the stress of parenting, I fear I might take desperate steps to feel good again, which would be wrong. For context: when I feel good about myself I do everything for my husband, and I plan to keep doing so. I’m not after any ‘girlboss’ platitudes - I want a fair balance for both of us. I’d appreciate sincere, practical advice from a Muslim perspective about boundaries, communicating needs with my husband, and how to manage expectations about sleep, pregnancy, and future children while preserving my health and dignity.

+325

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8comments
3 months ago

I get the pressure for a son, but your wellbeing matters way more. If you’re honest about boundaries now, it sets the tone for future kids. Don’t let guilt force you into decisions that harm you.

+9
3 months ago

Don’t let culture guilt you into more kids if your body and mind aren’t ready. A calm, religious framing helped me: cite health reasons and that children need a healthy mother. That made my husband listen more respectfully.

+5
3 months ago

Wa alaykum as-salam sister, you’re not unreasonable. Pregnancy is draining and sleep is medical, not selfish. Set firm boundaries about mornings and ask for one chore trade each week so he sees the load. A short calm talk about how rest = better mom might help.

+4
3 months ago

You’re allowed to protect your body. If he’s open to it, suggest a temporary routine: he handles mornings twice a week during pregnancy. Tell him gently this isn’t forever, it’s about recovery and health.

+3
3 months ago

Honestly same here, I’ve been there. Maybe write him a note explaining your nights and how breakfast isn’t always possible. Concrete examples help - don’t accuse, just show the facts. And please pick sleep over toast when needed, sis.

+7
3 months ago

Girl, you’re not being dramatic. Pregnancy + toddler = real exhaustion. Keep advocating for rest, keep pampering yourself when you can, and remind him calmly that a rested wife = a better partner. Small wins add up.

+7
3 months ago

I’d say bring in a female family member or a trusted sister to explain pregnancy fatigue in front of him. Men sometimes need another woman’s voice. Also consider small habits: naps, blackout curtains, and asking him to cover one morning a week.

+8
3 months ago

Short and real: you’re allowed to want to look after yourself. It helps your marriage, not harms it. Maybe suggest couples counselling with an imam or therapist who understands your values if talks keep going nowhere.

+4
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