Background: Our Relationship

I (27F) have been with my husband, “David” (30M), for five years. We married two years ago, and I’m currently six months pregnant with our first child.

Our relationship wasn’t perfect, but I thought we were solid. We had the usual fights about chores, finances, and family drama, but nothing that seemed like a dealbreaker. I thought we were in it for the long haul.

Then, about two months ago, everything changed.

The Breakup Bombshell

David sat me down one night and told me he “wasn’t happy.” He said he felt trapped, like he had “settled down too soon,” and needed “space to figure himself out.”

I was in shock. I reminded him that I’m pregnant, we’d planned this child, and we’d built a life together. He said he knew but “couldn’t lie to himself anymore.”

Within a week, he moved out.

He didn’t cheat (as far as I know), and he didn’t scream or throw things. He just… left. Calmly, coldly, like he was checking out of a hotel.

Why I Moved Back Home

After he left, I stayed in our apartment for a few weeks. But the rent is expensive, and I realized I couldn’t afford it alone, especially with a baby on the way.

On top of that, I was lonely and struggling emotionally. Being pregnant and abandoned is terrifying. I needed support.

So I called my parents, who live about two hours away. They told me to come home. They said they’d help me, and I wouldn’t have to do this alone.

So I packed up my things and moved back in with them.

My Husband’s Reaction

When David found out, he was furious. He said I was “running away” and “taking his child away from him.” He accused me of being manipulative by moving farther from him.

I told him he left me. He chose not to be here. I need stability and support, and my parents can provide that.

He said I should’ve stayed in the apartment so he could “co-parent from nearby” when the baby comes. I told him that co-parenting requires effort, and he’s not even in the picture right now.

The Fallout

Since then, David has been blowing up my phone. He says I’m making things more complicated, that I’m punishing him by moving away, that I’m “using the baby as leverage.”

Meanwhile, his family has started calling me, saying I’m “selfish” and “alienating” him from his child. They say I should’ve stayed in the city, even if it meant struggling alone, because “a child needs their father.”

But my parents, siblings, and even my doctor told me I made the right call. Stress is dangerous during pregnancy, and I need a strong support system.

Why I Don’t Think I’m Wrong

Here’s why I feel justified:

1. He left first. I didn’t break up our marriage. He did.
2. I need support. Being pregnant and alone is scary. My parents are providing emotional and practical help.
3. Finances matter. I can’t afford our old life alone. Moving home makes sense.
4. The baby comes first. A stable environment is better than a lonely apartment where I barely scrape by.

Why I Still Feel Guilty

But I do feel guilty sometimes. I know the baby deserves both parents. I know David has rights—part of me wonders if I should’ve stayed nearby to make things easier for him.

I also wonder if moving home looks like I gave up too easily. Maybe I should’ve fought harder to keep the life we built.

But then I remember the empty apartment, the silence, the way he just walked away. And why should I carry this alone to make him comfortable?

What Friends Have Said

My best friend told me I was absolutely right to move home. She said, “You need a village, and he chose not to be part of it.”

Another friend said, “Be careful. Courts can get messy about custody if you look like you’re keeping the baby away from him.” That scared me.

So now I’m caught between doing what feels right for me and worrying about how it looks from the outside.

The Bigger Picture

This situation made me realize how messy relationships become when children are involved. It’s not just about love anymore — about stability, money, family, and the future.

I want my child to know their father. But I also want to protect them from instability. And right now, David feels unstable.

AITAH?

So Reddit — AITAH for moving back home after my husband left me, even though I’m pregnant? Was I selfish to put my needs and my family’s support above keeping him geographically close, or was it my only choice?

Mock Reddit Comment Section

[NTA] (⬆️ 25.9k)

He left. Actions have consequences. You’re not punishing him — you’re protecting yourself and your baby.

[NTA] (⬆️ 17.6k)

Moving in with your parents is the wise choice. Support system, financial stability, and less stress. He chose distance when he walked out.

[ESH] (⬆️ 4.4k)

He sucks for leaving you mid-pregnancy. But you also should’ve communicated more before moving. Courts will look at this.

[YTA] (⬆️ 3.2k)

Unpopular, but yes. You moved two hours away, which makes co-parenting harder. You should’ve stayed closer.

[NAH] (⬆️ 5.0k)

You’re just trying to survive. He’s just trying not to lose his kid. This is messy, but not assholish.

[NTA — Funny Take] (⬆️ 8.1k)

“Don’t take my child away!” Bro, you left. You’re lucky OP didn’t send your mail to your mom’s house, too.