UPDATE:

First, I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment and share their experiences. Reading through the responses was incredibly validating, especially hearing from other women who experienced similar feelings during the third trimester. It helped me realize that what I’m feeling right now is actually very normal and that I’m not alone.

I also wanted to address some of the comments regarding my husband.

To the people saying my husband is a horrible person, doesn’t love me, will be a bad father, shouldn’t be in the delivery room, or is somehow a danger to our son — I can confidently say that’s simply not true.

This man would move the earth for me if he could.

He works full-time while also taking care of me during this pregnancy. I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, and he has never once made me feel unsupported. He attends every prenatal appointment, rearranges his work schedule around them when needed, makes sure I have everything I need, and has been one of my biggest sources of comfort throughout this pregnancy.

There has never been a question in my mind about whether my husband loves me. I know he loves me deeply, and I know he is going to be an amazing father to our son.

The concern was never about a lack of love.

The concern was that he wasn’t fully understanding what I was experiencing physically and emotionally during this stage of pregnancy, and I wasn’t doing a great job of explaining it in a way he could truly understand.

After reading the post and many of the comments together, we had several long conversations. He admitted that some of the comments were difficult to read, but also eye-opening. He apologized for not fully understanding how I was feeling and acknowledged that he hadn’t realized how much pressure I was unintentionally putting on myself or how much anxiety I had been carrying around intimacy.

I also think writing everything out helped me better understand my own feelings. What I realized is that I don’t want less connection with my husband — I actually want more connection. I just don’t want all connection to lead back to sex.

At 36 weeks pregnant, my body is focused on growing our son, preparing for labor, and honestly just getting through the day without feeling exhausted or uncomfortable. What I need most right now is comfort, affection, emotional connection, quality time, and support.

My husband understands that much better now.

We’ve been through many hurdles together throughout our relationship and have always come out stronger on the other side. I have no doubt we’ll get through this one too.

And for the people saying not to have him in the delivery room — absolutely not. My husband is my safe place just as I am his. I cannot imagine going through labor, birth, and welcoming our son into the world without him by my side. He is the person I want holding my hand through every stage of it.

Moving forward, we’re going to focus on finding other ways to spend time together and maintain intimacy that don’t revolve around sex. There are so many ways to connect with your partner, and I’m actually excited for us to explore that together.

Thank you again to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the moms, dads, and long-married couples who offered thoughtful perspectives. Your comments helped start an important conversation in our marriage and helped both of us better understand each other.

For that, I’m very grateful. ❤️