Wife (38F) is convinced that she is pregnant even though that every pregnancy test (store-bought and medical) comes back negative.

A user on Reddit is struggling with his wife’s unwavering conviction that she’s pregnant, even though numerous pregnancy tests, including those administered by doctors, have come back negative. Following a prolonged battle with infertility, she’s now certain she’s carrying twins and is making preparations to welcome them.

Her refusal to accept reality is creating considerable tension in their relationship, as she believes he intends to leave her and their nonexistent family. The user is struggling and doesn’t know what to do, because he cares for his wife but is unsure how to deal with her delusion.

‘ Wife (38F) is convinced that she is pregnant even though that every pregnancy test (store-bought and medical) comes back negative. ‘

My spouse and I (I’m 42) have been a couple for fifteen years and married for two. For the duration of our relationship, we either weren’t ready to start a family or struggled with infertility. Following several medical examinations, we discovered that conception was extremely unlikely as a result of some health concerns she had.

We had considered adoption, but then she surprised me by announcing her pregnancy. I was overjoyed, naturally. However, a week later, after a visit to the gynecologist and blood work, the test results indicated a false alarm. I was heartbroken, but strangely, she didn’t seem to share my disappointment.

She insisted on her pregnancy, dismissing the doctor’s opinion. We tried several over-the-counter tests, all of which were negative. My wife is completely unwilling to accept this. Now, she’s saying we’re expecting twins. She’s purchasing clothes and decorations for them and is pushing me to begin work on the baby’s room.

I am at a loss and don’t know what to do. My inaction is making her believe that I want to leave them and that I am going to doom my wife into the life of a single mom.
What the f is even happening. I love her but I don’t know what to do.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

SocalPizza −  Oh dude. She’s going through something very, very serious. You need to contact a therapist. Like turn off Reddit right now and contact one. She’s having delusional thoughts. Her preoccupation with pregnancy and her sadness have overcome her. This is way beyond Reddit’s pay grade.. Good luck.

[Reddit User] −  Call the the doctor who did the pregnancy tests and leave a message with the emergency number. They will be able to tell you who to contact. She’s obviously had some sort of mental break.

Just so you know, by the time a woman is 19 weeks pregnant, she typically has ultrasound images, knows the baby’s gender, and has been to the OBGYN multiple times. Is she engaging in tangible activities like taking prenatal vitamins and reading up on pregnancy, or is it all just fantasy and empty words? I’m curious to know the extent of her commitment to this make-believe situation.

hastdubutthurt −  She’s had a stress induced break with reality, get an appointment for yourself with a therapist to get professional advice on what to do next. She may become a danger to herself when she can no longer convince herself she’s pregnant.

[Reddit User] −  This is an actual mental illness – she should see a therapist

[Reddit User] −  Everyone is saying this is a mental illness, and I agree, but I guess I want to add: diseases of the brain are just as serious as those of any other body part, requiring diagnosis and treatment. OP needs to take this seriously, and get her to the care she needs.

mar1onett3 −  Oof, I’ve heard of this s**t before. I remember a case where a woman believed she was more than 9 months pregnant and still believed in a baby that would never arrive. She needs therapy, asap. This is only gonna get worse if let untreated. Edit- she’s claiming you’re g**lighting her? Don’t fall for that.

You’re not acting aggressively, but you need help. The truth may be hard to hear, but a physician must handle this. There was a story on r/letsnotmeet about a woman whose child was almost taken by another woman who claimed to be the child’s mother.

What if, and I’m not trying to spread rumors, your spouse gets so impatient for your child to be born that she loses touch with reality and steals another person’s child?

chi_lawyer −  [Text of original comment deleted for privacy purposes.]

likestoknow −  A therapist can’t help- she doesn’t think she had a problem. You need a psychiatrist, and likely inpatient psychiatric treatment, for her. You can take her to the ER.