AITA for getting angry when my partner announced she’s pregnant?

A Reddit user shared a deeply personal story about his reaction when his partner announced her pregnancy. Due to a past prank involving fake positive pregnancy tests and his own infertility issues, he doubted the authenticity of the announcement and confronted her, leading to a tense and emotional fallout.

The situation left both sides hurt and sparked questions about trust, communication, and timing. Read the original story below to see how it unfolded.

‘ AITA for getting angry when my partner announced she’s pregnant?’

My partner (34f) and I (28m) have been together for 5 years. She has a daughter (8) from a previous relationship. Right off the bat, it was made known I had fertility issues and likely wouldn’t ever be able to father a child.

I moved slow in the relationship, although I had fallen in love with her fast. When things got serious, I overheard her telling her sister she was concerned that I might be an ‘aggressive type’ person because of the amount of scars I have. I didn’t want her scared away so I told her I had a bad childhood and left it at that.

A little over two years into our relationship, I felt somewhat comfortable opening up and for the first time I told her exactly why I’m infertile which is a direct result of an injury I suffered due to trauma as a child. She was really empathetic and I was just thankful I had found the one I want to spend my life with that also came with a kid I adore.

Fast forward to last summer. My partner and her friend decided to play an impromptu prank on me. I came home from work, there were multiple positive pregnancy tests in the bathroom.

My partner announced she was pregnant, I started freaking out…a happy freak out cause I thought I had hit the lottery with the slim to none chance I have. They both started laughing, the tests were from the friend and not my partner.

I was pretty much devastated and felt really let down that my partner would actually pull a prank like that. At first she was shocked by my reaction and said, “I thought you’d know it was a joke considering your circumstances.” She ended up apologizing after realizing how hurt I was.

Now for the point of the post. Three weeks ago she arranged a huge dinner with her entire family at our house. She had us play this stupid mystery game and ultimately announced to everyone she’s pregnant.

Her mother and sisters were deliriously happy. Immediately I got pissed thinking this was yet another prank, so I showed absolutely no emotions which everyone caught on to. I said to my partner, “Either you’re just mentally disturbed or you’re cheating.” That’s pretty much when all hell broke loose.

My partner’s POV is that she was sincerely apologetic about the prank and I should know her well enough to not think she’d ever pull that stunt again. She’s also livid at me for ruining the announcement, embarrassing her in front of her entire family, causing them to think I’m a horrible person and then finally insinuating that she’s a cheater.

I still stand by my claim that had she never pranked me, my reaction would have been different. I do find it odd she decided to tell me along with her family. Things would have likely went over better had she told me first, and then we announced it together. But I’m starting to think I acted immaturely causing scene in front of her family, and I think that’s maybe where I’m wrong.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

BrightOrangeFlowers −  NTA.That prank was just beyond cruel! And then to announce it with everyone and not tell you privately is insensitive and immature. Your reaction was to be expected. I see both these as red flags for your relationship.
Congrats on the baby though, although I’m sure you’ll have doubts until paternity test happens

Rockingduck-2014 −  I’m sorry that you’re with a really immature person who clearly doesn’t know how to communicate in a relationship.. The prank was cruel. Period. Not telling you when you were alone, was also cruel. Especially given the prank.
Her reaction to your reaction seals it.

She doesn’t realize that what she did was hurtful and wrong. She’s self-absorbed. And you deserve better. NTA. If it weren’t for the kid on the way, I’d tell you to RUN AWAY from her as fast as you can. And I know this won’t be popular, but please get a paternity test before you sign the birth certificate. Just to be safe.

kn0tkn0wn −  NTA. She is “the boy who cried wolf”. How stupid of her. And she owed you a private conversation about all this, and then to announce it to others only when both of you are ready.

AzulineAmphisbaena −  NTA. Frankly, that prank was cruel. No wonder you thought an actual announcement was another prank. I’d get a paternity test ASAP after the kid is born, and in the meantime seriously think about if you want to stay attached to this woman.

If you do, the two of you need major couples counseling. If you don’t, and the kid is yours, I’d try fighting for full custody. If you don’t, and the kid is not yours, then get out of there.

stacity −  NTA. Get a paternity test! She lost all trust when she danced with the Devil in tricking you considering your traumatic past. That was stone cold. Your reaction at the dinner party is her consequence from her dumb actions..

PS Her announcing the pregnancy without telling/consulting you beforehand is another red flag. She’s either a highly immature adult or a conniving scheming person. Either way, she’s the villain here.

Syveril −  NTA. You are right on both counts: (1) she already got your one good reaction when she pranked you, and now she can’t expect a good reaction again; (2) she should’ve told you in private first, before announcing to her family. She really misplayed her hand here, and it’s all her own fault.

nattydaddybitch −  NTA. What the actual f**k is wrong with that woman.(Edit: thanks for my first award :’D). ((Edit: and my second one :’DD))

thebabes2 −  NTA. She cried wolf and it backfired. Honestly, it’s odd to me that she decided to surprise you at the same moment as her family. Even without your history I find that a bit insensitive, as it should be a private moment for you too first, but especially given your history and your prank, it should not have been public.

Your girlfriend sounds attention seeking and insensitive all around. You could apologize to her for what you said but at the same time, your response was understandable.

blopdab −  Who the f**k announces pregnancy to their partner and family AT THE SAME TIME???

OrangeCubit −  NTA – even without her cruel prank I wouldn’t think you were the A. You are presumably the father of this child, and you didn’t even warrant hearing she was pregnant first? You just get lumped in with the whole extended family like you were some random cousin? That’s pretty low.

Do you think the Reddit user’s reaction was justified given his past experience and personal circumstances, or should he have handled the situation differently?

Was his partner’s choice of announcing the pregnancy at a family dinner fair, considering their history? Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below!