I’m only 4 weeks pregnant do I tell my father in law

Just found out that I am pregnant due in the summer. My father in law is at the end stages of cancer and is unlikely to make it until the end of the month. My partner and I can’t decide if we should tell him I’m pregnant or not as it’s very early on so we wouldn’t be telling other friends and family. We don’t know if he’d want to hear the news when he won’t be around to meet the new arrival. Just wondering what anyone else’s thoughts are on the matter of if anyone had been in a similar situation. Thank you

  • Hello there and congratulations.  Cancer in the family changes everything and I have to say that I have not  been in a similar situation myself.  If I were you (and I realise I am not) I would tell your father in law and everyone else; I think he will be thrilled to know there is new life coming even though he may not see the baby himself.  I understand you may be reluctant to spread the good news at such an early stage but I think I (and I can only speak for myself) would go for it.  If your father is not deteriorating too quickly you could of course wait another few weeks before telling everyone .  If you tell your father in law and immediate family he will almost certainly want to tell everyone he sees the good news so it is really an all-or-nothing situation.  Of course this has to be your decision and a difficult one for you.   I hope you get more practical advice from others here.  Annie

  • I’d tell him. It may be early but I’ve always told my parents very early on. It’s good news. Even if he may not be here, it’ll be reassuring for him to know you’ve got something positive to look forward to. It’ll make him happy.

     

    my grandad died of cancer when I was 7 months pregnant. He was very interested in names etc, but he told me - very matter of fact - that he’d not be here then. 

  • I would tell your father in the good news, I like Annie’s comment, I’m 55 years old , I’ll put myself in your father in laws place, telling him he is the first to know this good news will bring so much happiness to him, and yes of course he is gonna tell the doctor and nurses, he is going to tell every visitor with pride, happiness and allot of emotions, I would be so greatfull knowing this before I passed, you have a good day ,   jack 

  • Thank you for all your replys having read them all it has made our descicion a lot easier so I think we will be telling him the good news after all