A Legacy Mission initiative — free & confidential mental-health support
ASK A QUESTION →

When Family Pressures You About Not Having Children

Asked by Hina, 30, Gujranwala · 14 June 2025 at 5:44 pm PKT

Hina, we hear how much pain and pressure you're under right now. Feeling like a failure because of something so personal and sensitive is incredibly tough, and we want you to know you are not alone in this.

Meri shadi ko 7 saal ho gaye hain aur aulad nahi ho rahi. My in-laws pressure me daily, aur mera husband bhi chup rehta hai. I feel like a failure.

First and foremost, please understand that you are not a failure. Not having children after 7 years of marriage is a deeply personal journey, and it’s never solely one person’s fault. The immense pressure from your in-laws and the silence from your husband must be incredibly isolating, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it.

It’s crucial to have an open, honest conversation with your husband when you both are calm and alone. Tell him exactly how his silence affects you and how you feel unsupported. This challenge is something you both face as a couple. You need to be a team in navigating these pressures and decisions, and that starts with him understanding your pain and standing with you.

Consider exploring the medical aspect together, as a couple. Fertility is a shared journey, and a doctor can help both partners understand if there are any factors contributing to not conceiving. This isn't about finding blame, but about gathering information and exploring options as a united front. Remember, it affects both partners equally.

Addressing your in-laws' pressure can be difficult, especially in our culture where family expectations are so strong. Once you and your husband are on the same page, you can decide how to respond to their comments together. Perhaps your husband can gently but firmly address their concerns, or you can both learn to calmly deflect questions with a simple, united response. You don't have to absorb every comment; you can choose how to protect your peace.

Finally, be kind to yourself. Your worth as a person, a wife, and a woman is not defined by whether or not you have children. Find someone you trust – a close friend, a sister, or another relative – to confide in. Sharing your burden can lighten the load, and remember that you deserve support and understanding during this difficult time.

Names and cities shown here are examples. Every question is published anonymously — we never ask for, store or show the name, city or contact details of the person who wrote it.

Still on your mind?

You don't have to work this out from an article. We're free, private, and here right now — in English, Urdu or Roman Urdu. No signup, no waiting, no judgement.

💚
Answered by the Depression.pk team
A free mental-health service for Pakistan. Reviewed for safety before publication.
🔒
Anonymous by default
Names are always changed. Nothing identifying is ever published.
🆓
Always free
No signup, no paywall, no adverts, no data sold.
📅
Last updated
🔒
Every question here is published anonymously. Names are always changed or removed, and nothing that could identify the person who asked — their name, contact details, location or history — is ever shown or stored with the question.
🌙 Talk to our team
0:00