Hello,

I am looking to get some feedback on a situation that I am facing. My wife and I are expecting our first child (due March 17) and I could not be happier. She hit 34 weeks this past weekend. Through out the entire pregnancy I feel that I have been extremely supportive and catering to her every need and she has told me that she appreciates everything. I have read numerous pregnancy books and have tried to be as involved as I possibly can.

Starting about her 32nd week work and daily tasks has become much more difficult for her. She is a teacher which being on her feet all day with 27 kids doesn’t help the situation. I feel very bad because I can't even imagine all the changes and stress that she is under.

The reason I have made this post is because the last week or 2 things have been a bit stressful at home. Every year my company has a national sales meeting in Florida which is coming up this next weekend. The trip last 4 days Sunday-Wednesday, and is classified as a "mandatory" meeting.

Our arguments have started because she gets upset that I will be in Florida having fun and socializing while she has to be at home alone and restricted and struggling to make it through the days. Also that my life hasn't changed, but everything has changed for her, which I do understand what she is saying, but in the same respect I feel nothing I say is correct or comforting. She also believes that I am only going on the trip because I want to and that it is being selfish, even though that is not the case.

The situation is I think (and I am not sure) that if I approached my manager I probably could get out of going to on the trip, even though it is deemed mandatory. Where I need feedback is that in my mind she will be 35 weeks, the pregnancy has gone extremely smooth, and there has been no signs that she has a chance to go significantly early.

I feel that I am not being selfish by going on the business trip. I only travel once a year and this is it and it is not something that I schedule or have control over. However, this is our first baby; we don't have any close friends that have been pregnant so I honestly don't know if I am being inconsiderate. I know everyone’s situation is different, but I am sure other couples have ran into similar situations and would like to know if you think I should (if possible) try and get out of the trip, or if I should go, what are some comforting things/facts that I could use to leverage my case. I would appreciate any feedback!!