Visitors Near Due Date

Dear Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee,

My husband's sister and her two kids are planning to visit us two weeks before my due date. She always visits us in the summer, and it's always a stressful visit because she doesn't help me with anything. I already know that I will be the one to grocery shop, cook, clean, babysit her kids and our two-year old, while she relaxes watching TV or goes out to the mall leaving me with all the kids. Now that I'm pregnant, I really don't want her to visit near the time of my due date. My husband is not being helpful. You see, my own mom will be coming to help out once I'm home from the hospital. My mom is very helpful, and we welcome her visit. But, my husband says that he can't say no to his sister given my mom will be coming. He doesn't want to cause any friction, and says it's up to me to tell his sister, making me out to be the "bad-guy". What should I do?

Signed,

Stressed

Dear Stressed,

Have a private talk with your obstetrician about the situation. Any visitors near one's due date should be there to help you, not hinder you. Visitors that would cause more stress rather than relieve it, are a health and safety concern given your condition. Then, ask your OB to discuss with your husband that for health reasons, you are to have no visitors staying at your home given your delicate condition. Your sister-in-law can't blame you, it's "doctor's orders". Of course, your mom is the exception, and will be there to help you. You do not need to say anything about your mom visiting to your sister-in-law.