MpregLover

Manny kept a silent vigil by the boarded-up window, listening for any car engine that might herald trouble. He’d never intended to end up in a safehouse off a rural backroad in Missouri—yet here he was, pacing across splintered floorboards, trying not to show his fear. Outside, the sun seared the dusty landscape, heat shimmering on the horizon. Inside, the air clung heavy with tension and unspoken hopes.

CJ rested on an old loveseat in the corner, a hand absently rubbing his swollen abdomen. Eight months along, he shifted and winced when the baby kicked—a reminder that their son would arrive soon, whether they were ready or not. Manny’s eyes flickered with guilt whenever CJ flinched. None of this was how he’d planned to start a family.

They’d fled St. Louis after Manny’s old associates declared war on the only shred of freedom he had ever claimed: his relationship with CJ. Word had spread that Manny wanted out of the gang life. Worse, he’d admitted to fathering a child with his “secret lover.” By the time they realized just how grave the threat was, Manny and CJ had left the city behind, armed with a duffel of clothes, a small stash of cash, and a fear that bordered on desperation.

Now, every passing minute felt like an eternity. Manny checked his phone even though he knew there was no service out here. The safehouse, riddled with bullet holes from a forgotten dispute, felt equally claustrophobic and strangely safe. No one would think to look for them in a place this desolate and bleak.

CJ tried to stay calm, but the sharp ache in his lower back hinted that the baby might come earlier than expected. Manny swallowed back panic and reminded himself of the plan if CJ went into labor tonight—he’d drive them to a clinic two towns over, back roads only, no lights if possible. They’d only get one chance.

Sinking onto the cushion beside CJ, Manny took his hand. For a moment, the tension thinned. They weren’t gang members on the run, or two desperate men trying to save themselves—they were just parents waiting to meet their child. “We’ll make it,” Manny whispered, voice shaking from more than just nerves. CJ nodded, blinking away tears, choosing hope over the darkness.

Meet the Dads of River Glen Community College

River Glen Community College has become well-known in recent years for its supportive programs assisting expecting dads under 25. With flexible class schedules, academic counseling tailored to their needs, and an on-campus child-care center in the works, it’s no wonder young fathers feel at home there. Lets meet some students here at the college!

Andrew Carter, 19 Andrew is a quiet History major who discovered his passion for teaching after volunteering at a local museum. River Glen’s lenient attendance policies and free tutoring sessions have allowed him to thrive academically—even while managing morning sickness and evening study sessions. He is 7 months pregnant with his boyfriends baby. The pregnancy was unplanned but taken well from family and friends.

Kai Simmons, 20 We meet Kai who is an arts major who doodles tattoo designs in the margins of his lecture notes. The school’s open-minded faculty and frequent mental health workshops have helped him stay focused through the ups and downs of pregnancy. He attributes his newfound confidence to the supportive campus culture that lets him be both an artist and an expectant father.

Julian Park, 23 Julian a computer science student eyeing a future in software development, he navigates back-to-back coding labs while planning for parenthood. With River Glen’s flexible online courses, he can write code from home on days when exhaustion or prenatal checkups demand a lighter schedule. His professors, well-versed in the college’s pro-family policies, always accommodate him with extended deadlines when needed.

Devin Brooks, 21 We meet Devin who is studying business administration, he’s spearheading a new student-run fundraiser for the upcoming child-care center. River Glen’s scholarship system—which awards aid based on student-led community initiatives—has helped him stay financially stable and on track to finish his degree before the baby arrives.

The Cupcake Chronicles:

It was a busy Saturday afternoon at Finch & Sons Grocery, and the store buzzed with shoppers maneuvering their carts. In the bakery aisle, three couples bumped into each other—quite literally. Each pair had something special in common: the soon-to-be dad, sporting a round belly and a wide grin, was on the hunt for cupcakes to satisfy unstoppable pregnancy cravings.

Logan and Carlos arrived first, scanning the shelves for salted caramel cupcakes. Logan, who was seven months along, tried to stifle his excitement as he spotted the perfectly swirled frosting. Carlos smiled at how carefully Logan carried the box, as if he were protecting a precious artifact—though both knew that those cupcakes would vanish the moment they got home.

Meanwhile, Elliot and Sam turned the corner, scanning for anything strawberry-flavored. Elliot was nearly done with his shopping list, but those pastel-pink cupcakes called his name every time he passed the bakery counter. Sam teased him gently: “You promised just one box.” Elliot shrugged and winked, slipping not one but two boxes into the cart before Sam could protest.

The early morning sun is just starting to warm the backyard pool at the Alpha Papa Rho (APR) house on the University of Texas campus. Soft chatter and the clinking of ice in pitchers of lemonade drift through the air. It’s APR’s Annual Pool Day, a tradition where the fraternity’s pregnant members are treated to a day of pampering and relaxation—no small feat in a world where male pregnancy is both celebrated and hard work.

Inside the house, Jake Gutierrez, APR’s social chair, is going over last-minute details. He’s at six months himself, cradling a distinctly visible belly under his loose-fitting tank top. He’s already panting slightly from the hustle of organizing, but his eyes light up when he sees a group of pregnant brothers slowly make their way out onto the pool deck. Each is sporting swim trunks, some with an undone button at the top to accommodate their bumps. They exchange excited greetings, grateful for a break from finals-week chaos.

Cameron Smith, who’s nearly eight months along, lowers himself into a lounger with a relieved sigh. Nearby, Malik Robinson—leaning back on another chair—chuckles about how he’s never been so grateful for a day off from classes. “I swear, if I have to waddle across campus one more time, I’ll camp out in my lecture hall,” he jokes, resting both hands on his belly.

A handful of fraternities from across campus start arriving, each group bringing their own “spa station” in a friendly competition to outdo the others’ hospitality. The men of Kappa Theta roll up with a set of portable massage tables, determined to provide soothing back and foot massages for the APR dads-to-be. Meanwhile, the Omega Delta Nu brothers set up a mini fruit-smoothie bar under a bright canopy, offering fresh blends to keep everyone hydrated in the Texas heat.

Soon, the poolside transforms into a laid-back festival. A speaker plays a soft soundtrack of summer tunes, and there’s laughter when Zach Coleman tries to sip from his smoothie while lying on a lounger, nearly spilling it over his belly. “Dude, watch the baby!” jokes Hunter Evans, who’s only four months along and still marvels at how quickly some of his fraternity brothers have grown.

The massages begin in earnest about an hour in. The Kappa Theta guys respectfully ask each pregnant brother about pressure preferences. Cameron’s relief is palpable as he finally gets the knots in his lower back worked out. “I might not leave this table,” he half-murmurs, half-laughs. Over in the next station, belly rubs are offered—some find it silly at first but end up loving the gentle circular motions that ease pressure and make them feel cared for.

Throughout the day, people drift between stations: foot rubs, gentle shoulder massages, or simply floating in the pool to take the weight off tired feet. Between breaks, Jake hustles to ensure fresh towels are on hand, pausing to catch his breath whenever his baby gives a firm little kick.

Meet Daniel and Chris Reyes, a devoted couple who spent years hoping to start a family of their own. Their journey began with many failed attempts at adoption and other pathways, culminating in an IVF procedure that finally changed their lives. Chris (wearing gray sweatpants), who always dreamed of carrying his children before stepping into the role of a father, discovered a groundbreaking fertility program that allowed male pregnancy via advanced IVF techniques. Despite warnings and logistical hurdles, he remained steadfast in his determination to experience both pregnancy and fatherhood firsthand.

Exhibit: 1990s Male Pregnancy Portrait – “Field of New Beginnings” Photographer Unknown, Circa 1997]

In this vibrant outdoor shot, Raymond Dawson (left) and Harvey David (right) pose in an expansive, sunlit field. Miguel is seven months pregnant, his shirt removed to showcase the gentle curve of his growing abdomen in the golden late-afternoon light. Clasping hands, the two dads exchange easy smiles—an image of warm intimacy set against a rural American backdrop.

A Modern Love Story (1990s Style) The couple first crossed paths at the Bearer’s Ball, an annual event that had quietly sprouted in major cities during the early 1990s. Organized by a loose network of “bearers” (men who wished to conceive) and prospective partners, these gatherings functioned partly as social mixers and partly as safe spaces for men exploring male pregnancy. Raymond had attended the ball in hopes of meeting someone who shared his vision of parenthood; Miguel came on a whim, persuaded by friends who insisted it was the perfect place to make sincere connections. Fatefully, they struck up a conversation near the punch bowl, bonding over shared family values and a love for folk music.

Within a year, they were engaged—spurred on by the prospect of starting a family together. When they learned that Miguel had conceived, they decided to mark this chapter in their lives with a maternity photo shoot. The photographer captured them in a seemingly endless field, symbolizing the uncharted territory they were forging as a same-sex couple choosing to welcome a child in a world only beginning to acknowledge male pregnancy.

A Pregnancy at Seven Months By the time of this picture, Miguel was well into his third trimester, feeling equal parts excitement and apprehension. Morning sickness had passed, replaced by near-constant cravings for peanut butter and jam sandwiches and a mild but persistent ache in his lower back. Despite a hectic schedule—balancing part-time work with prenatal visits—Miguel found solace in nesting rituals like assembling a vintage crib and organizing the nursery in the small home they rented together.

Plans for an Unmedicated Hospital Birth Unlike some bearers who preferred home births or birthing centers, Miguel’s ideal scenario was an unmedicated hospital birth. He and Raymond felt reassured by having medical professionals nearby, yet they wanted minimal intervention if everything proceeded normally. They’d attended Lamaze-style classes tailored for male pregnancies, embracing relaxation and partner coaching techniques. Raymond, eager to be Miguel’s rock during labor, practiced supportive measures—firm handholds, soothing words, and breathing guidance.

Exhibit: Modern Male Surrogacy – “Private Moment in the Surrogate Home” Circa 20XX, Photograph by Millie Sangford]

In this photograph, Adam Pérez, eight months pregnant, stands in a small tiled bathroom with droplets of water still clinging to his skin. A white towel is wrapped around his waist, leaving his rounded belly fully visible. His gaze is downward, as though taking stock of his changing body—a routine check after a shower, but one charged with reflection.

Unlike a typical surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate might move in with the intended parents, Adam resides in a group home dedicated to pregnant surrogates. Funded by the expectant couple—Daniel and Marcus Clarke—this communal living space offers structured support: medical checkups, counseling, and daily assistance from a professional staff. Yet here, in the private shower room rather than the communal bathing area, Adam finds a few minutes to himself. The hush of the enclosed stall, the warmth of steam-laced air—these simple comforts become precious moments of solitude in an environment designed for shared experiences.