A question for the women...a pregnant PC?

[kenobi65]

My female PC (a fighter/paladin) has had two children, and adventured during both pregnancies (she kept the suit of "maternity full plate" for sentimental reasons). The DM and I had an agreement that, if she had been dropped to 0 hp or less, there was a very good chance she'd miscarry, but the missions were important enough that my PC really didn't think twice about it.

Both pregnancies were more-or-less planned (the PC is married). The campaign's been going on for 25+ years; the "mom" PC is semi-retired now, and her older daughter is now one of my PCs, as well.

All of that said...as a male player, I probably have no clue about the emotional impact of a pregnancy (especially an "unplanned" one) for a female player.

 

[Bardsandsages]

As a female gamer and DM, I've never sprung this on a D&D group. The dynamic of a D&D game usually don't lend themselves well to this sort of thing. Both the emotional roleplaying aspect of it, and the pragmatic implications ("we have two months to save the world from the evil dracolich...what do you mean you need to take time off to have a baby!?")

I did spring this during a Werewolf Wild West game once. But the dynamics of Werewolf are much different. The player didn't know anything in advance, I did in fact just spring it on her. The response was "YES! How much reknown do I get?" The rest of her pack became very protective of her, and it led to some amazing roleplaying and plot devices.

Ultimately, as others have pointed out, its something you should generally discuss first unless there is a compelling reason not to. If the game is heavier on roleplaying as opposed to roll-playing, so to speak, and you know the players well enough (and if it's your wife, I would hope so!), you may be able to do this without advanced discussion. But also keep in mind that you can end up with a player who spends several sessions with nothing to do because she's 8 months pregnant and can't travel or get involved in dungeoneering.

 

[GrimGent]

So I think I'll ask her about this then and see what she thinks.

OOC negotiation well in advance generally is the smartest course of action whenever you are dealing with any player comfort issues. Some might regard that as an opportunity for in-depth roleplaying, but for others it might ruin the entire game: why take the risk by not talking with the players?