Rant

Ok, I know I’m pregnant and therefore a little more volatile emotional. This isn’t about my pregnancy (one would hope no one ever makes this mistake with me). This is one of those ‘unspoken’ injustices that women face whilst pregnant. Something that makes my blood boil.

In the US a woman was refused a single glass of wine, on the basis that she was pregnant.

EXCUSE ME?!?

If you have ever been in public with a sizable baby bump you will have experienced the way society seems to consider you public property. People stare. People ask improper questions. People touch your belly without permission. People [try to] make decisions for you. It is ridiculous, ludicrous and at times offensive.

For some reason society at large hasn’t come to grips with what we won waaaay back in the 60′s; A woman’s body is her own. Full stop. No debate.

Adults are considered capable of, and responsible for, acknowledging and managing risks in their lives. To drink or not to drink. What diet and exercise is appropriate. To drive or not. To base-jump or not. What drugs (prescription and otherwise) to consume. How much sleep to get. Each of these decisions have risks, health implications and consequences.

We trust each other to make these decisions daily. Unless you are a pregnant woman.

Should we prevent pregnant women from buying Nurofen because it can seriously harm a developing foetus? Should Sushi Train discriminate against pregnant women? Should Coles prevent you from buying soft cheese if you have a baby bump? Some essential oils are considered an abortifacient, so should pregnant women be denied perfume in case they catch a whiff of Clary Sage?

Yes I am getting extreme. I am trying to make a point. My pregnant body is still mine. When my child is born it will be entrusted to me, it’s mother. I am capable of making proper decisions about my body and my baby. You wouldn’t dream of interjecting about what foods a mother feeds her baby, or what she consumes whilst breastfeeding so extend the same courtesy to her when she is pregnant.

Of course there are 2 sides to any story;

Do you feel a misplaced sense of responsibility for pregnant women (or the children they are carrying)?

Or do you wish people would leave well enough alone when you are ‘expecting’?

*This is the blog that sparked my wrath and I got the pic here