The far left liberal site Daily Kos has a diarist called Sasharusha who has brought the site itself to a new low with a diary titled "The fetus is a parasite." The writer goes on to list all the way she believes a fetus compares to a parasite in a disgusting display of hatred towards fetuses in utero.
Neglecting to mention any beneficial aspects of pregnancy and giving birth, the diarist lists all possible effects, no matter how uncommon, in order to create the impression that there is no benefit to the mother.
Via Sasharusha:
Anyways, back to the whole fetus= parasite thing. That is how I see them. I don't see them as cute and cuddly. I see them as terrifying and scary. I see pregnancy the same way.The first thing that comes to mind is that the majority of the things the writer mentioned are possibilities and not things that every women experiences during pregnancies. In fact, most of the things listed are never experienced together in one pregnancy. The second thing that comes to mind and the one that sticks is while showing such extreme hatred towards a fetus that has absolutely no choice in being created, is there are many ways, choices if you will, for a woman to prevent becoming pregnant if that is what they want.
Here are some examples on how pregnancy is a parasitic relationship:
The Z/E/F sucks the nutrients from the mother.
The "relationship" only benefits the fetus.
The mother's organs and body parts become damaged.
The fetus controls the mother.
The fetus doesn't give anything "back".
Some people would argue that this is a form of Mutualism, which is a relationship where both the host and the parasite benefit, but how does this benefit the mother? Where is that "benefit"?
Here are some commonly talked about downsides of pregnancy though:
Nausea.
Constipation.
Sore boobs.
Vomit all day long, not just in the morning.
You can't eat your favorite foods because you'll throw up.
Indigestion and heartburn.
Braxton Hicks.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Constant crying.
Fatigue.
You look and feel like a fat cow(trust me, I know this from experience).
You feel bloated.
You’re carrying around some extra weight.
Insomnia.
You have to piss like Seabiscuit every 20 minutes.
Now, onto some that are not mentioned much:
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Temporary and permanent injury to back
Severe scarring requiring later surgery (especially after additional pregnancies)
Dropped (prolapsed) uterus (especially after additional pregnancies, and other pelvic floor weaknesses -- 11% of women, including cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele)
Pre-eclampsia (edema and hypertension, the most common complication of pregnancy, associated with eclampsia, and affecting 7 - 10% of pregnancies)
Eclampsia (convulsions, coma during pregnancy or labor, high risk of death)
Gestational diabetes
Placenta previa
Anemia (which can be life-threatening)
Thrombocytopenic purpura
Severe cramping
Embolism (blood clots)
Medical disability requiring full bed rest (frequently ordered during part of many pregnancies varying from days to months for health of either mother or baby)
Diastasis recti, also torn abdominal muscles
Mitral valve stenosis (most common cardiac complication)
Serious infection and disease (e.g. increased risk of tuberculosis)
Hormonal imbalance
Ectopic pregnancy (risk of death)
Broken bones (ribcage, "tail bone")
Hemorrhage and numerous other complications of delivery
Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease
Aggravation of pre-pregnancy diseases and conditions (e.g. epilepsy is present in .5% of pregnant women, and the pregnancy alters drug metabolism and treatment prospects all the while it increases the number and frequency of seizures)
Severe post-partum depression and psychosis
Research now indicates a possible link between ovarian cancer and female fertility treatments, including "egg harvesting" from infertile women and donors
research also now indicates correlations between lower breast cancer survival rates and proximity in time to onset of cancer of last pregnancy
Research also indicates a correlation between having six or more pregnancies and a risk of coronary and cardiovascular disease
The effects of pregnancy.
Aren't all those absolutely LOVELY!? But hey, the fetus does "benefit" the mother! By making her feel like she's dying! Yes! That's the spirit!
Continuous abstinence- Just don't spread your legs, don't allow a penis to enter your vagina.
Barrier methods- which include contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps, and cervical shields. Female condoms worn by the woman inside her vagina. It keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is made of thin, flexible, manmade rubber and is packaged with a lubricant. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex. Use a new condom each time you have intercourse, male condom aka rubbers.
Hormonal methods- Oral contraceptives — combined pill ("The pill"), Oral contraceptives — progestin-only pill ("Mini-pill"), The patch, Shot/injection, Vaginal ring.
Implantable devices- Sterilization implant, Surgical sterilization.
More from this hate-filled liberal:
I am the kind of woman who prefers science, studies, and medical facts over throwing pregnancy on the "magical miracle" band wagon. It is not magical, it's called genetics and biology. God has nothing to do with it either. And it is not a damn miracle! If it happens every damn day, how is that even close to a miracle!? A miracle would be a man conceiving and gestating a fetus full term.So, not only has this "woman" publicly stated she didn't think her own child was a miracle, never once in the piece does she describe the actual effects she herself suffered compared to all the possibilities no matter how remote.
The worst thing, as a mother, that I noticed was she never once gave her own child the acknowledgment that being pregnant and bringing a new life into the world, was worth it.
The only effects I experienced during my pregnancy was an extra 15 lbs from before conception to birth (gone the second I gave birth) and heartburn.
To my child I say... hell yes, it was worth it kidlet!!!
H/T Newsbusters.