The pregnancy test on the mantle

[celticdragonfly]

You know, someday I really want to see a story in which a significant female character has nausea and/or vomiting, possibly when presented with breakfast, and then turns out to have the flu. But no. Especially if written by a male author, it's a Great Big Neon Sign, This Character Is Pregnant But Won't Realize It For A While.

I mean, come ON. It's so hackneyed. Maybe she just has food poisoning. Maybe she should think hey, am I pregnant? And then find out she's NOT. Maybe they should come up with something better, if they must have the foreshadowing. Come on. Not all pregnant women barf when breakfast is placed before them. Okay, I'm sick horribly when I am, but honestly, brushing my teeth is more likely to set off the vomiting first, and then actually breakfast might be a good thing.

At least some of the female authors I've read do a better job of the various possible symptoms that can herald early pregnancy. Like a recent Bujold book, in which she used a combination of feeling sick, major fatigue, and hunger. Oh yes, that rang very true.

Comments

[selenesue.livejournal.com]

Lois has had babies, you can tell can't you?

Men who have not had babies maybe should not write about it unless they do a LOT of interviews with mothers. Likewise, I also think that men who are against abortion should absolutely NOT have one. [grin]