Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 116: My Opinion on Gender Reveal During Pregnancy

Over the last several years, gender reveal parties became a tendency that everyone is aware of. What began as an announcement between the expectant parents has now evolved to be a colorful affair, whereby there would be balloons, cakes, fireworks and occasionally dramatic surprises.

Due to social media, it has inspired a lot of individuals to host their own gender reveal party after viewing others who are celebrities or influencers. I would like to mention my own personal opinion concerning this trend, what I like about it, what we should be careful of, and what advice I could simply offer to people who might want to become a part of the buzz in my opinion.

Yes, I am open to gender reveal parties but not too much. I cannot see anything bad in wearing a crown and dancing with friends and relatives due to a pregnancy. As a matter of fact, pregnancy is a life experience with mixed feelings- excitement, fear, hope, and numerous expectations. Any situation that adds some laughter and connection to that trip is a wonderful gift.

Gender reveal parties can be remembered to be a memorable occasion that the parents will recall in the years to come. They provide families with an opportunity to meet and enjoy life and create the expectancy of the child birth. It also makes the parents feel emotionally supported throughout the pregnancy and this is significant to their psychological health.

Image Source

Nevertheless, although I agree with the concept, I do not advocate radical forms of this concept. Others have gone overboard, in an attempt to impress the internet or outdo others. When gender reveal is more of a performance than a party then the actual intention is forgotten. Any simple meaningful event is preferable to a glamorous and costly event that leaves one stressed.

No, I do not believe that gender reveal parties are suitable to all people. Trending does not imply that every individual has to do it. Different people are different, there are people who are private, those who are traditional and those who like things simple.

There are parents who believe that the disclosure of the baby sex ought to be their secret between them and the doctor. Some feel that it is wiser to wait till the baby is born. Others are not fond of crowds and others lack the financial strength to host any type of a party. There is no wrongness in any of these options.

I highly believe that no family must be put under pressure to adopt this trend. It is supposed to be an individual choice. You do not even need a gender reveal party to show that you love your child or that you are excited. They should all be at liberty to make their own choices based on their own personality, their culture, and their financial status.

The trends are temporary, whereas peace of mind will never be less significant.

Here is where I have my concern. When the gender reveal parties are held recklessly, they might cause accidents and unnecessary dangers. In other countries, gender reveals using fireworks have led to fires, injuries and even demolition. Certain smoke bombs have gone off as well as some balloons have become fire due to the nature in which they were applied.

In a society as the one we live in, where houses are tightly packed, and where considerable number of people attend events without any safety in mind, things can easily get out of control. There are even neighborhoods that are not fit to have fireworks or loud celebrations. Furthermore, the noise, as well as the crowd, will not suit everyone nearby.

Image Source
The other problem is emotional safety. In certain societies, it is pressurized regarding the birth of a male. Early revelation of the gender of the baby may even lead to unwanted remarks or expose the mother to stress in case the gender has not been expected. This will be emotionally influencing her throughout pregnancy.

Therefore, although gender reveal parties may be entertaining, they should be made safe, easy, and without harm to the environment and society.

I think overall that gender reveals are not obligatory, yet can be beautiful and memorable. It is important that people must do it because they want to and are not forced by the society, fashion or social networks.

In case you wish to have a gender reveal, then my tips are:

1. Keep it simple.
   It does not require a lot of money. A little cake, some balloons, or even a plain colored confetti is all that it takes to make happy. The baby is indifferent to the occurrence, but what is important is the love at the home.

2. Keep it safe.
   Avoid fire, fireworks, explosives and hazardous chemicals. Select a secure place and do not bother your neighbors. The number one priority should be safety.

3. Make it meaningful.
   Ask no one who does not really care about you. It does not necessarily have to be a big crowd. Close gatherings are loveliest at times.

4. Don’t compare.
   Social media is highly edited and exaggerated. Wear what suits you not what is on fashion.

5. Remember the purpose.
   The gender reveal party is not about exerting pressure and demonstrating. It does not matter whether the child is a boy or a girl, a baby is a blessing. It is the happiness of the occasion that counts - not how long, how big or how expensive the affair is.

To sum, I think that gender reveal parties can be enjoyable and entertaining as long as they are conducted in a responsible manner. They are supposed to be joyful, simple and grateful, not demanding and competitive. All people must be allowed to decide what they wish without any form of condemnation. The most important thing is the health of the mother, the environmental safety and the love of the unborn child.

I invite @eveetim , @xkool24 and @mikitaly @sahmie and @bossj23 and @benton3 to drop a very constructive comments on this post and also to participate in this contest.