I've certainly referred to those creatures in-utero as "parasites"

[reynardo]

particularly in the way they're completely able to make sure *they* get the best of everything, even when it leaves the host-mother drained and exhausted and going through all sorts of complications. (That doesn't mean I'm against babies - I'm just in awe at how well they've set themselves up)

So Pharyngula's article on why women menstruate was utterly fascinating. If women have to put up with that crap every month, at least it's useful to know it's for our own good and protection!

Comments

[droxy.livejournal.com]

that was interesting...

[fluffy-cloud.livejournal.com]

So...twice a month is doubly good for me? :-p

[starduchess.livejournal.com]

Really? Have you looked into it? Could be any one of several causes: could be your ovulation is rough enough to cause bleeding; you could have two wombs and four ovaries, causing two different period cycles -- my grandmother had this condition; or your hormones are sped up to a 14-day cycle instead of 28-day cycle. Either way -- ouch. It's bad enough once a month. *hugs*

[starduchess.livejournal.com]

Thanks for pointing us to the article. Very interesting. I had heard of the mother/child conflict, but I didn't know about the different types of implantation. That fact that all the hemochrial versions are the ones with monthly menstrual cycles is a very compelling argument.

I wonder why our babies felt the need to implant so deeply when other mammals don't. Do you think we can get them to stop? ;)

BTW, have you ever read any of Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series? She has a running theme about people taking control of their physical development, either through specific breeding and infanticide to genetic manipulation to external uterine devices. In one of her author's notes she said that if men could have technology to destroy life, then women should have technology to create life. This theme is very dominant in the novel Barrayar. Just thought I'd mention it, since we're on that topic. I think you would like the series as a whole anyway. It's one of my absolute favourites.