It is a baby shower for a couple; the obstetrician reveals the sex of the baby to a close friend and the close friend hosts a baby shower.
Not exactly the way I would describe it.
To me, the Entitlement Generation have figured out a new way to have more than just one shindig whereby the parent(s) get to be provided gifts and money and other assorted stuff for simply telling everyone what sex the ultrasound revealed. That is then apparently followed by additional baby showers before the birth: the obligatory shower of the mother's parents, followed by another shower from the father's side and then another shower from co-workers and friends. Registries are a staple and gifts bought from their registry of items they want are 'good form' when attending any of these events.
I had thought it was just the group my own kids hung around with that came up with this stuff and learned my mistake in assuming firsthand from in-laws irritated that I was not exactly jumping for joy over the prospect of attending several baby showers and parties for my niece (of which I also just learned are now co-ed cotillions rather than just a ladies event, thus my attendance demanded).
The differential of 'Gender reveal' versus showers seems to be newborn diaper "cakes" and newborn baby items provided in creative displays for the mom than the other bigger stuff like cribs, clothing, walkers, strollers, bassinets and stuff that are to be provided at one of the following 'showers'.
In an age of Facebook where you entire life is posted for everyone else to see "look at me" - one would think posting an ultrasound pic there to hussahs over the revelation of boy or girl would be enough and plenty.
Nope.
You don't get free stuff for that apparently.
At least that is what I got out of this newfangled 'event' that I have been forced to attend now for two separate mothers, one a friend of my kids and another a relative.