Pregnancy.org

Have you taken...?

Have you taken your folic acid today? Many doctors recommend all women of child-bearing age insure that they add this important nutrient to their daily intake to reduce your risk of birth defects such as spina bifida. Check out "Folic Acid Critical for Early Embryonic Development" to learn more!

What source do you use primarily to add folate to your diet? Do you continue to maintain folic acid even when you are not pregnant?

During pregnancy, did your doctor discuss...?

Hearing the words "spina bifida" can be frightening for any expectant parent… even in reference to testing. Within today's article, "Types of Spina Bifida", you can gain a greater understanding of risk factors, types, prevention steps, and possible treatment options.

Has your medical caregiver discussed testing for spina bifida?

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When TTC, did you...?

Were you aware that spina bifida affects nearly 1,300 births every year in the U.S.? As you are, (or were), trying to conceive, did you take steps to prevent this birth defect?

Do you answer the phone?

I signed up for the "Do Not Call" list years ago but quickly learned just how ineffective it is! Calls from or "on behalf" of political organizations, charities, and anyone wanting to do a survey -- all can call. Any business that I "established a relationship with" (i.e. made a purchase... have 18 months from my *last* purchase OR payment to contact. Many have the habit of sharing their contact lists with other "partners." Oh, and let's not forget creditors and collection agencies looking for a long lost relative, "friend", or someone that used to have your phone # or address that don't believe you when you claim you have no idea who they are talking about! Then there are an endless list of "businesses" (read SCAMMERS!) that don't seem to give a flip about what laws they are breaking -- calling from multiple spoofed #s, that get reported repeatedly to no avail.

It is these latter ones in particular that annoy me! I have won a cruise multiple times (I have to say that I do appreciate hearing the horn <--insert rolling eyes); could lower my interest rate (on credit cards that I don't have!); sign up for dental insurance; have my roof replaced -- for "FREE!"; oh -- and extend my car warranty (that was gone LONG ago.) All I would have to do is send them my bank account and social security #s (to have them direct deposit of course!)... or I could wire them the money (just to cover the shipping cost I'm sure for my winnings!)

I'm a busy person as I'm sure most of us are. I would have to say that we receive approx. 5 - 10 of these each day. I almost feel as if my phone is being held hostage -- or we are! I don't have time nor the inclination to talk with these folks who do not seem to understand the definition of the word N-O! Throughout the day I am finding that I simply do not want this continuous interruption to my work and family time. Thus, I tend to screen my calls vs. answering the phone when it rings. If I do not recognize the # on Caller ID and the person does not leave a message identifying themselves as someone that I want/need to talk to -- I don't answer.

What about you? Do you answer all of your calls or screen them? Are you getting slammed with calls for solicitations, surveys, or scams?

My only concern -- can someone please tell Publisher's Clearing House to PLEASE leave a message to tell me I've won $5000 / day for life? I promise... I'll call you back!

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After delivery: What was your experience?

A generation or two ago, new moms spent one to two weeks in the hospital after delivery. Today's moms generally spend 1 - 2 days post-delivery. Those opting to deliver in a birthing center may be there for only a few hours. Home-births? None at all! How much time did YOU spend in the hospital after delivery? Would you have preferred more or less?

Check out "Plan ahead for baby's first weeks at home." What did you find helpful during those first days (weeks?) at home with your newborn? Was there anything specific you would have wished for that could have made things easier for you? Click on "Show Conversation" to comment here or add your responses on the article!