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Pregnancy.org

We're built By Parents, For Parents™. We've banded together to build a website to educate, empower, and connect ourselves, other parents, and people trying to become parents. We're doing this out of our love for children, and our desire to do our best raising them to become good adults. We believe parenting is a sacred responsibility.

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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?

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What did you think?

Thanks to everyone for joining our efforts to raise awareness of spina bifida throughout this month! Did you find our article, "Types of Spina Bifida," discussing the types of spina bifida useful in increasing your understanding? What would you have found helpful to have included?

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Folic acid is very important for your baby's development in the womb - even before conception! Did you know, in addition to prenatal vitamins, you can find natural food sources rich in folate?

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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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Throughout my own pregnancies -- particularly those where I seemed to be labeled "of advanced maternal age" -- and let me tell you -- I LOVE that label , I did shy away from some of the testing available. My age alone raised my so-called risk factors to a "high risk" level as I was over 35. I knew also that those results would not change my mind to carry a child to term. It would likely only create more stress for me throughout until delivery vs. allowing me to enjoy my time bonding with my babe in the womb!

I did, however, discuss testing for spina bifida with my ob/gyn and I felt it was important for me to do that particular screening. If my alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were extraordinarily high, we would have examined further by ultrasound to confirm gestational age, one baby... or any signs indicating spina bifida.

There are some forms of spina bifida that may be treated during pregnancy or immediately following delivery to give the baby the best care possible... something I know we all want.

If you are currently pregnant, take some time to research and discuss your options with your medical caregiver to determine what is best for you and your child. Throughout this month, we will continue to provide you with more informative articles to help you learn more!

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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?

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Illegal for kids to play unsupervised?

Good grief! You have to read this one: Mom sues police and neighbor after she is arrested for letting her kids play outside

Short version: Mom allowed her 2 children, ages 9 and 6 to ride their scooters on their quiet cul-de-sac in front of their home. Mom claims that she was sitting in their front yard watching the whole time. A neighbor, however, made a report to police that the kids were outside unsupervised riding their scooters in the street. Police came and arrested the mom -- charging her with child endangerment!! She was kept in jail overnight for 18 hours.

Thoughts?

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Seriously?? Even IF the kids WERE outside "unsupervised", when did it become illegal for children of that age to not be allowed out to ride their bikes/scooters? Most are allowed to do so to and from schools (at least in my area.) Secondly, why is there a presumption of guilt before innocence? The police did not observe the kids unattended but took the word of one person over another... again with the "complaint" being that the kids were riding on a dead end cul-de-sac!

It is frightening that parents have to fear more and more allowing their children the opportunity to PLAY. Yes, I understand that there are indeed bad people in the world and that we MUST teach our children lessons that we did not have to deal with as much growing up. We also though have to allow them to have a chance to learn independence... to explore (within limits of course!)... to develop imaginations... to fall and skin their knee. I guess for some it is "better" to wrap them in bubble wrap, keep them indoors eating more ice cream while playing video games with strangers trying to lure them to let them know when they're home alone. ARGH!

I'm going to bet the kids were riding their scooters *in* the cul-de-sac. That absolutely terrifies me! I don't know why people think cul-de-sacs are safe. It's still a street and kids should never play in any street that hasn't been closed off. IME, people always use them as U-turn areas or to spin donuts. So yes, I'd say if her kids were riding in the street, she was clearly not supervising them and they were likely in danger. Enough to arrest her? No, just give her a ticket & let her try to explain her actions to a judge another day.

Wow. That seems crazy. In the street or not, it was none of the neighbour's business. Arresting the mother is also NOT the answer.

Ridiculous. I'm going to guess that the neighbor had an agenda or point they wanted to make. I'm not sure about the cops, but geez. Also, if the mother is in jail, who is now there to supervise the kids?

That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. It is impossible to keep an eye on your children ALL of the time, unless you don't allow them to ever go outside!

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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!

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Bar Owner Installs Pregnancy Test Dispenser for Unique Campaign

Here's a new and interesting idea that might get some traction! A bar owner in Minnesota has installed a pregnancy test dispenser in his women's restroom. Women can purchase the $3 pregnancy tests with signage reading, "Think Before You Drink."

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Wordless Wednesday: Flower Girl Takes a Nap During Wedding Ceremony

This week's Wordless Wednesday's video hits close to home for me. You see, my oldest son is getting married this Saturday and my youngest will be the ring bearer. It also happens to be an evening wedding. See what the video unfolds!

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Math Nerd Figures Out Exact Chances to Conceive a Baby

Richie Cotton is a self-described math nerd. He's also a fan of math and charts. He and his girlfriend are trying to conceive so he compiled a chart to his girlfriend and himself figure out how long it will take them to conceive. Doesn't everyone have a partner like that?

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Children Left Alone in Cars Increases at Alarming Rates

It's not hard to imagine this as a common scenario. The baby finally fell asleep in her car seat. Mom or dad just needs to run into the store for "a minute." A minute turns into 20. That’s all it took for their baby to die of heat stroke. Hard to believe this can happen? Believe it! Three children died last week in this same scenario.

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Please share this article with as many as possible. It is true, that there are cases where perhaps the intent is malicious or self-serving (leaving the child locked in a car to go in a bar)... but other families find that their lives are ripped by this as a tragic ACCIDENT. The families love their children dearly... some have had siblings that not only lose their brother or sister -- but also often mom and dad to their grief (if not to jail.) Reading recent cases, I've seen the parents vilified. OF COURSE this should NEVER happen! I, too, am horrified at the thought of leaving one of my own in the car. My children laugh and tease me as I do my "kid count" as we enter and exit the car... running through where ALL my children are -- even those not traveling with me at the time. But, I recognize "there but for the grace of God, go I." If this, at times, annoys my kids (or my dh makes fun), it is a "sacrifice" I'm willing to make. We are all creatures of habit. I know as life seems to grow ever more hectic, we are pulled in 20 different directions at any given moment. Often we drive home (or to work, practice, etc.) on auto-pilot as we are working out what's for dinner, what chores lie ahead, who needs to be where" and more. Add into the mix the constant interference of "technology" -- computers, cell phones, texting, Facebook, etc. -- and we enter information overload. We must find a way to slow down, unplug, and instead plug IN -- to our most precious treasures... our family. Whatever trick you need to personally employ to implement your own "kid count" before getting out and locking your vehicle... do so. If putting your purse / wallet or cell phone back with your child(ren) helps -- DO IT! (For those that mock... NO that does NOT mean a parent values their child more than their purse/cell! It means that they care about their child enough to do whatever it takes to try and keep them safe!)

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Celebrity Round-Up: Sir Elton John, Suri, Toddlers and Tiaras

This week's celebrity round-up brings you updates on the adventures of Suri Cruise, Toddlers and Tiaras fiascos and Katherine Jackson given full custody of Michael Jackson's children.

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Google Chrome Extension Allowed to Block Facebook Baby Pictures

Google Chrome has extensions for pretty much anything. Their latest allows Facebook to block your baby pictures. I find it hard to believe that every single one of my 700+ Facebook friends doesn't want to enjoy every picture I've ever posted of my babies. Even if they love you, they may not love all your pictures.

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A Mother's Love Spans Species: Mama Bear Helps Another Mama Bear

You've heard the phrase, "It takes a village" to raise our children. In our pick for this week's Wordless Wednesday, here is proof that the power of a mother's love spans species and that when danger arises, even in nature, mothers are there for each other.

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J.K. Rowling's Kids Get Two Hundred Thousand Dollar Tree Houses

You'd think it would be treat enough to have bedtime stories told to you by J.K. Rowling, better known as "Mum" or "Mummy" to her 7 and 9-year-olds. Her kids get another huge bonus -- tree houses that cost as much as real ones.

Jules	MissyJ	wishing4agirl	gooler
01babymine	SPCN319	Alissa_Sal	gaidinsgirl
nori_garsi	sandraleigh	jonibug	girlisrad

04/05/2013 - 11:01

MissyJ:

You'll love this one: Top 10 Ways to Get Him into Babymaking! Presented direct from a guy's point of view it offers practical advice wrapped in a touch of humor that is bound to appeal. Let me know what you think of the advice... and better yet, show us your positive home pregnancy test pic in a few weeks!

04/03/2013 - 14:02

molleebauer:

What are your favorite spring cleaning solutions? Are you "green" or use the old-fashioned stuff? Where do you start?

01/21/2013 - 17:19

MissyJ:

Create your own free custom baby registry now through Pregnancy.org! As you prepare to welcome your new addition, you can easily select and add the gifts you wish from any store. Your family and friends will appreciate having options they know you'll love -- all in one spot! Ready? Click to create your baby registry now!

01/08/2013 - 18:06

MissyJ:

Create your own free custom registry now through Pregnancy.org! Whether you're expecting a new baby or preparing for another special occasion, (birthday, new home, etc.), you can easily select and add the gifts you wish from any store. Your family and friends will appreciate having options they know you'll love -- all in one spot! Ready? Create your registry now! (You can return at any time by clicking on "Tools" in the top navigation bar and selecting the Registry option.

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