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What are you looking forward to the most?

Be on the lookout for this week's features! Each day we have a touch of "spooky" planned as Halloween creeps in. You'll discover "Halloween -- how scary is too scary (launching today!); plans to build your own haunted gingerbread house; trending costumes for pregnant gals, Halloween candy safety tips; how to have a green Halloween; and Halloween Face Painting for kids!

Additionally, you'll find a little something for everyone! Midwife or OB/GYN launches tomorrow. On Thursday, we cover "Save a breast -- do the stroke!" -- an important read for all women! Friday, those with elementary age and older kids should watch for our "New school lunches" coverage. We also will share a scrumptious twist on a favorite recipe with "Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes." There's always something special happening here! Remember, we want to hear your feedback! Which of these are you looking forward to most?

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It's Spina Bifida Awareness month! Did you know that 95% of neural tube defects occur in women with no previous family history?

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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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Toddler tragically dies after falling from home balcony

Last week, two-year-old Rihana Bralic Leonard of Surrey, managed to get onto the balcony of her family's ninth floor apartment, climbed out onto the ledge and tragically fell to her death. This is a parent's worst nightmare!

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Pregnant Mom Delivers Her Own Baby After Hospital Sends Couple Home

When Josh and Stephanie Ihnen went to the hospital Tuesday, they didn't think they'd be holding their baby in their arms anytime soon. They were told that their baby's birth wasn't imminent. Surprise!

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Celebrity Round-Up: Births, Divorces and Unwelcome Outings!

This week's round-up includes "Housewives," births, divorce and unwelcome outings! Could it get any better? Ready for the buzz? Let's go!

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Boy Creates "Lick-it List" for His Dying Service Dog

Here's a story that's sure to pull at your heart-strings. A service dog who is dying is spending her last days under the most loving of circumstances.

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Pregnancy Memories Gone "Wild" and Just a Bit Eccentric

Everyone wants to have mementos of their pregnancy. So we make belly casts, document our pregnancy with plenty of pictures, frame our ultrasounds, and get 3D, 4D ultrasounds.

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Wordless Wednesday: Coach Teaches Kid Good Manners Miles in the Sky

We can all take a lesson from this lacrosse coach. Seeing one of his students behaving badly while boarding their team's flight, he had him write an apology to the airline and fellow passengers and read it aloud.

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Four-Year-Old Hero Who Saved Drowning Girl Dies

The selfless act of a four-year-old turns tragic as the hero didn't make it. Read about the amazing Xander Vento and the tough decision his parents had to make.

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Celebrity Round-Up: Weddings for Brangelina and Justin Timberlake?

This week's celebrity round-up could be ringing with the sound of wedding bells...maybe! See what's the latest buzz. Will Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finally tie the knot? Let's find out!

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

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

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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01babymine	SPCN319	Alissa_Sal	gaidinsgirl
nori_garsi	sandraleigh	jonibug	girlisrad

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