Pregnancy Support: Amazingly Original [09/25/14]

If you could, how many babies would you have at once?

Just the one!	34.8%	[ 137 ]
Twins!	37.1%	[ 146 ]
Triplets!	3.6%	[ 14 ]
Quadruplets!	0.3%	[ 1 ]
5+	1.5%	[ 6 ]
Gold please.	22.8%	[ 90 ]
Total Votes:			[ 394 ]

[Adorably Awkward]

For the original PS thread click here

Welcome to the new Pregnancy Support thread. This thread was created because I felt compelled to offer up my support to the lovely Gaian women who are facing pregnancy. Every Gaian is welcomed here as long as they maintain a sense of maturity and offer up support to those who need it.

I expect those who enter this thread to be civil, caring, compassionate, and to follow the ToS. Things may get a bit graphic in here since we are dealing with the female anatomy, please refrain from posting borderline porn pictures directly into the thread. Instead I suggest that you offer a link and forewarn your fellow Gaians to what it is.

I understand that some people may feel strongly about Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, but this is not the place to battle out the differences. You may suggest what you think is right for the person you are helping, but do not go crazy and try to force your view on them.

Conversations are naturally allowed in this thread as long as you keep it civil. I rather you not curse if at all possible. Flaming is strictly prohibited, but tough love is allowed. Please be aware of the difference between the two.

If you do find yourself either the target of flaming or you simply do not like another sister within the thread, please take your argument to PMs or simply PM a thread moderator. We will not be tolerating any flaming within the thread. Any sister or brother found flaming will be banned from the thread for one week. If anyone is a repeat offender, they will be placed on the perma-banned list. Trolls are an exception to this rule, any and all trolls who enter this thread will be instantly perma-banned.

Please be aware that this thread does not support young teens who are trying to conceive for foolish reasons. There are special cases in which many of us will offer our support to younger women who wish to conceive, but this is extremely rare. If you are a young woman who wishes to get pregnant just because you want a mini me, you will not be warmly greeted here.

.......Rules are as followed:
.......♫ Follow ToS
.......♪ No Drama/Stirring the Pot
.......♫ No Debating Pro-Life vs Pro-Choice
.......♪ No Bumping/Spamming/Self Advertising
.......♫ No Trolling
.......♪ Keep Quote Trees Trimmed
.......♫ No Huge Photos/Page Stretching
.......♪ No Quoting Front Page Quotes
.......♫ Obey Thread Moderators

More rules can be added when seen fit. Hopefully we will not need a long list of guidelines to keep this thread a fantastic place.

I, Adorably Awkward, as thread creator hold the right to ban anyone for any reason when I see fit. Unfortunately, there are times when I have to act like the byatch and bring the hammer down. At first, you may not understand why I did it; however, please try to understand that there is a justifiable reason to my actions. I will never ban someone just for the "lols" and I will always try to post my reasons for all to see. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this statement...please PM me. If you follow the rules and don't cause trouble, then you have nothing to fear.

Thread Moderators
♥
♥
♥

Thread Moderators hold the responsibility of keeping the thread in check. They are the firewall of this thread, they keep out the trolls and flaming posters. They are also responsible for keeping out drama and reporting all drama queens to the thread OP. They speak for the OP when the OP is offline.

Thread Moderators are not above or below any regular poster of the thread. If you see them causing drama, trolling, or flaming please report them to the OP. Thread Moderators are expected to be mature and remain neutral during arguments within the thread. Moderators are not to go off to other threads, blogs, or other online areas to openly flame other members of the PS thread. It's immature, unprofessional, and unwelcomed in this thread.

[Adorably Awkward]

Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life
►Not to be discussed in this thread.◄

Pro-choice describes the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete control over her fertility and pregnancy. This entails the guarantee of reproductive rights, which includes access to sexual education; access to safe and legal abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments; and legal protection from forced abortion. Individuals and organizations who support these positions make up the pro-choice movement.
Some people who are pro-choice see abortion as a last resort and focus on a number of situations where they feel abortion is a necessary option. Among these situations are those where the woman was raped, her health or life (or that of the fetus) is at risk, contraception was used but failed, or she feels unable to raise a child. Some pro-choice moderates, who would otherwise be willing to accept certain restrictions on abortion, feel that political pragmatism compels them to oppose any such restrictions, as they could be used to form a slippery slope against all abortions.

On the issue of abortion, pro-choice campaigners are opposed by pro-life campaigners who argue that the central issue is a completely different set of rights. The pro-life view considers human fetuses and embryos to have the full legal rights of a human being; thus, the right to life of a developing fetus or embryo trumps the woman's right to bodily autonomy, although some pro-lifers believe that abortion should be legal in the case where the woman's life is at serious risk.

For more information on Pro-Choice click here

Pro-life describes the political and ethical view which maintains that fetuses and embryos are human beings, and therefore have a right to live. It can also be used to indicate opposition to practices such as euthanasia, human cloning, research involving human embryonic stem cells, and the death penalty, but such uses are less common.

On the issue of abortion, attempts by pro-life campaigners to pass laws against abortion are opposed by pro-choice campaigners who argue that the central issue is a completely different set of rights: the human rights of the pregnant woman to choose to terminate her pregnancy or carry it to term. The pro-choice view believes that a woman, and not the government, should have complete control over her fertility and pregnancy, and that this entails the guarantee of reproductive rights.

Information taken from here.

‼Personhood USA‼
A horrid thing.

When the term “Person” is granted to a human being, it refers to the presence of a particular set of characteristics that grant that individual certain rights such as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In other words, to be a person is to be protected by a series of God given and constitutionally protected rights.

This terrifies the pro-abortion foes!!!
They know that if we clearly define the pre-born baby as a person then they will have the same right to life as all Americans do! This Amendment has the promise plugging the “Blackmun Hole,” a startling admission that if personhood could be established for the pre-born, the arguments in Roe would collapse.

Justice Harry Blackmun wrote in the majority opinion for Roe v. Wade in 1973, “The appellee and certain amici [pro-lifers] argue that the fetus is a ‘person’ within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment. In support of this, they outline at length and in detail the well-known facts of fetal development. If this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant’s case, of course, collapses, for the fetus’ right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the Amendment.”

During Blackmun’s time, the “well-known facts of fetal development” were a far cry from what is known today. Ultrasonography and DNA testing were yet to be invented. In 1973, most held that “life” began at “quickening,” or when a woman first feels movement of the baby in the womb at 18 to 24 weeks. Some even held to the “Recapitulation Theory,” the scientifically debunked notion that the human baby underwent his entire evolutionary cycle in the womb, being first a simple one-celled creature, then later a fish, then later a mammal, then finally a human, which of course now seems absurd.

The science of fetology in 1973 was not able to prove, as it can now, that a fully human and unique individual exists at the moment of fertilization and continues to grow through various stages of development in a continuum (barring tragedy) until natural death from old age.

If the Court considers the humanity of the pre-born child, for which there is overwhelming scientific evidence, it could restore the legal protections of person-hood to the pre-born under the 14th Amendment as Blackmun foretold, stopping abortion in a few and then in all fifty states!

There are essentially two issues which must be resolved concerning unborn embryos and fetuses. The first is, "Are they human beings?" The second is, "Should they be recognized as persons under the law?" We've already established that there is no debate on the first question. It is a matter of plain, objective science. Embryos and fetuses are fully and individually human from the moment of fertilization on. If this were not true, if unborn children were not demonstrably human, there would be no need to even talk about rights of personhood. "Removing a fetus" would be the moral equivalent of pulling a tooth. This, however, is not the case, and so the debate must now enter the political arena.

There is a very real sense in which the need to answer this second question is, in itself, an absurdity. If you look up the word "person" in your average dictionary (we'll use Webster's), you'll find something like this:

Person n. A human being.

A person, simply put, is a human being. This fact should be enough. The intrinsic humanity of unborn children, by definition, makes them persons and should, therefore, guarantee their protection under the law. For more than thirty years, however, this has not been the case. The situation we are left with is this. In America today, there is a huge and singular group of living human beings who have no protection under the law and are being killed en masse every day. Is that not astounding?! It is astounding, but not wholly unprecedented.

There have been at least two other instances in American history in which specific groups of human beings were stripped of their rights of personhood as a means of justifying their horrible mistreatment. African-Americans and Native-Americans both felt the brunt of a system which denied their humanity, stripped their personhood and subjected them to horrors beyond measure. While the legal framework that made such injustice possible has now been removed, it remains firmly in place for unborn Americans.

There remains one, and only one, group of human beings in the U.S. today for which being human is not enough. The inconvenience of their existence has resulted in a legal loophole of shameful proportions. What is a person? A person is a human being (unless, of course, you haven't been born yet, in which case we'll define personhood in any way possible so as to exclude you, kill you and forget you)." Link

What this means for the pregnant woman.

Watch this video.

○They have the right to chain down a pregnant woman and force a c-section on her against her will.
○They have the right to charge a woman with MURDER if she has a STILLBORN child. How is this even right?
○They have the right to charge a woman with MURDER if she has an abortion! This is insanity!
○They have the right to let the mother die if the fetus will live, again...against the mother's will.
○They have the right to not allow you to have a home birth.
○They say we no longer have the rights to medical decisions once we conceive. This is not right!

[Adorably Awkward]

Pregnancy Myths.

○If penetration only happens for a few seconds, can a woman get pregnant? Anytime the p***s comes into direct contact with the vaginal area, there is the chance of pregnancy. The chance may not be as high as if intercourse with ejaculation took place, but there is still a risk. The transmission of STDs can also happen through any type of skin to skin contact like this.

○Can pregnancy occur if a woman and a guy have faux sex or dry sex? (This is when there is no penetration, but there is skin to skin contact of the genital area.) Again, anytime the p***s and the vaginal area come into contact, there is the slight risk of pregnancy and a risk for STD transmission.

○Can a woman get pregnant from pre-ejaculation? Pre-ejaculation is the liquid that seeps out of the p***s before ejaculation occurs. Most guys have no control over it and cannot feel it coming out. This type of fluid does have sperm in it and can result in pregnancy. This is part of the reason why the withdrawal method of birth control is not as effective as other methods.

○Can pregnancy occur if the woman does not have an orgasm? Yes, pregnancy can occur even if a woman does not have an orgasm. An orgasm is not related to an egg being available for fertilization.

○Can sperm travel through clothing or material? If the clothing was completely saturated with semen and was in direct contact with a woman’s v****a, there is a very slight chance the sperm could enter the v****a, but this is highly unlikely. No conclusive studies have been found to give a definite answer on this possibility.

○Can a woman get pregnant from having sex in water? If actual intercourse takes place in any type of water, pregnancy is definitely a possibility. This is because intercourse will allow the sperm to be directly deposited in the girl's vaginal area, and the water on the outside of the body would not interfere with this.

○Can pregnancy occur if ejaculation takes place in water? It is not likely that tiny sperm could travel through the vast area of water that would fill a pool, bath tub or hot tub to reach a girls v****a and result in pregnancy. If ejaculation occurred in plain warm water, sperm could survive for a few minutes. If ejaculation occurs in very hot water, or water filled with pool chemicals, bubbles or other substances, sperm would not be able to survive for more than a few seconds. Pregnancy occurring from this is very unlikely and in most cases is not possible at all.

○Can pregnancy occur from having a**l sex? Pregnancy cannot occur from the act of a**l sex, but because the vaginal opening and the a**s are very close together, there is the chance that sperm could leak into the v****a and travel to fertilize an egg.

○Can ejaculating numerous times lessen the chance of pregnancy occurring? The number of times ejaculation takes place does not affect the chance of pregnancy. Each ejaculation contains about 300 million sperm, and only one is needed to fertilize an egg.

○Is sperm dead once it reaches the air? Does oxygen kill sperm? No, this is a myth that many people believe in, but it is not true! Once sperm is DRY it is dead and cannot travel to fertilize an egg. Sperm can live for 3-5 days if it is in a warm, moist environment such as the cervix of a woman. Sperm cannot come back to life once it has dried, even if it is remoistened!

Questions & Answers taken from American Pregnancy.

○Can you get pregnant while on your period? It's possible — but highly unlikely. Conception occurs when an egg and sperm meet in a fallopian tube. Sometime during the middle of your menstrual cycle, most likely between the 12th and 16th days, an egg reaches maturity in one of the two ovaries. The ovary releases the egg into the abdomen, where it's quickly sucked up by the tulip-shaped opening of the nearest fallopian tube.

An egg can survive in your fallopian tube for about 24 hours after it's released from the ovary. So the only way you can get pregnant is if sperm are present in your fallopian tube during this window of opportunity. If the egg isn't fertilized, it's shed along with your uterine lining during your period.

Typically, when you have your period, another egg is developing in preparation for release during the current cycle. But not every woman's cycle length is the same. Many women have a cycle that's about 28 days long, but some have cycles as short as 22 days long. If you have a shorter cycle, you could ovulate just a few days after you have your period. And considering that sperm can survive in your reproductive tract for up to three days, it's theoretically possible for the sperm to hang around until you ovulate again.

This Question & Answer taken from babycenter.com.

[Adorably Awkward]

♥Trying to Conceive.♥

If you're ready to take that next step in life and become a parent then congratulations! Welcome aboard the TTC Train...*Woot Woot*.

This section of the Pregnancy Support thread will cover a few bases of TTC. Please consult a physician if you have any health concerns or questions. Please keep in mind that all this information is provided by the internet and may not be the words of a true physician.

If you’re not already eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly, now is the best time to change your diet, and possibly even your lifestyle, to help insure not only a successful conception but a healthy pregnancy. By learning more about nutrition and developing good habits now, you’ll be in a good position to instill healthy eating habits in your child, too.

○Pre-conception Doctor’s Appointment
You may even want to visit your doctor before you conceive. He or she can advise you on a healthy diet, evaluate your overall health, and let you know if you should lose or gain weight before you begin trying to conceive. You can find out your ideal healthy weight by calculating your BMI (body mass index). Being overweight can decrease your chances of conception by as much as 29 percent.

○Eliminate Fast Food
For many people, step one toward a healthier diet is to eliminate fast food from your weekly menu. Pricey, fried, loaded with trans fats, and mostly devoid of nutrients, fast food offers few benefits beyond convenience. If you find yourself at a fast food restaurant, order a salad with grilled chicken on top, and use dressing sparingly. This is a lifestyle change that will benefit your unborn baby and your infant. Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are negated if you eat fast food more than once or twice a week while breastfeeding.

○Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet consists of plenty of whole grains, at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, at least three servings of non-fat or low-fat dairy products, and small portions of lean proteins, such as chicken and fish. Don’t forget the healthy fats, too, such as those found in olive oil (and other nut and seed oils) and foods like avocado.

You can find out more about the USDA Food Pyramid and smart food choices at mypyramid.gov.

Pregnant women and those TTC need more folic acid (otherwise known as Folate or vitamin B9) in their diets and should be sure they are getting enough calcium and Vitamin D. Taking in no less than 400 mcg of folic acid per day can reduce the risk of serious neural tube birth defects such as spinal bifida. You can get folic acid from sources such as dark leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, and fortified breads and cereals.

○The Good and Bad of Fish: DHA and Mercury
Studies show that DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid, is important in the development of the brains of fetuses as well as infants and toddlers. DHA can be found in foods such as flax, pumpkin seeds and avocado, but one of the best sources of DHA is coldwater fish, including tuna and salmon.

Unfortunately, fish also contain levels of mercury, which has been linked to nervous system disorders. So, what’s a woman who’s TTC, pregnant or breastfeeding to do? Eat fish shown to have the lowest levels of mercury in moderation by following the EPA guidelines for fish consumption in pregnant and lactating women.

As a general guideline, stay away from tuna steaks, swordfish, and shark, which are high in mercury and limit consumption of low-mercury level fish, including salmon, shrimp, chunk light tuna (not albacore) to 12 oz. per week.

Get the balance of your DHA by taking a pre-natal multivitamin enhanced with DHA or taking a separate DHA supplement.

○Pre-natal Vitamins
Most people’s diets don’t contain enough Vitamin D, folic acid, or DHA, along with many other essential nutrients. Even if you eat a balanced diet, it can be challenging to get sufficient quantities of these vitamins and nutrients every day. Your doctor may prescribe a pre-natal vitamin during your pre-conception check-up, but you’ll probably find prescription pre-natals don’t differ much from over-the-counter supplements.
Pre-natal vitamins should contain:

........Vitamin A
........Vitamin C
........Vitamin D
........Vitamin E
........Thiamin
........Riboflavin
........Niacin
........Vitamin B6
........Folic Acid
........Vitamin B12
........Calcium
........Iron
........Zinc

Take pre-natal vitamins with a meal or a glass of milk, as they may cause nausea on an empty stomach. If your pre-natals are causing constipation or an upset stomach, you may want to experiment with different brands. Again, it is better to start your vitamins while you are TTC, so that you know that any side effects are caused by the vitamins and not by pregnancy.

○Exercise
Most doctors will tell you that it’s safe to continue almost any exercise program you were doing with proficiency before you conceived during your pregnancy. This includes bicycling, scuba diving, aerobics, yoga, tennis, weight training and countless other sports and activities. After you get pregnant, however, is not the time to learn a new sport or skill, which is why it’s a good idea to begin an exercise program you love while you are TTC. If you were not exercising regularly before you conceived—or did not have time to grow proficient in your chosen activities before you conceived–stick with walking and swimming, or even water aerobics if swimming is too taxing on your body, during pregnancy. •Source

Being aware of your menstrual cycle and the changes in your body that happen during this time can help you know when you are most likely to get pregnant.The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. But normal cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days. The amount of time before ovulation occurs is different in every woman, and even can be different from month-to-month in the same woman, varying from 13 to 20 days long. This is the most important part of the cycle to learn about, since this is when ovulation and pregnancy can occur. After ovulation, every woman (unless she has a health problem that affects her periods) will have a period within 14 to 16 days.

Charting your fertility pattern. Knowing when you're most fertile will help you plan pregnancy. There are three ways you can keep track of your fertile times. They are:

○Basal body temperature method – Basal body temperature is your temperature at rest as soon as you awake in the morning. A woman's basal body temperature rises slightly with ovulation. So by recording this temperature daily for several months, you'll be able to predict your most fertile days.

Basal body temperature differs slightly from woman to woman. Anywhere from 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit orally is average before ovulation. After ovulation most women have an oral temperature between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The rise in temperature can be a sudden jump or a gradual climb over a few days.

Usually a woman's basal body temperature rises by only 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit. To detect this tiny change, women must use a basal body thermometer. These thermometers are very sensitive. Most pharmacies sell them for around $10.

The rise in temperature doesn't show exactly when the egg is released. But almost all women have ovulated within three days after their temperatures spike. Body temperature stays at the higher level until your period starts.

You are most fertile and most likely to get pregnant: Two to three days before your temperature hits the highest point (ovulation), and 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

A man's sperm can live for up to three days in a woman's body. The sperm can fertilize an egg at any point during that time. So if you have unprotected sex a few days before ovulation there is a chance of becoming pregnant.

Many things can affect basal body temperature. For your chart to be useful, make sure to take your temperature every morning at about the same time. Things that can alter your temperature include:

○ drinking alcohol the night before
○ smoking cigarettes the night before
○ getting a poor night's sleep
○ having a fever
○ doing anything in the morning before you take your temperature — including going to the bathroom and talking on the phone.

○Calendar method – This involves recording your menstrual cycle on a calendar for 8 to 12 months. The first day of your period is Day 1. Circle Day 1 on the calendar. The length of your cycle may vary from month to month. So write down the total number of days it lasts each time. Using this record, you can find the days you are most fertile in the months ahead:

........1] To find out the first day when you are most fertile, subtract 18 from the total number of days in your shortest cycle. Take this new number and count ahead that many days from the first day of your next period. Draw an X through this date on your calendar. The X marks the first day you're likely to be fertile.
........2] To find out the last day when you are most fertile, subtract 11 from the total number of days in your longest cycle. Take this new number and count ahead that many days from the first day of your next period. Draw an X through this date on your calendar. The time between the two Xs is your most fertile window.

This method always should be used along with other fertility awareness methods, especially if your cycles are not always the same lengths.

○Cervical mucus method (also known as the ovulation method) – This involves being aware of the changes in your cervical mucus throughout the month. The hormones that control the menstrual cycle also change the kind and amount of mucus you have before and during ovulation. Right after your period, there are usually a few days when there is no mucus present or "dry days." As the egg starts to mature, mucus increases in the v****a, appears at the vaginal opening, and is white or yellow and cloudy and sticky. The greatest amount of mucus appears just before ovulation. During these "wet days" it becomes clear and slippery, like raw egg whites. Sometimes it can be stretched apart. This is when you are most fertile. About four days after the wet days begin the mucus changes again. There will be much less and it becomes sticky and cloudy. You might have a few more dry days before your period returns. Describe changes in your mucus on a calendar. Label the days, "Sticky," "Dry," or "Wet." You are most fertile at the first sign of wetness after your period or a day or two before wetness begins.

To most accurately track your fertility, use a combination of all three methods. This is called the symptothermal (SIMP-toe-thur-muhl) method. You can also purchase over-the-counter ovulation kits or fertility monitors to help find the best time to conceive. These kits work by detecting surges in a specific hormone called luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation.

Information taken from womenshealth.gov

[Adorably Awkward]

Symptoms of Pregnancy

♥Implantation Bleeding:
About 6-12 days after conception the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.
Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

♥Delay/Difference in Menstruation:
When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women do bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

♥Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Starting as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, many women will notice changes in their breasts. They will be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills,and impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

♥Darkening of areolas:
If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

♥Fatigue/Tiredness:
This symptom can start as early as the first week after conception.
Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

♥Nausea/Morning Sickness:
This well-known symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all while others will feel nauseous through most of their pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

♥Backaches:
Dull backaches can be present throughout an entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

♥Headaches:
The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, impending menstruation or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

♥Frequent Urination:
Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, or taking excessive diuretics.

♥Food Cravings:
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Poor diet, lacking a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

[Adorably Awkward]

Pregnancy Tests.

How do pregnancy tests work?
All pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotropin (kohr-ee-ON-ihk goh-NAD-uh-TROH-puhn), or hCG. It is also called the pregnancy hormone.

hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until much later, after the first day of the missed period. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant.

Are there different types of pregnancy tests?
Yes. There are two types of pregnancy tests. One tests the blood for the pregnancy hormone, hCG. You need to see a doctor to have a blood test. The other checks the urine for the hCG hormone. You can do a urine test at a doctor’s office or at home with a home pregnancy test (HPT).

These days, many women first use an HPT to find out if they are pregnant. HPTs are inexpensive, private, and easy to use. HPTs also are highly accurate if used correctly and at the right time. HPTs will be able to tell if you're pregnant about one week after a missed period.

Doctors use two types of blood tests to check for pregnancy. Blood tests can pick up hCG earlier in a pregnancy than urine tests can. Blood tests can tell if you are pregnant about six to eight days after you ovulate (or release an egg from an ovary). A quantitative blood test (or the beta hCG test) measures the exact amount of hCG in your blood. So it can find even tiny amounts of hCG. This makes it very accurate. A qualitative hCG blood test just checks to see if the pregnancy hormone is present or not. So this test gives a yes or no answer. The qualitative hCG blood test is about as accurate as a urine test.

How do you do a home pregnancy test?
There are many different types of home pregnancy tests (HPTs). Most drugstores sell HPTs over the counter. They are inexpensive. But the cost depends on the brand and how many tests come in the box.

Most HPTs work in a similar way. Many instruct the user to hold a stick in the urine stream. Others involve collecting urine in a cup and then dipping the stick into it. At least one brand tells the woman to collect urine in a cup and then use a dropper to put a few drops of the urine into a special container. Then the woman needs to wait a few minutes. Different brands instruct the woman to wait different amounts of time. Once the time has passed, the user should inspect the "result window." If a line or plus symbol appears, you are pregnant. It does not matter how faint the line is. A line, whether bold or faint, means the result is positive. New digital tests show the words “pregnant” or “not pregnant.”

Most tests also have a "control indicator" in the result window. This line or symbol shows whether the test is working properly. If the control indicator does not appear, the test is not working properly. You should not rely on any results from a HPT that may be faulty.

Most brands tell users to repeat the test in a few days, no matter what the results. One negative result (especially soon after a missed period) does not always mean you're not pregnant. All HPTs come with written instructions. Most tests also have toll-free phone numbers to call in case of questions about use or results.

Can anything affect home pregnancy test results?
Most medicines should not affect the results of a home pregnancy test (HPT). This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including birth control pills and antibiotics. Only medicines that have the pregnancy hormone hCG in them can give a false positive test result. A false positive is when a test says you are pregnant when you're not. Sometimes medicines containing hCG are used to treat infertility (not being able to get pregnant).

Alcohol and illegal drugs do not affect HPT results. But do not use these substances if you are trying to become pregnant or are sexually active and could become pregnant. •Source

[Adorably Awkward]

Positively Pregnant‼
Now what?

Now that you know you're pregnant, it's more important than ever for you to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. You can boost your chances of having a problem-free pregnancy and a healthy baby by following a few simple guidelines:

►Get early prenatal care.◄

Good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. At your first prenatal visit, you'll be screened for certain conditions that could lead to complications.

If you haven't yet chosen a practitioner, get started right away. Finding the right person — whether you're looking for a doctor or a midwife — can take a while. In the meantime, if you're taking medication or have any medical problems, call your current caregiver now and let her know that you're pregnant.

►Watch what you eat.◄

Now that you're eating for two, you'll need more protein, as well as certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, and calcium. You may be surprised to learn that you only need about 300 additional calories per day.

You'll want to steer clear of undercooked eggs and meat, unpasteurized dairy products and juices, raw seafood, and cold deli meats to avoid ingesting bacteria that could harm your baby. Also avoid certain fish that may contain high levels of mercury or other contaminants.

►Take prenatal vitamins.◄

Most prenatal supplements contain more folic acid and iron than you'll find in a standard multivitamin.

It's important to get enough folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy. Folic acid greatly reduces your baby's risk of developing neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

Ideally, you should start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, up your daily dose to 600 mcg.

You also need to make sure you're getting enough iron. Your iron requirement increases significantly during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.

But more is not necessarily better — taking too much of certain things can actually be harmful. Avoid megadoses of any vitamin, and don't take any additional supplements or herbal preparations without your caregiver's okay.

►Exercise regularly.◄

A good exercise program can give you the strength and endurance you'll need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, help prevent or ease aches and pains, improve sluggish circulation in your legs, and help you handle the physical stress of labor. It will also make getting back into shape after your baby's born much easier.

What's more, exercise is a great way to reduce stress, and some research suggests that staying active can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood.

Just remember not to push yourself too hard or let yourself get overheated or dehydrated. (You'll also need to avoid hot tubs and saunas while you're pregnant.)

►Get some rest.◄

The fatigue you feel in the first and third trimesters is your body's way of telling you to slow down. So listen up and take it easy as much as you can. If you can't swing a nap in the middle of the day, give yourself a break and let your other responsibilities slide a little. If you can't sleep, at least put your feet up and read a book or leaf through a magazine.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage are all great ways to combat stress and get a better night's sleep.

►Just say no to alcohol.◄

Don't drink while you're pregnant: Any alcohol you drink reaches your baby rapidly through your bloodstream, crossing the placenta, and your baby can end up with higher levels of blood alcohol than you have. As little as one drink a day can increase your odds of having a low-birthweight baby and increase your child's risk for problems with learning, speech, attention span, language, and hyperactivity.

Women who have more than two drinks a day are at greater risk for giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children born with this condition suffer from mental and growth retardation, behavioral problems, and facial and heart defects.

Drinking also increases your risk for miscarriage and stillbirth. So play it safe — avoid alcohol completely and have a nonalcoholic drink instead. Let your caregiver know if you're having trouble giving up alcohol, so you can get help.

►Swear off all illicit drugs.◄

Any drug you use gets into your baby's bloodstream as well. Some studies suggest that marijuana may restrict your baby's growth and cause withdrawal symptoms (like tremors) in your newborn.

Using cocaine is extremely dangerous. It restricts the flow of blood to the uterus and may lead to miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, or premature delivery. Your baby could be stillborn or have birth defects or developmental and behavioral problems.

Other drugs can be very harmful, too. If you have a drug problem, seek help now.

►Stop smoking.◄

Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, and premature delivery. Some research has even linked smoking to an increased risk of having a baby with a cleft lip or palate.

Not convinced yet? Smoking during pregnancy increases the chance that a baby will be stillborn or die in infancy. It's never too late to quit or cut back. Every cigarette you don't light gives your baby a better chance of being healthy. If you're unable to quit on your own, ask your caregiver for a referral to a smoking cessation program. Even if you're not a smoker, stay away from secondhand smoke.

►Cut back on caffeine.◄

Although most experts agree that one or two 8-ounce cups of coffee a day won't harm your baby, heavy caffeine consumption has been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage and some studies suggest that excessive caffeine intake may slightly increase your risk of having a low-birthweight baby.

What's more, caffeine has no nutritive value and may even cause you to lose a small amount of calcium. It's also a stimulant, so it can make it even harder for you to get a good night's sleep, give you headaches, and contribute to heartburn.

Limit your consumption or consider switching to decaffeinated tea or coffee. (Be aware, though, that there's almost always some caffeine in decaf coffee and that other beverages, including many sodas, also contain caffeine.)

►Eliminate environmental dangers.◄

Some jobs can be hazardous to you and your developing baby. If you're routinely exposed to chemicals, heavy metals (like lead or mercury), certain biologic agents, or radiation, you'll need to make some changes as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that some cleaning products, pesticides, solvents, and lead in drinking water from old pipes can also be harmful. Talk to your doctor or midwife about what your daily routine involves, so you can come up with ways to avoid or eliminate hazards in your home and workplace.

►See your dentist.◄

Don't forget about your oral health: Brush, floss, and get regular dental care. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Increased progesterone and estrogen levels can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in swollen, bleeding, tender gums (gingivitis). So see your dentist for a checkup and cleaning now if you haven't had a visit in the last six months.

►Take care of your emotional health.◄

Many women feel like they're on an emotional roller coaster at one time or another during pregnancy. But if your mood swings are extreme or interfering with your daily life, you may be suffering from depression, a relatively common condition.

If you've been feeling low for more than two weeks and nothing seems to lift your spirits — or if you're feeling particularly anxious — share your feelings with your caregiver so you can get a referral for professional help.

Also let your caregiver know if you're in an abusive relationship. Pregnancy can cause stress in any relationship, and it's a common trigger of domestic violence, which puts your health and your baby at risk. Babycenter.com

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Decisions, Decisions.

If you are pregnant, then you have three choices to decide from. The ladies and gentlemen within this thread will not judge you based on the decisions you make about your pregnancy. We will be here to lend an ear or shoulder depending on which you prefer. We're here for YOU no matter what.

►Your Choice to Parent:

Being a parent is often described as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of life. It is a miracle to watch this little life grow inside you and develop into a person with a unique personality, interests and talents; as you learn how to guide, encourage and provide for this extension of you. Besides love, the most essential need in parenting is support.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Is marrying the father a possibility? Why or why not?

Would he consider pre-marital counseling?

What type of support could he provide? (ie: financial, role model, childcare)

How would my family help? (ie: financially, childcare, living arrangements)

Could I live with family or another single mom?

How could I share responsibilities with those I live with?

What would it take to live on my own with my baby?

How can I continue to reach my goals to make a better life for me and my child?

Would I consider applying for WIC, Medicaid and other government programs?


►Your Choice to Release for Adoption:

There are a wide range of adoption plans to choose from, everything from closed to very open, independent or private to agency adoptions. Obtain as much information on adoption as possible to make an informed decision.
You can choose the adoptive family and many details of your child’s future.
Determine what you would like your relationship to be with your child and the adoptive family.
Adoptive parents explain adoption to the child at each stage of development in order to become well-adjusted, successful individuals. At any point in the process you may decide to parent. Every state is different, though most adoptions are final when the child is 6 months old. Counseling, support groups and other services enable each person involved to work through the grieving process, issues of loss and challenges along the way.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What would be an ideal home for my child?

What do I want to provide for my child?


►Your Choice to have an Abortion:

Though no decision will be easy and each comes with different challenges. Gathering as much information on the types of abortion procedures and their risks will help you make an informed decision. Remember that this is your decision, even though other’s opinions matter. See Abortion Procedures for more information.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Am I informed of all the procedures and risks?

Have I been tested for STD’s?

What are my state’s laws?

Is there anyone pressuring me to have an abortion?

Have I talked with someone who has been through an abortion to discuss their experience?

How have I viewed abortion in the past?

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Baby & Pregnancy Needs.
Nesting & Cravings

Now that you know you're pregnant, you're going to be needing many things--but where to start? Look no further than here! We've put our heads together to bring you a list of items that you'll need and/or want for your pregnancy and for your infant. If you have questions, feel free to ask them here. We'll help you with your nesting and cravings however we can.

What the Sisters' suggest:

MommaFushigi

Hiya. Here is my list of places (and their websites) that I couldn't live without when I shopped for baby stuff. ;] I also thought I'd comprise a list of "must have" items, just in case something is forgotten. biggrin


Possible Items For Baby: (all of these aren't a "must have" for me, but I'm just listing all items I can think of that would go in a baby's room. Oh, and you don't need to put what's in parenthesis. That's just extra info for you, haha.)
Furniture: Crib, bassinet, changing station, rocking chair, plastic storage drawers (get a 3-drawer one for $15 at Walmart! me and my hubby put diapers and wipes in them), swing, bouncer

Clothing: onesies! warm and cold weather clothes. receiving blankets, SwaddleMe (A DEFINITE MUST HAVE. Brandon loves to be swaddled. You can find SwaddleMe's at walmart.) mittens, socks, hats

Feeding: burp cloths (get a lot), bottles, drop-ins (if you're doing Playtex's Drop-In system), nipples, bottle + n****e cleaner, breast pump (if breastfeeding), formula (if formula-feeding)

Changing: diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, wipe warmer, baby powder, plastic changing pad

Bath: baby bath tub, baby wash cloths, bath wash, tear-free shampoo, very soft bristle brush for cradle cap, baby lotion (for afterwords)

Travel: stroller, car seat (or travel system, which has both), window shades (the ones that suction cup to the windows, to keep sun out of baby's eyes)

Diaper bag: diaper bag (lol), travel-size wipes, diapers, extra change or two of clothes, 2 burp cloths (you only need one but it never hurts to have an extra!), keep a pacifier or two in there in case you lose one, 2 bottles, 2 drop-ins (if you're using the drop-in system), 2 nipples and formula (if formula feeding), plastic changing pad, gas drops

Extra: boppy pillow, infant pacifiers, pacifier clippy (that's just what I call it, but we have this thing where you attach the pacifier to one end of it, and a clip is at the other end, so you can hook it on their clothes so that their pacifier doesn't fall on the floor and get lost if it falls out of their mouth. Available at walmart. A MUST HAVE), colorful toys (especially those colorful rings that connect to each other), baby nail clippers, thermometer, medicine droppers, gas drops, baby book


***I probably forgot a few things but this is all I could think of for now***


Places I Shopped:
Walmart.com
BabiesRUs.com
JCPenney.com (Great for clothes shopping. They have TONS of Carters clothes.)
Carters.com (Or you can find a Carter's store or order stuff online.)
Diapers.com (buy diapers and formula in bulk, and get maternity stuff and all kinds of baby items.)

Amarah Couture

Dillards is a big plus 1 for me.

TequilaRose

Pottery Barn Kids has some really cute stuff.

What Websites Suggest:

►Layette & Diapering◄

• Newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service. Compare your options. Cloth diapers can save you a lot of money, and there are a lot of fabulous options out there now that are practically as easy as disposables. The moms at our Center mostly favor the BumGenius diapers.
• Baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths. Avoid skin irritants, and consider using warm water instead of commercial wipes, which may contain preservatives and fragrance, to clean your baby during those first tender days.
• Diaper pail. Consider that each disposable plastic bag that you use will end up in a landfill for a long time -- so choose a diaper pail that minimizes the use of these bags, and consider a washable cloth diaper pail liner instead.
• Burp cloths or extra cloth diapers. These protect your clothes from spit-up, and also protect your baby's tender skin from your own clothing (especially dry-cleaning chemicals!). You'll want to have a bunch.
• Gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6). When at home, a baby gown is perfect for comfort and ease of diaper changes. A one-piece outfit with well-placed snaps is another sensible alternative. Keep it simple and comfy at first, and minimize the effort of buttons and other time-consuming dressing options.
• Receiving blankets (3-4) and swaddling blankets (2-4). For swaddling, holding, changing, playing. You will appreciate having a bunch, as these will need to be washed often, and get lost more often than you'd think!
• Crib blanket or quilt.
Avoid thick blankets in your baby's sleeping area, but heavier blankets can be perfect for covering baby's legs in the stroller, or for the crib as your baby gets older, and may become your baby's "lovie" to take to preschool and beyond.
• Newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair). Find ones that baby can't kick off during the night, to keep his tootsies warm. Footed outfits also work well for keeping feet warm at night.
• Newborn cap (1-2). New babies have trouble maintaining their body temperature, and a light cap can help keep their temperature stable, especially at night.
• Hooded bath towels (2) and wash cloths (6-12). You will use these a ton, so get good ones. Wash cloths will be used later for cleaning baby's (and even your older child's) face and hands after meals.
• T-shirts or all-in-ones (4-6). You will go through one or two of these a day at first, so stock up, based on how often you want to do laundry.
• Sweaters or a bunting (1-2)(depending upon season)

►Baby Care Products◄

• Natural baby shampoo/body wash. Water is often fine to clean little babies, but for when you want to suds up, use a product without harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Did you know "no more tears" means a product has an numbing agent so your baby doesn't feel the soap stinging her eyes? Instead, choose something truly mild, so you don't need such chemicals.
• Diaper cream. Choose a product that is natural and doesn't contain petroleum derivatives which actually leach natural moisure from the skin.
• Baby nail clippers or safety scissors. Keep baby's nails short to keep him from scratching himself (or you!). At the beginning, many parents find their baby's nails are so paper-thin they can gently bite them off, but you'll need clippers or scissors if you're squeamish and for later on.
• Natural baby oil or lotion. Again, use something containing a food-grade oil, not mineral oil (which is a petroleum derivative). Calendula is great for sensitive baby skin, especially if prone to rashes or eczema.
• Baby brush and comb. Your baby might not need them for a while, but a fine-tooth comb comes in handy for cradle cap.
• Gripe Water. Not just for colic! Our families swear by Gripe Water for fussy evenings, gas, and even teething!
• A couple of pacifiers (even if you don't plan to use!). Lots of babies need to suck even when they're done feeding, and if you have a lot of milk, sometimes they get mad! I spent hours with my pinky in my son's mouth before resorting to the pacifier, so I recommend having one around. Try not to use it too much while you're establishing breastfeeding, because a different n****e can confuse the baby and make breastfeeding more difficult. If your baby is fussy at the breast, avoid using a pacifier until breastfeeding is well-established.
• A baby bath or insert to bathe baby in tub or sink.At the beginning, a spongebath on a warm towel can work, but you will appreciate having a baby bath when you want to give baby a real bath. If your baby hates her bath, take her in the tub with you!

►Baby Gear◄

• Baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier). Check out our carrier recommendations to choose one appropriate to your baby's age.
• Infant car safety seat (have to bring it to the hospital!). We like the Britax car setas, they always rank well in independent ratings, such as Consumer Reports.
• Stroller or carriage
• Bouncer seat or swing. Great to have somewhere to lay your baby where he can see you eating dinner, cooking, etc.
• Diaper bag. Pick one to match your style, not your nursery decor!

►Furniture and Accessories◄

• Co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib
• Mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
• A rocking chair or glider, for nursing and baby (& parent) calming
• Changing table or other safe changing area
• Mobile for the crib and/or changing area
• Changing Pad and at least 2 covers

►Nursing Necessities◄

• Nursing pillow.
• Washable or disposable nursing pads
• Some modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples (a pack of Soothies is also a great idea!)
• Nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital -- you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)
• To pump breastmilk you'll need to to find a quality electric or manual breast pump or rent one, and of course you'll need a supply of milk storage bottles or bags
• For bottle feeding, start with 4oz bottles, stage 1 nipples, and a bottle brush for cleaning.
• Sports-bottle for mom to get her much-needed water!

►New Mother Care◄

• Sitzbath herbs
• For the first days postpartum, some disposable underwear and a big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
• Nursing nightgown or comfy pajamas
• Some comfy, flattering nursing tops and/or a nursing shawl so you feel comfortable nursing in front of visitors.

►Health and Safety◄

• Digital thermometer. Best to get one that works both under the arm and rectally. A rectal temperature is best when checking temperature in a newborn, for which even a mild fever can be dangerous, or any time you need a more accurate reading.
• Nasal aspirator. To keep that little nose from getting plugged. New babies can't easily breathe through their mouths, and it'll be a while before you can say "blow!"
• Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) drops. For treating fever or for immunizations with your doctor's recommendation
• Baby monitor. Crucial for letting you get things done around the house and yard without worrying during naptime.
• Night light. Having a low light near where the baby sleeps helps you check on the baby during the night, and having one in the changing area allows for unstimulating nighttime changes.

►Other Good Ideas◄

• Pick out birth announcements (address the envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
• Make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!
• Line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. Source

Recalls‼
It's always a good idea to keep up-to-date on what items are being recalled. You never know if the crib you bought is going to fall apart or if anything else will pose a health danger to your infant. Be sure to check the recall list at least monthly if not more often. The recall site was suggested by MommaFushigi and it was an excellent suggestion indeed.

Recall List : Parents.com

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♀Health Insurance Options♀
For the pregnant woman.

Being an uninsured pregnant woman can be extremely stressful. Worrying about health care bills along with the well-being of your unborn child. Weighing one versus the other, trying to make all ends meet, and biting your nails til they bleed because of all the worry. Hopefully, the information in this section will help ease your mind and relieve the pressure.

Government Funded Programs

Medicaid is a state run program that is federally funded. Medicaid provides medical assistance for low-income families and individuals. To locate an office near you go to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You may find that there are other options, depending on your state, which provide additional programs for women who are pregnant such as Medi-cal from the state of California. You can check with your local department of health at Health Departments by State for information on local programs that may further assist you.

WIC is a federal agency that serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and children under the age of 5. WIC provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. To get more information you can go to Women, Infants and Children.

Health Care Discount Programs

AmeriPlan is a discount plan that is currently available in all states except Alaska. AmeriPlan saves people up to 50% and more on their health care services. Benefits include physician, hospital, and ancillary services (i.e., lab work, tests, x-rays). Since AmeriPlan is not insurance, all pre-existing conditions are covered (except orthodontic treatment in progress), there are no deductibles, no waiting periods, no claim forms, and no annual limits. For more information on this discount program you can go to AmeriPlan. Or you can call them toll-free at [phone].

OTHER OPTIONS FOR MANAGING HEALTHCARE COSTS

Here are some additional ideas for helping you manage the costs related to prenatal care and birth:

If you are delivering at a hospital, you can contact the account office and talk to someone about setting up a payment plan or ask if they offer a sliding scale. Many hospitals do offer these, but they are not utilized because people do not know what is available to them.

If you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy you may want to consider giving birth at a birthing center. The estimated cost of a delivery and prenatal care at a birthing center is about $3,000 – $4,000. This is half of what it would be for a delivery at a hospital. Many birth centers also provide sliding scales, payment plans, and accept Medicaid. Source

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♪ ♫ ♪ ♫Things We Support♫ ♪ ♫ ♪

If you want your Guild or Thread presented here, please PM either myself or one of the thread moderators. We will review you and add you to this post depending on how we feel about your Guild or Event.

⌠Related Threads⌡○If you wish to have your thread represented here, please PM either myself or a thread moderator. Thank you.

⌠Dead Threads, but good reads.⌡○Threads that we once supported, but have since fizzled out.

• Circumcision : Debunking the Myths on a Cosmetic Procedure.
• Fizzlesticks' Fantastic Safer Sex Kit

⌠Related Guilds⌡ ○ Guilds that have to do with either parenting or pregnancy.

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Birth Announcements!

♥On June 28th, 2007 at 6:20pm Christopher was born to Chobits_Chii2.

♥On July 9th, 2008 at 6:06pm Simon was born to Sollie.

♥On August 7th, 2008 at 11:15 PM Zoe Mitsuki was born to Suki Fairy.

♥On August 8th, 2008 at 10:39pm Adia Ruth Laurie Gietzen was born to Danny_Girl_4290.

♥On August 30th, 2008 at 12:40am John Murdock was born to MoogleXMutant.

♥On August 30th, 2008...Damien was born to BlackAngel0660.

♥On November 11th, 2008 a baby girl was born to LadyDeath01.

♥On November 28th, 2008 Annalee was born to Serikurio.

♥On December 2nd, 2008 at 9:25pm Matthew Ethan and at 9:26pm Haley Elizabeth
were born to oO P U M P K I N Oo.

♥On December 12th, 2008 at 8:41 Michael Lee Damien Moore was born to Amarah Couture.

♥On December 15th, 2008 at 3:00am a little girl was born to black love1988.

♥On December 16th, 2008 at 4:52pm Azura Bell McNutt was born to [.lubrication.].

♥On December 18th, 2008 at 8:07am Aiden James Hendrickson was born to Shaunarhea.

♥On January 3rd, 2009 at 4:56am Michael Scott Smith and at 5:12am David Benjamin Smith were born to loverwithheart56 and his wife Andy.

♥On January 19th, 2009 at 12:06pm Robert and at 12:08pm Jeremiah were born to Kanika Maibe and her husband Olganos.

♥On January 28th, 2009 Lukas Donald Theodore Flint was born to shinobu_maehara24.

♥On February 6th, 2009 Hunter Wesley Chord was born to His Bella.

♥On February 6th, 2009 at 2:11pm Gabriel David Kilroy was born to Xolkiyr and his fiance.

♥On March 19, 2009 at 5:47pm Mychael Silvester was born to Voodoo Temptation.

♥On March 26th, 2009 at 7:26pm Lilly Marie was born to Artemis Rise.

♥On April 12th, 2009 at 7:33pm Wendy Daffodil was born to Tute Sweet.

♥On April 17th, 2009 William Tyler Jr. was born to Mr Ransom 2 and his wife.

♥On May 23rd, 2009 at 12:54 Blakslee Zachary Thomas was born to Felis terrapina.

♥On May 25th, 2009 at 6:07am Isabelle Rose and at 6:11am Jonathan Ian were born to In His Arms Forever [Grace] and her husband Shawn.

♥On May 26th, 2009 at 8:57pm Jude was born to GlowInTheDarkCondom.

♥On June 20th, 2009 at 2:55am Rhiannon Elaine Shimer was born to Mister Mental and his wife.

♥On November 8, 2009 at 6:22pm Joseph Layne Black Bear II was born to Veunus Rahl and her husband.

♥On January 4th, 2010 at 1:48 PM Jeffrey was born to xoxoPink Supremexoxo and her husband.

♥On February 1st, 2010 at 6:42pm Brandon was born to MommaFushigi and her husband.

♥On March 23rd, 2010 Evelyn was born to One Dead Memory.

♥On April 6th, 2t010 at 3:46pm Alexander Drake was born to Voodoo Temptation and her husband.

♥On May 10th, 2010 Alexstrasza was born to Gatosa.

♥On May 18th, 2010 at 7:13pm Sari was born to Valixrae.

♥On May 29th, 2010 at 6:11am Michael was born to Chobits_Chii2.

♥On May 29th, 2010 Braden was born to Purfekt.

♥On July 1st, 2010 Shane Damin Phillips was born to Chombi.

♥On April 28th, 2011 at 7am James was born to Kupo Monaco.

♥On April 29th, 2011 at 9:25am Dahlia was born to - CeiJae -.

♥On July 26th, 2012 at 12:48am Emmett Viktor Southeren was born to Sammiifayse and her husband Michael.

♥On August 6th, 2012 Aidan Nicholas was born to xXxRae RainxXx.

♥On September 29th, 2012 at 1:05am Aaliyah Victoria Shahine was born to Naterbee.

♥On October 23rd, 2012 Mia Jane was born to Pandella.

♥On October 26th, 2012 at 2:17pm Lunette Seraphim Badillo was born to The Mistress K.

♥On February 4th, 2013 at 1:53 PM Shilo was born to Blood_Flavored_Condoms.

Announcements!

♦ June 4th, 2008 - Original Pregnancy Support Thread created and opened!
♦ February 28th, 2010 - Original Pregnancy Support reached page 4,037!
♦ February 28th, 2010 - Pregnancy Support Sequel created.
♦ March 22nd, 2010 - Pregnancy Support Moderator Application opened!

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Signature Banners.

Behold our sexy banners. Support us supporting you or simply just support us. =3 If you'd like to help us out, we would love some more banners. If you do decide to make a banner, please follow these guidelines:

• No nudity, as in no exposed breasts or southern regions. We have been in trouble before for having part of a breast showing in our signatures.
• Please keep signatures less than 500 pixels in size in both width and height, and a total byte-size of less than 100,000 Bytes. Your ability to post signatures may be removed if you do not comply with this standard. -Gaia Rules & Guidelines
• Have the words "Pregnancy Support" on the banner.
• Our tinyurl is: http://tinyurl.com/pregsthread
• Use Orange text. Orange is our color!

▬Why we use orange text and orange daisies as our symbol.▬

Daisies represent innocence, loyal love, "I'll Never Tell", and purity. Orange is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance. Combined, the orange daisy represents a mother very well.

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