Quite possibly triggery for anyone with abuse/rape history.

Research reveals that an alarming number of men force or coerce unwanted pregnancy in their partners. Tactics include hiding their birth control pills, and damaging condoms or removing them mid-intercourse. It's not about wanting babies, since often the same men then coerce abortion or ( Read more... )

Belated pregnancy-related projects for today ( Read more... )

My equator measures 52 inches.

On the plight of pregnant women in the West Bank, where babies are dying needlessly

Today I went to church just in time for the only service to be over; I hadn't realized they change the schedule for summer. Bleah. I did talk to a lady who is planning to start a new parents' group, and got her card. Went back home, read a bunch of ursulav's webcomic Digger, drowsed, did a load of dishes, saw the rest of my family briefly as they came ( Read more... )

Tired. Had a shower and some breakfast. tugger brought my better bathrobe and a couple other things, and kindly ferried me to SuperSlow and back, bracketing his lunch date.
( workout details )

Amazing photos of the moment of conception. Absolute must-see, trust me. Thanks to singingnettle for the link.

A review of a book on the Japanese custom of mizuyo kuyo, by the author of a dissenting book

ozarque informs us of the common Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine to honor one's never-born children--aborted or miscarried--and bringing gifts. Apparently, whole families sometimes go, visiting would-have-been siblings. The difference in attitude from the US implied here is notable. Some of the comments are particularly interesting, too: this ( Read more... )

It has recently been drawn to my attention that despite past recommendations to use contraceptive foam or jelly along with condoms to help prevent spread of STDs, more recent research shows spermicides to be unhelpful in preventing spread of STDs, and even counterproductive in some cases. Some of my readers might want to adjust their safety ( Read more... )