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What's Your Pregnancy Story?
Do you have an amazing, unusual, or simply memorable pregnancy story? SMITH and "Rick's Picks":http://www.rickspicksnyc.com invite you to share your tale of this momentous time in 100 words or less. You may include a photo as well, but one isn't required to enter the contest.
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By Bethe 4 years ago Got my legs crossed!
"You've got a month to go". That's what the doctor said the day before my water broke. I rolled over and woke up to a feeling of warm, wetness. I thought I had peed in our bed. My husband didn't believe me. He was convinced he could go to work and not have to deal with the ugly mess of having a baby. He asked me … Read more »
By cookiemoo 4 years ago Got my legs crossed!
"You've got a month to go". That's what the doctor said the day before my water broke. I rolled over and woke up to a feeling of warm, wetness. I thought I had peed in our bed. My husband didn't believe me. He was convinced he could go to work and not have to deal with the ugly mess of having a baby. He asked me … Read more »My home birth
My first was premature, born in a hospital, Pitocin punching him out of me. The second time would be different. I planned a home birth: I piled up a birth pool, rubber gloves, motherwort tincture, old towels, plastic shower curtains, a bowl for the placenta. Water broke, midwives arrived, pushing began. Though I'd planned everything, I couldn't control anything. I was an angry, raving, roving Neanderthal. … Read more »Not like the other moms
Pregnant! A new mom gushing with pleasure to have finally conceived. I will be one of those moms with beautiful, radiant skin and glowing perfect like sunshine and Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair. My stomach will swell perfectly round and I will be all too happy to have a new wardrobe sized perfectly around me and my precious little King. Or will I? Instead … Read more »Pre-BabyBoom EPT Test
My husband wouldn't survive breakfast without his peanut butter. Married 48 years, he still spreads it lavishly on his toast.Our first child hearalded his arrival 2 days after I had missed my cycle. EPT tests were unheard of in my child-bearing years but when the peanut butter melted on the warm toast, the aroma floated to my nasal passages and introduced me to "morning … Read more »
By Palooski65 4 years ago Owen
A second baby who was supposed to come out easy ("second babies are a breeze!") but decided to remain breech no matter what I did--including laying in funny positions (nothing like a pregnant woman trying to basically stand on her head), chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, burning mugwort next to my pinky toes (this was hubby's favorite), and eventually an attempted version (um, where they physically try to turn your baby from … Read more »A Storybook Delivery
My daughter made her debut ten days early. No problem except I wasn't packed, hadn't showered, and my legs weren't shaved. Eight hours after I went into labor, the OB/GYN announced to everyone in the room that I had a "storybook delivery." Let's review. I didn't get any pain meds; I was left buck naked and freezing on the table afterward; and my regular obstetrician was unavailable so I was … Read more »I thought I was safe
I'd known for months so I guess I'd forgotten how terrifying and confusing it can be to find out that a baby is coming. Most miscarriages happened in the first trimester and since my pregnancy was out of that stage, it was time to tell the father. I thought I was safe. I thought she was safe. But I'd also forgotten the spontaneity of violence. And after the most brutal … Read more »It's Too Late
I was determined to have my baby naturally. My husband and I took the required Lamaze classes very seriously and I wanted a natural childbirth. When we arrived at the ER, I was dilated four centimeters and handling the pain fairly well. Then, came my first-ever IV and first-ever enema. I wasn't happy but so far, so good. A couple of hours into the hard labor, I caved in and … Read more »Where Are My Toes?
I'll never forget when I couldn't see my toes. I hadn't realized my tummy was that big, but one day in the shower, I looked down and my toes were nowhere to be found! I guess my cravings for pepperoni pizza, Mexican food, and yes, pickles combined with that little growing baby inside caught up with me. From behind, I didn't gain a pound but when I turned sideways, … Read more »Morning Sickness and Hospital Smells
For the first trimester, I had terrible morning sickness, and unfortunately, worked at a hospital. You know the smell. It hits you right in the face when you walk in. I spent most days as green as a martian. And the doctors had a strange sense of humor. Sometimes during meetings, they'd place an organ in a jar in front of my chair. Ha funny ha. There was an upside--I … Read more »Snoring Husband
I went into labor ten days early. At 3:15 a.m., I awakened my snoring husband who announced, "It's false labor" and rolled over. I plumped my pillow and stared nervously at the clock. Realizing I hadn't shaved my legs, I got the job done in the bathroom sink--lying in the floor every time a contraction hit. I scowled at my still-snoring husband. By 8 a.m., my contractions were just five … Read more »
At 35 weeks my blood pressure was high. The doctor sent us to the hospital. In our naivety we thought they were just going to draw blood or make me lie down for an hour. Four hours later, my unborn daughter and I near death, we were loaded on a helicopter and flown to another state's expert neo-natal intensive care unit.Six more hours and my 2 1/2 pound daughter was … Read more »
Third Times a Charm?
First time thrilled. Told no one. Good Friday miscarriage at 12 weeks. Partner drove me 2 hours to hug Mom and Dad that weekend after D & E.Second time hesitant. Told extended family at family reunion. Told work. 18 weeks pre-term labor at home in the bathroom. 911. Ambulance to the hospital. Mom & Dad in town for cremation.
Third time petrified. Afraid to set up initial … Read more »
February 2006 Misarriage. June 2006 Asherman's Syndrome. Infertile. Devastated. Research. Found support group. September 2006 Los Angeles. Surgery. Correction. Home. January 2007 Pregnant. October 2007 Baby. Lovely boy. Both of us and our family are happy and whole now.
Almost
Not one emergency clinic I called was open. Everybody was partying. It was Fourth of July for them, too.Well, said Alessandro. What do you hear?
"Heartbeats in a few days if someone doesn't help." I smiled, hopeful.
Ale kept his eyes on the knot he was tying in the sloppy condom he dug out of me.
Finally, an office with a message service: I … Read more »
Twenty-two
I slid my purchases across the counter to "Jerome," my Sav-On cashier."Just a quiet night at home," I said.
He laughed and bagged my stuff--microwave popcorn, a 2-liter of Coke and a pregnancy test--and handed me my change. His smile was friendly.
"Hey," he said. "I know how it is. Gonna get a movie from next door?" Blockbuster was next door.
Jeff sidled up … Read more »
Self Esteem
It’s the summer of love, or so they say now. Seventeen and pregnant, out of sync with the times,I stomp out the door one day and strut along until a wolf whistle at my back stops me cold. I balance myself on the uneven sidewalk and turn to face some old man in a red convertible. Babies havin’ babies, he says, and when my face falls he … Read more »
1984
From opposite sides, we peered at the little plus sign."I guess this means we gotta get married."
I sighed deeply at his flat marriage proposal.
Later that week, the doctor began his informational portion of the visit. "They don't do abortions here in town, but you can go to the Valley clinic. They fill up pretty fast, so better call today."
My words were small and meek, "I'm planning … Read more »
By Justntime 4 years ago 
What's Your Pregnancy Story?
A contest from Rick's Picks and SMITH Magazine
Do you have an amazing, unusual, or simply memorable pregnancy story? SMITH Magazine and the delicious pickle maker Rick’s Picks invite you to share your tale of this momentous time in your life in 100 words or less.
Seven of you (six future moms and one dad) will win a mouth-watering Rick’s Picks Pregnancy Pack and a copy of SMITH’s bestselling book, NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING: Six-Word Memoirs By Writers Famous & Obscure. Three Grand Prize Winners will have their image and story published on jars of Rick’s Picks, aptly named dill pickle, Slices of Life, “the Pickle of Pregnancy” that moms-to-be crave.
Also, check out our earlier feature, Beautiful Pregnant Women, featuring the photos of Jennifer Maya Luz Pliego.
About Rick's Picks
Rick’s Picks cofounder Rick Field grew up making traditional pickles with his family in Vermont. The 11 varieties now made by Rick’s Picks are distinguished by their exceptional quality, with an unusual array of varieties and flavor profiles. The pickles are hand-packed and all natural, and made with locally sourced produce, bringing innovation to a category that hasn’t seen much change in a long time.
About SMITH
SMITH Magazine cofounder Larry Smith grew up swapping stories with his family in New Jersey, especially his grandfather, Morris "Smitty" Smith. The stories featured on SMITH Magazine are distinguished by their exceptional quality, with an unusual array of varieties and personal flavor. Each story is handpicked by its editors from among the thousands of submissions that readers send in, bringing innovation to a category that hasn’t seen much change in a long time.
The Book: Not Quite What I Was Planning
Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure collects almost 1,000 six-word memoirs, including additions from many celebrities including Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Richard Ford, Dave Eggers, Mario Batali, Aimee Mann, and more.
The Fine Print & Contest Rules
By submitting an entry, you are granting SMITH and Rick’s Picks the right to reprint or republish that entry online or in print, as well as make any necessary edits. See SMITH's terms of service for complete details.
This contest ends May 10, 2009. Prizes are not redeemable for cash and must be accepted as awarded. Winners are decided at the discretion of SMITH judges and all decisions are final. SMITH reserves the right to change the contest rules. Enter as often as you want. SMITH reserves the right to reprint or republish all entries.
Baby Names for Boys and Girls and the Meaning of Names
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Baby names and their meanings, unique names for boys and girls, popular male and female name statistics and more
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