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Is Pregnancy a Disability?

BabyCenter — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:16:40 PST

We're excited to share this post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we will be bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Stacie Lewis about considering pregnancy a disability.

Shortness of breath. Inability to lift heavy objects. Need for specific seating. Exhaustion. Months of nausea followed by months, possibly a year, off work. Are these the markers of a disability?

Sorry, ladies. You aren’t disabled. You are pregnant.

A month ago I pulled my car into a disabled space in front of a baby store. My daughter is disabled, and we have a badge. Next to me a man waited in his car, also in a disabled spot. No badge.

I knocked on his window. I tried - and probably did not succeed on any level - to not sound annoyed. “Sorry, but you are parking in a disabled spot.”

“But, my wife . . . ,” he sputtered, “she’s pregnant.” He gestured toward the baby store. “She’s inside, and I’m waiting for her.”

First of all: disabled spaces are not for “waiting” in. They are for ease of loading and unloading people in wheelchairs. They are for people, like my daughter, who suffer from seizures and might need be rushed back to the car and then the hospital, so need to be as close as possible to the car.

Let’s be clear, if his wife can stroll through a megababy store - it is literally the size of Kansas - she can walk the extra 10 feet across the lane to the nonhandicapped parking. She is not disabled.

However, as The Huffington Post reported this week, Jeannette Cox, a law professor at the University of Dayton in Ohio, thinks pregnancy is a disability. According to her research, the Americans With Disabilities Act should be expanded to include pregnant workers.

"The recent expansion of the ADA’s protected class now includes persons with minor temporary physical limitations comparable to pregnancy’s physical effects," said Cox. "This invites reexamination of the assumption pregnant workers may not use the ADA to obtain workplace accommodations."

To some extent, I agree with Cox. There is a culture of discrimination in America about pregnancy. I live in Britain and I am astounded by how little time and leeway American pregnant women are accorded. Policies and legislation that encourage women to work up until the moment of birth (and Cox encourages employers to consider that, with proper accommodation, women would be more able to do this, not less) and to return to work as swiftly as possible or else lose their job, are irresponsible in the extreme. Establishing breast-feeding, recovering from a C-section - these things all take time, and I doubt any health professional thinks only a few months, or as is the case for some women, a few weeks is long enough for mother or baby.

But a disability? Sorry. No.

Disability is a serious, life-altering complication. As such, the classification should be assigned only to those that need that level of protection and assistance. Return to my initial list of conditions: pregnant women do not require oxygen masks, care workers, wheelchairs, tube feeding - the symptoms of pregnancy are not such that a woman’s life is irrevocably and devastatingly changed long-term.

As soon as we start calling pregnancy a disability, disability itself is reduced to the challenge level of pregnancy. Never forget that - though exhausting and nauseating - pregnancy will pass. Feel grateful for that and the glimpse it gives you of a more challenging life.

Do you consider pregnancy a disability?

More great stories from BabyCenter.com:
Mom jeans no more!
Did you get the name you wish?
Getting highlights gives me guilt
How to overcome the baby blues
Katherine Heigl on "failing" as a mom

Source: Flickr User elicash

15 Smart Things You Can Do With $100

Business Insider — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:15:47 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Business Insider story here on Savvy!

At first blush, $100 is only $100. It's so easy to fritter away on eating out, entertainment, or booking a trip online.

But you should never underestimate how far $100 can go, even in this economy.

"It's smarter to put that money away because once it's in your pocket, it's pretty much gone," says Joel Larsen, a certified financial planner based in Davis, Calif.

No matter where you are in your financial life, we've compiled 15 tips to help you stretch that Benjamin.

Open a college savings account

"A lot of people will say, 'it's only $100,'" says Larsen, but if you were to save $100 a month over 20 years at a 7% rate of return, you would amass $52,092.67. Impressive, right?

Depending on your financial picture, you'll need to shop around to find the right plan based on investment performances, expenses, and tax exemptions.

Andrew Schrage, founder of the personal finance site, Money Crashers, recommends looking into a 529 College Savings plan set up by governments or colleges to help parents save.

"One of the primary benefits of a 529 savings plan is that it offers tax protection from the federal government," he says. "Also, you may be eligible for tax protection from the state government."

Read on for more.

Beyoncé Holds Onto Her Bump and Faces $100 Million Lawsuit

Molly Goodson — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:48 PST

Beyoncé Knowles and her mom, Tina, had some help from umbrella holders as they stepped out to get their nails done in NYC last night. Beyoncé kept a protective hand on her stomach, but still flashed her smile as she made her way back to her waiting car after touching up her long, pointy blue nails. According to reports, Beyoncé may be expecting a Christmas or early New Year baby, so she could be in the final weeks of her pregnancy. Jay-Z is with her in New York on a break from his Watch the Throne tour, but he'll be back on the West Coast to take it from LA to Vancouver and finish things off next week.

It's not all about preparing for the new arrival, however, since Beyoncé is also facing a pretty intense lawsuit. A video-game company is suing Beyoncé for $100 million, saying that she abandoned ship on a dance video-game project last April. Beyoncé tried to get the suit dismissed, but this week a Manhattan judge ruled that it could proceed.

Reese Doesn't Let a Minor Injury Slow Down Her Routine

Katie Henry — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:30:21 PST

Reese Witherspoon ran errands around LA yesterday wearing a blue brace on her left pinky finger. It's been an unfortunate year of injuries for the actress - Reese was struck by a car in September, and now it seems she's mending another banded up body part. Despite the minor setback to her hand, Reese still managed to have a fun filled day at Disneyland on Saturday. She was joined at the "Happiest Place on Earth" by her husband, Jim Toth, kids, Ava and Deacon, and some additional family members. Reese will have time to recuperate her wounds over the holidays since she's not expected to start promoting her next project, This Means War, until 2012.

Reese Witherspoon Goes Sheer For Dinner With Cameron Diaz

Allie Merriam — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:25 PDT

Reese Witherspoon wore a sheer blue shirt on Thursday night when she had dinner with friends at The Tavern restaurant in Brentwood. Cameron Diaz was among the ladies who gathered for the meal, and she was seen waiting inside for her car to arrive as Reese faced the photographers. It was an evening out on the town for Reese, who has been busy lately spending time with her kids, Ava and Deacon, and husband Jim Toth. Reese is prepping to return to movie making in Jason Segel's Sex Tape, but for now is spending her days adding to her wardrobe at some of LA's most chic boutiques. Cameron, meanwhile, has been on set for Gambit and What to Expect When You're Expecting. Cameron has been catching up with girlfriends like Reese and Gwyneth Paltrow since splitting with boyfriend Alex Rodriguez a few months ago. New reports say Cameron Diaz is dating Diddy, but the two have been friends for years.

Group Therapy: Is It Normal For a Married Woman to Fantasize About Other Men?

Tres Community — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:05:02 PDT

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

If you are a married woman, do you ever find yourself fantasizing about what it would be like to sleep with another man?

I am newly married to an attractive, successful man whom I love very much. So why do I find myself getting turned on by the idea of sleeping with other men?

I work in a massive office building, and there is this one guy in particular who really is setting the scene for my daydreams. I don't even know him other than in passing by, but he is so attractive, and I can't help but imagine what it would be like to have a torrid sexy affair with him in secret - at his place, in hotel rooms, cars, etc. I get so turned on thinking about it.

I have never pursued him or even given him any idea that I'm so turned on by him, but he is playing on my mind a lot and I've even had a couple dreams with him in them. Obviously it's just a sexual thing; and nothing more, but it's still a super powerful feeling that I've never really had before. I think it must be the mystery of it all, because again, I don't even know the guy. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, super tall, masculine body and my husband has the same build but with brown hair, olive skin tone and green eyes; both are so super attractive. I'm just worried because if I'm so turned on by another guy this early in my marriage, what does the future hold? Again, I have never acted on any of these urges, or even come close to cheating on my husband even before we were married, but I'm still a little concerned because I don't want it to ever get to that point.

I guess what I'm trying to ask, is this normal and has anyone else ever had the same types of feelings?

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

Beginner Bicycle Buy: The 7.2 FX WSD by Trek

Leta Shy — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:31:30 PDT

You never forget how to ride a bike, but hopping on one for the first time since those school days gone by can be intimidating. So when Trek sent me a bike that it promised was perfect for beginner cyclists, I was hoping it was the ideal gateway bike for me to start navigating San Francisco's hilly roads on two wheels.

What's New
Released over the Summer, the 2012 Trek 7.2 FX WSD hybrid bike ($550) is an update of the company's most popular model. Since it's a part-road, part-mountain hybrid bike, it's made for anyone who commutes in the city, cycles for fitness, or is just the casual rider. Upgrades to the new model include a lighter body, shock-absorbing handlebars, and improved saddle comfort. Also, Trek's WSD line features women-specific design to ensure that the bikes' proportions and sizing are made for your body.

The Ride
As a city cyclist newbie, I loved how comfortable the 7.2 FX felt from the start. From the seat to the shock-absorbing handlebars, I felt confident and at ease. The low-rise handlebars make for back-friendly upright riding, and the bike's sturdiness reassured me that I was in control (everything helps when those cars are whizzing by). When I took the 7.2 FX with me during a camping trip, its hybrid tires - wider than a road bike's but not as big as a mountain bike's - navigated well-worn trails with ease, whether they were paved, rocky, or sandy.

Besides the comfortable ride, many of the 7.2 FX's other features make me a fan. My appreciation for the 7.2 FX's aluminum frame and eight speeds, for instance, grew exponentially as soon as I confronted my first hill. Its light body meant I wasn't weighed down, and once I got a hang of shifting gears I was able to actually make it to the top using the bike's low gears.

Read on for more details about the Trek 7.2 FX WSD.

Prada Spring 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:36:03 PDT

Miuccia Prada revved it up in more ways than one for Prada's Spring collection in a runway show, named "Women and Car Engines," adorned with giant toy cars referenced to show the Italian man's (stereotypical) love for women and cars. Only Prada can show this meaning in a sweet '50s-themed story showing diaphanous high-waist pleated skirts paired with bandeau tops, lace-print car coats, and varsity jackets. Furthering her car theme were adorable retro car prints - think Chevrolets and Cadillacs - and flame-whipped patterns splayed across skirts and blouses. We especially loved Miuccia's leather pencil skirt adorned with an old-school automobile. Meanwhile, rhinestone-embellished one-piece swimsuits added a sultry touch to her sweet and sexy theme. "Cheerful and witty" was how Miuccia described her collection, and we couldn't agree more. More details from the amazing collection below.

Trends: High-waisted pleated skirts, bandeau tops, leather pencil skirts, car coats, varsity jackets.
Colors: Red, sky blue, pink, aqua, black, yellow, hunter green.
Key Look: We loved all of the lace-print coats and leather pencil skirts.
Accessories: Bags with car prints, flame-embellished sandals, oversized rhinestone earrings, '50s sunglasses.
Who Would Wear It: Girls who crave statement chic pieces like Alexa Chung and Kirsten Dunst.

Erdem Spring 2012

Brittney Stephens — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:34:52 PDT

Delicate lace and feminine florals came together for a beautiful, ladylike show from Erdem for Spring 2012. We already know Erdem is high on Kate Middleton's radar after she wore Erdem several times on her North American tour this Summer, and for good reason. The brand manages to feel feminine and polished without an ounce of stuffiness.

Trends: ladylike, florals, lace.
Colors: shades of blue, yellow, and violet.
Key Piece: a floral trench, the floral dress with lace detailing.
Accessories: ankle-strap heels, delicate little car gloves.
Who Would Wear It: Feminine, polished girls - Keira Knightley, Diane Kruger, Kate Middleton, and Sarah Jessica Parker would look great in this collection.

Ke$ha Talks About the Colorful Contents of Her Purse, a Potential Beauty Line, and More

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:47:00 PDT

Ke$ha has designed a new line of watches for Casio Baby-G, and earlier today she held a conference in San Francisco to discuss the collaboration. As you can imagine, not only was she funny, but she was also decked out in her Ke$ha finest, complete with beaded face mask and American flag-style jumpsuit. She talked about her commitment to animals, what's in her purse, and whether there might just be a line of Ke$ha makeup or perfume in the future. So to see what she had to say, just keep reading.