Recently, TV star Katherine Heigl raised a few eyebrows when she said, "I'm finished with the whole idea of having children of my own. It doesn't seem like any fun. I don't think it's necessary to go through all that." Isn't pregnancy supposed to be a gift? A miracle? More meaningful than just some tedious inconvenience?

But Heigel is not alone -- according to The Daily Mail, many women are choosing adoption over pregnancy. The reasons are many but a couple are especially common: To keep their career on track and maintain their figure. Says one adoptive mother: "I am quite slim, so yes, a lot of it is pure vanity. I don't like the thought of changing my body for a child. Giving birth and the idea of all that pain filled me with dread."

Is not giving birth because of vanity a selfish move? Or a practical one? In the end, it all comes down to personal choice, but I'm curious -- what do you think?

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Maintaining health in my mind and body has always been important to me. But it became more so after I became a mother. I've been fortunate, for the most part, to be one who enjoys motherhood and has been able to achieve a good balance most of the time.

Still, I was intrigued when my friend and neighbor handed over her copy of Mother Nurture to add to my bedside table. It's a fabulous resource regardless of how well a mother might be coping, or not. It could be a lifesaver for some.

If anything else, reading about preventing depletion, building teamwork with your partner and achieving balance in your life is fabulous motivation to keep moving forward and enjoy being a parent rather than viewing it as a task to be completed. I'm actually putting it on my short list of great baby shower gifts. I suspect it would be a lot more valuable than another blanket in the nursery.

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Unplanned parenthood happens every day. Remember that whenever there is sperm and eggs there is a chance for pregnancy no matter what birth control measures you take. There is not a single birth control method on the market that is 100 percent effective from preventing pregnancy. Not even tying your tubes or hysterectomies are full proof. The only full proof method of not getting pregnant is to not have sex.

Birth control pills, one of the most effective types of birth control, can not be effective if you forget a dose. And even if you take it correctly you still have a slight chance of getting pregnant. Another traditional form of birth control are condoms. Latex and vinyl condoms will prevent STDs, including HBV and HIV/AIDS from passing from one partner to another and prevent sperm from gaining access to the female reproductive tract. Male condoms can be faulty and most packages warn of 85 to 98 percent effectiveness. Female condoms are another choice but are 79 to 95 percent effective but they will also protect against STDs, including HBV and HIV/AIDS. Spermicide, whether foam or film, only has up to 80 percent effectiveness and that is with perfect use.

Get to know your birth control options and facts. Here is a link to a chart produced by Advocates For Youth on the effectiveness of contraceptives.

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