Pregnancy Nurse Articles

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FYI Pulling Curls is Hilary’s original site and has tons of great pregnancy posts as well (if you don’t find what you want here, check that site out).

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Month-by-Month Pregnancy Timeline & To Do List
Today I want to share a few things you should be doing each month of your pregnancy to be ready …
Mistakes You’re Making That Makes Labor Longer
Today I want to talk about a few things that you’re doing that makes labor longer than it has to …
Is an Induction More Painful than “Regular Labor”
If you’re considering an induction, you may wonder if it’s more painful than “regular” labor (meaning labor that comes on …
Do You Need a Birth Class if You Plan to Get an Epidural
If you think that birth class is mainly to get you through the pain of labor — do you really …
4 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Cervix for Labor
Far too many people are going in for necessary (medically-indicated) inductions and finding that their cervix just isn’t ready to …
Best Sex Position to Induce Labor?
Let’s talk about sex to induce labor — and then go a bit deeper {see what I did there} to …
How to Prepare for Childbirth
Are you a mom-to-be? Congratulations! Are you starting to feel a little bit anxious about childbirth and having a new …
5 Things You Need to Know About Preeclampsia
You’ve maybe heard about preeclampsia, but you’re not sure why you should know about it, or why it might apply …
Pumping To Induce Labor? Will it work?
You’re wanting to go into labor (or prep for a planned induction) will nipple stimulation, (or pumping) put you into …
Safest Age Gap Between Kids: For Health of Mom & Baby
You’re thinking about another baby — and it’s definitely smart to think about. Beyond daycare and other monetary costs, emotional …
Your Complete Guide to Epidurals in Labor: Everything You Need to Know
You’re mulling over getting an epidural and you’d like more info? Well, I’m thrilled that you’re here. I’m excited to …
How is a Foley Catheter Used in Labor?
A Foley catheter is something that drains the urine out of your bladder into a bag. It can be used …
35 Weeks Pregnant Checklist
You’re heading into that home stretch of pregnancy — just over a month left! It’s a great feeling to know …
Does Evening Primrose Oil Induce Labor?
Are you wondering if primrose oil will put you into labor? I get asked this question a lot (along with …
3 Tips to Using Movement During Labor WITH an Epidural
I am a huge fan of movement during birth. In fact, it’s one of my 3 proven secrets. However, you …
3 Proven Labor Secrets You Don’t Want to Labor Without!
As a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years I can’t wait to share with you three things that can …
When Should I Start Wearing Compressions Stockings During Pregnancy?
Compression socks can be helpful during pregnancy. When should you start wearing them and what do they even do? I …
YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clear
I know we love phrases like birth plans, birth preferences and birth wishes — but the reality is that we …
How To Have A Natural Hospital Birth
I often hear people wanting to know how to have a “natural” birth at the hospital. It’s important to know …
Hospital Policies You Can NOT Say No To.
Today we’re sharing what hospital policies you can not say no to (or ones that have some pretty serious consequences). …
How to Push-Out a Baby
You know that labor involves contractions, but how exactly does that baby get from the inside of your body outside …
Master Labor Preparation: How Online Classes Help Couples Thrive
Getting ready for labor involves more than just packing a hospital bag—it’s about feeling prepared, informed, and empowered. Birth Classes …
5 Things NOT to do Before Your Induction
I’ve talked ALL about what to do before an induction, today I want to talk about 5 things to NOT …
Your Third Trimester Checklist
Those last weeks of pregnancy can be a LOT — I get it. Your brain is also feeling pretty mushy …
First Poop After Delivery: Make it less-hard (literally)
Your first BM after delivery can be really stressful. I speak from an area of what NOT to do (as …
What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?
Birth plans are all the rage. Sure, I prefer birth preferences or birth wishes, but the idea is the same. …
What Does a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test Mean?
Today I’m answering a question I get a LOT of. Lots of images sent to me via social media to …
Pitocin to Induce Labor
Pitocin or Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces to start things like labor, breastfeeding, and more. Your body has …
Inducing Labor at 39 Weeks: Pros and Cons
You may have heard that inducing at 39 weeks is safe, or maybe you just want to be done being …
Bladder Infections in Pregnancy
Have you had a bladder infection, or are worried you’re getting one? Pregnancy is a time that you’re more likely …
5 Do’s and Don’ts of the First Trimester
The first trimester can feel tricky, and I’m finding more and more people are having their first prenatal appointment later …
What do People Wish They Had Known About Before Birth?
Today we’re going to deep dive into a study on what parents (especially first time parents) wish they had known …
Advocating For Yourself in Labor
Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, and SO …
5 Things You CAN Control in Labor (mostly)
My #1 truth about pregnancy and labor is to let go of control (because mother nature ultimately has the control …
Planning for Bump to Bassinet: Must-Have Resources for Expecting Parents
Embarking on your journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time, filled with anticipation and so many decisions. Whether …
Does Sleeping Stop Contractions?
If you go to sleep will it make your contractions stop? Today I’m going to share if sleeping is the …
Alternatives to Hospital Birth Classes
Hospital birth classes used to be the standard for expecting parents, but now there are alternatives to that form of …
3 Things to Know About Perineal Massage
Perineal massage gets a lot of talk on the internet, but is it actually useful? Today I’m going to share …
3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster Labor
Today I want to share three things you can do it try to make for a faster labor. That isn’t …
Your Guide to Your Postpartum Plan with Free Template
Creating a postpartum plan during your pregnancy is SO smart. Preparing for life after baby, and how you’ll attempt some …
The WORST Parts of Pregnancy
Today I want to share the WORST parts of pregnancy. Sometimes you just want to feel like “yeah, this really …
Self Care During Postpartum & Pregnancy
Self-Care looks different during every phase of our lives. As you get later into your pregnancy & after you have …
My #1 Tip for Hospital Birth
There’s something that people don’t talk about, because it seems a little scary — but it truly is your BEST …
What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?
Your mucus plug is a magical thing that keeps baby safe during the first couple of trimesters, but it often …
100+ Fascinating Pregnancy & Labor Statistics: Be Informed What Is Normal
These are some fascinating facts about pregnancy & birth that every pregnant family should know. Everything from fears, to tearing, …
What To Do If Your Labor Goes Long?
You’re in labor, but it’s just not progressing like you’d hoped (or possibly how the staff wished it would). What …
How a Birth Class Changes Pregnancy, Labor, Birth & Life With Baby
Countless studies show that a birth class can change everything in your first steps into parenthood. But, what does that …
The MOST Traumatic things in Labor & Delivery
You may think that the things that cause the most trauma are the kinds you see on TV or the …
Intermittent Auscultation: Who it’s for (and why it’s better)
Have you ever heard that if you go looking for trouble, you’ll find it? Studies show that is also true …
5 Fixes for Groin Pain During Pregnancy
Is your groin (meaning in between your thighs and even into your middle-pelvis) hurting during pregnancy. Today I’m going to …
The Magical Saline Lock: How it can help
The saline lock (formerly known as a hep lock) is an under-utilized tool in labor that can allow you the …
Can Summer Heat Hurt Your Pregnancy?
Did you know that hot summer conditions can prove to be problematic for your pregnacy. This article isn’t here to …
5 Reasons to NOT Get Induced
Choosing to have an induction is super complicated. Many women find a LOT of reasons to get induced, but there …
When to Announce Your Pregnancy
You’re pregnant, and wondering when to announce to the people around you that’s happening. When is the BEST time to …
What to Expect at A Foley Bulb Induction
Has your doctor said they will place a foley bulb with your induction? What does that mean, what does it …
Sleeping During Pregnancy: Tips by Trimester
Sleep can be tough during pregnancy. Sometimes you feel like you’re sleeping too MUCH and sometimes you can’t get to …
Should You Let Your Provider Break Your Water?
If your provider wants to break your water, should you let her? Today I’m going to talk about some of …
10 Things to Do When You Find-Out You’re Pregnant
So, you just found out you’re pregnant (or you’re hoping to soon) — what are some things you should be …
40 weeks + a day and No Sign of Labor?
They give you a due date meaning baby will be OUT around then, right? But what if you hit that …
Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor
Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to …
What Happens if Your Induction Doesn’t Work?
You’re going in for an induction, but in the back of your head — you’re sort of wondering what happens …
C-Section Recovery: Tips You’ll Need
Are planning on a cesarean section, or recently had one? Today I’m going to share a few little-known tips for …
7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third Trimester
You’ve hit that third trimester, and you think you’ll running it into the endzone for a big win this pregnancy. …
Considering a VBAC: What to do
You’re considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all TOLAC (which …
What to Do When You’re Having Contractions
Having contractions can feel like — “oh my gosh, is this it” but there are some questions you should ask …
Can You Refuse a Urinary Catheter During Labor
The urinary catheter is given for a variety of reasons during labor. Can you refuse it though? What happens if …
To the Mom Who Thinks She’ll Go Early.
I see it all the time — “I don’t think I’ll make it to my due date” — but is …
Postpartum Essentials for a Great Recovery
Looking to make life after baby a bit more manageable? There are a few things I recommend to have on …
5 Mistakes People Make Preparing to go to the Hospital to Have Their Baby
Parents come to the hospital with a lot of expectations and worries. What are some mistakes that parents make in …
What to Wear For a Cesarean Section
Maybe you have a planned c-section or you’re just wondering what you might need to change into if you have …
How to Prepare for an Induction
Do you have an induction scheduled? Today I want to share some things you can do to prepare for your …
6 Lies You Hear About Birth Class
You hear a lot of thoughts about birth class online. Some people think they’re helpful, some don’t — but today …
6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth Ultrasound
You’ve had or you’re having a growth ultrasound where they’re telling you how large your baby is in comparison to …
How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?
You’re hoping to get an epidural while you’re in labor — but how far “along” do you need to be …
How to Dilate Faster
Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make yourself …
The Fear of Miscarriage or Loss
The fear of miscarriage or fetal loss is very normal during pregnancy. However, stressing about it too much can be …
5 Mistakes Families Make Preparing for Delivery
There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make …
I’m So Nervous About Birth – What do I do?
If you’re feeling super anxious or nervous about birth — what do you do? Today I’m going to give you …
Things to NOT Do After You Have Your Baby
There’s a lot of “dont’s” while you’re pregnant but there are some serious ones to not do AFTER baby is …
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)
Precipitous labor is considered birth within 3 hours of contractions becoming regular. It can be really intense, fast and scary …
The BIGGEST Myth About Labor (bar-none)
Today I want to share the BIGGGEST that I have seen about labor, and this ends up catching people off-guard …
What Does Round Ligament Pain Feel Like
Your round ligaments attach your uterus to the rest of your body. During pregnancy they can stretch and feel VERY …
Tips To Saying No To Your Provider
Communicating with providers can be hard. A lot of us feel like we need to just do what our doctor …
Signs You Need a Birth Class
You may be wondering a birth class is really for you? Today I’m going to share 4 signs that you …
What is a Non-Stress Test (NST)? Why does it matter?
A non-stress test is a time where we monitor baby without any contractions. During that time we watch baby and …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About
The epidural gets both a lot of flack and love online. Some people love it, some hate it — but …
How to Sit in an Office Chair During Pregnancy
You’re sitting in an office chair quite a bit during pregnancy. What can you do to keep good posture, eliminate …
Can You Push Yourself Into Labor?
You’re at the end zone of pregnancy and OVER it. You’re wishing it was over and are wondering WHAT you …
Can Labor Start While Sleeping?
Maybe you’re going to sleep and wondering if something will start tonight, or just idle curiosity — or maybe woke-UP …
How Much Do Birth Classes Cost?
You’re looking at a birth class, and the prices seem pretty steep. What’s the average cost of a class, are …
Can I Refuse an IV During Labor?
You’re thinking you likely won’t need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse an IV …
Should You Buy Your Own Fetal Doppler?
Hearing your baby’s heart beat can be SO fun. Especially early on when it all sort of just seems like …
How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)
So, you’re pregnant and either aware there’s a decent-sized chance you could have a c-section, OR you have a scheduled …
Best FREE Childbirth Classes
Ok, you’re looking for a birth class, and you’d love it to be free (because baby gear is expensive). Where …
6 Tips for Winter Pregnancies
Being pregnant in the winter can bring-up some issues you haven’t thought about. Let’s talk about some things to watch …
You Failed Your 1-hour Glucose Test – What’s Next?
Ok, you’ve failed (or thought about failing) your 1-hour glucose test? What happens now? There are a couple of ways …
What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?
So you go in for your 36 week check-up and you agree to a cervical exam. What should your cervix …
What to do if You’re Miserable At the End of Your Pregnancy
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be tough, you may even hate it. You are re-thinking all your life’s …
The Best Labor Advice You’ll Ever Get
You might be thinking it’s about a certain position to use, or a specific type of midwife to get — …
Why are Birth Classes So Expensive?
Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to …

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