You've had or you're having a growth ultrasound where they're telling you how large your baby is in …
6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth UltrasoundRead More
Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN as been a nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth. Learn more here.

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You've had or you're having a growth ultrasound where they're telling you how large your baby is in …
6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth UltrasoundRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're hoping to get an epidural while you're in labor -- but how far "along" do you need to be to …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The fear of miscarriage or fetal loss is very normal during pregnancy. However, stressing about it …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make pretty …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
If you're feeling super anxious or nervous about birth -- what do you do? Today I'm going to give …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There's a lot of "dont's" while you're pregnant but there are some serious ones to not do AFTER baby …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Precipitous labor is considered birth within 3 hours of contractions becoming regular. It can be …
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to share the BIGGGEST that I have seen about labor, and this ends up catching people …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your round ligaments attach your uterus to the rest of your body. During pregnancy they can stretch …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Communicating with providers can be hard. A lot of us feel like we need to just do what our doctor …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be wondering a birth class is really for you? Today I'm going to share 4 signs that you …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
A non-stress test is a time where we monitor baby without any contractions. During that time we …
What is a Non-Stress Test (NST)? Why does it matter?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The epidural seems to divide a lot of people. Some people love it, some hate it -- but what you …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks AboutRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're sitting in an office chair quite a bit during pregnancy. What can you do to keep good …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're at the end zone of pregnancy and OVER it. You're wishing it was over and are wondering WHAT …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Maybe you're going to sleep and wondering if something will start tonight, or just idle curiosity -- …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're looking at a birth class, and the prices seem pretty steep. What's the average cost of a …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're thinking you likely won't need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Hearing your baby's heart beat can be SO fun. Especially early on when it all sort of just seems …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
So, you're pregnant and either aware there's a decent-sized chance you could have a c-section, OR …
How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you're looking for a birth class, and you'd love it to be free (because baby gear is expensive). …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Being pregnant in the winter can bring-up some issues you haven't thought about. Let's talk about …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you've failed (or thought about failing) your 1-hour glucose test? What happens now? …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
So you go in for your 36 week check-up and you agree to a cervical exam. What should your …
What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be tough, you may even hate it. You are re-thinking all your …
What to do if You’re Miserable At the End of Your PregnancyRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You might be thinking it's about a certain position to use, or a specific type of midwife to get -- …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you just DONE being pregnant and wondering how you can ask your provider to induce you? Let me, …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Not sure if you'll want an epidural or not? Honestly, you're not alone. The majority of patients …
What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Looking for some real pregnancy advice from someone who KNOWS what they're talking about? Today I'm …
The 5 Worst Pieces of Pregnancy Advice I Have HeardRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Hilary, circa 2009. I'm feeling huge, I'm pregnant with my third baby, after a bout of infertility …
Debunking Induction Myths with My Own Induction StoryRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You might have been checked in the office at one of your appointments -- and been told your cervix …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is your baby breech and you'd like them to NOT BE? You're in the right place. Today I'm going to …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
STD tests are SO important for pregnant women, your provider will offer screening of a few including …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're in labor, and you hear your provider is coming to break your water. Is it better to get …
Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
A lot of people want some clear-cut guidelines about when they should go to the hospital when …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Ok, you're onto baby 2+ -- and you're thinking, "I don't need a prenatal class, I've done this" -- …
Reason You’ll Want a Birth Class on Your Second+ BabyRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may have heard that raspberry tea can help induce labor -- when should you START taking it and …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It can be SUPER scary to look down at your panties or when you wipe and see some blood when you are …
Does Vaginal Bleeding Mean a Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Cervical ripening is the process from which the cervix turns from hard like rubber into soft and …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having a cough during pregnancy is absolutely miserable. Not only can you take les medication, …
Can Excessive Coughing During Pregnancy Hurt the Baby?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're getting to the "endzone" of pregnancy and it can be really easy to take your eye off the …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you wondering if you can get a "walking epidural" -- the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're so pregnant, you're DONE and you want that baby out. Someone suggested curb …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Has your provider mentioned your baby is seeming large? Maybe you've had an ultrasound or you're …
3 Things to Do When your Doctor Says You Have a Big BabyRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Suddenly you find yourself with a little "pooch" and are sort of wondering if it's OK to suck in …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Maybe you've heard that most doctors don't offer a vaginal delivery if baby is not head down. …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
As a busy, soon-to-be mom, you’re likely keeping an eye out for the signs labor is coming …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Your labor induction could happen with Cervidil. It’s a vaginal insert that includes hormones …
Your Labor Induction with Cervidil (Dinoprostone): What to expect?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You're tired of being pregnant and you've heard of a magical cure called a membrane sweep (or …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Taking a birth class can seem like it will cost a LOT of money. But, you can find options with an …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Birth classes are one of the most important things you can do during your pregnancy, but many …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Dilation is a signs that your cervix is opening and labor may be close! But, since most of us …
Signs You Are Dilating: Symptoms of cervical dilationRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
How much labor pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you having sharp abdominal pain during pregnancy? You may wonder if it's normal and what …
Sharp Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy: Causes at 21’ish weeks?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Women who plan on vaginal birth may wonder how painful the placement and infusion of epidural …
How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you experiencing hip pain during pregnancy? You're not alone! In fact, approximately 50% of …
6 Easy Ways to Get Relief from Hip Pain During PregnancyRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Childbirth seems pretty magical. You create a human and it magically appears on your chest... but …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It sounds like you're considering an induction of labor around 37 weeks pregnant. How will it be …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It is a standard practice in most US Hospitals to order an intravenous line (mostly referred to as …
IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Are you a teen mom, or love one and you'd love for them to get a childbirth class in? I have a …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having diarrhea can be a sign of labor, it can also be a sign that you had something that didn't sit …
Diarrhea at 38 Weeks Pregnant: Is it a sign of labor?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The gestational diabetes test is most often offered towards the end of your second trimester (but …
The Pregnancy Glucose Test for Gestational DiabetesRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be miserable, or your mom's in town or for a variety of reasons you may want to be induced 3 …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may hear that you have an "unfavorable cervix" and you have no idea what that means.... Let's …
What is an “Unfavorable Cervix”? What does it mean for your labor?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
What should a husband or partner do? What are the best ways to support your partner during …
How to Be a Supportive Husband and Partner During PregnancyRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to tell you five things to watch for your birth to be hard. These are things that can …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having an induction of labor can be confusing. Your friends may have had their medicine through the …
How is Cytotec (Misoprostol) Given for Labor Induction?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
There are a few medication options when you are planning to start lab (called induction of labor). …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Can you sleep through contractions? It's a great question because sleeping is a great way to …
Can You Sleep Through Contractions – Especially Early Labor?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Studies have shown that eating dates in later pregnancy can have many benefits. In this …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Most people aren't sure if they should wear a bra during labor. While no choice has to be final, as …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You might be wondering if there is a time of day that you are more likely to start contractions than …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Feeling baby move for the fist time is one of the most magical parts of pregnancy. However, it …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
People may ask you if your baby has "dropped" yet, or your provider may say that baby has dropped -- …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
You may be wanting to get an epidural, but not sure at what point you CAN'T get during childbirth …
Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Having a labor induction before or at 37 weeks is something each pregnant woman and her partner …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Pain between your legs during pregnancy is not uncommon. There are a few reasons why you may …
Pain Between Your Legs During Pregnancy: Is it Pelvic Pain?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is there a certain way to lay during sleep to induce labor? There are things you can do help …
Sleeping Positions to Induce Labor: Best Positions to DilateRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Induction of labor is definitely a process. How long will your labor induction take? What should …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
It is an odd sensation when your belly button starts changing and adjusting as your stomach changes …
Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy (Second Trimester)Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
With all the changes with your body during pregnancy some colostrum leaking can make you wonder what …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Using a birthing ball can have a lot of benefits for your pregnancy. Today I'm going to share …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
The glucose tolerance test is something people endure during their pregnancy. Today we're …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
While most pregnant patients do get a pap smear at their first appointment. Many women dread …
When Do Cervical Checks Start in Pregnancy – 36 weeks?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Pregnancy can be very painful, and many people find the last month of pregnancy extremely painful …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
What is baby doing in the womb as you enter your third trimester around 27 weeks of pregnancy? It …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Today I want to talk a bit about birth trauma and what you can do to try to prevent it happening in …
4 Ways to Prevent Birth Trauma Before, During or After BirthRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Preparing for your induction can be intimidating. Suddenly, something that was unknown seems …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Requesting an epidural is an important choice -- and choosing it too early or too late can have …
Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
New parents may wonder if childbirth education classes are covered by insurance -- and if they are …
Are Childbirth Classes Covered by Health Insurance? Read More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Baby is a mover and a shaker some days in your belly, but what happens when baby's movement slow …
30 weeks Pregnant and Baby’s Movements Have Slowed DownRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Knowing if you're going into labor will dominate a good part of your time as you get closer to your …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Pregnant women have a lot of questions about how their body will change during their pregnancy. The …
When Does Your Stomach Start to Get Hard When PregnantRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Is kidney stone pain worse than childbirth? What is, in fact, the worst pain out there? Today we’ll …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Normally, when you feel achy or that your body needs some rest a heating pad is a great idea. …

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Talking with your provider is important, but talking with them about the IMPORTANT things is …
The 7 Most Important Questions To Ask Your OB-GYN When PregnantRead More

// by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN
Cramping during your second trimester of pregnancy can be worrisome. What should you do if …
