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Prenatal Care

What to expect during your prenatal care with your doctor or midwife.

pregnant woman breathing through a contraction at home

5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & Delivery

April 22, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Are you hoping to have a "natural" delivery at the hospital. Today we're going to talk about what …

5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & DeliveryRead More

Category: Labor and Birth, Pain Management, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

images of dates, breast pump, cuddling and primrose oil

4 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Cervix for Labor

February 5, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Far too many people are going in for necessary (medically-indicated) inductions and finding that …

4 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Cervix for LaborRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!, Will it put you into labor?

older child with ear on mom's pregnant belly.

Safest Age Gap Between Kids: For Health of Mom & Baby

January 22, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're thinking about another baby -- and it's definitely smart to think about. Beyond daycare and …

Safest Age Gap Between Kids: For Health of Mom & BabyRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care

pregnant woman sitting on bed

35 Weeks Pregnant Checklist

January 6, 2025 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're heading into that home stretch of pregnancy -- just over a month left! It's a great feeling …

35 Weeks Pregnant ChecklistRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

husband and wife in a hospital room with their newborn

YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clear

November 19, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I know we love phrases like birth plans, birth preferences and birth wishes -- but the reality is …

YOUR Birth Priorities: How to make them clearRead More

Category: Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman holding a notebook

Your Third Trimester Checklist

October 31, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Those last weeks of pregnancy can be a LOT -- I get it. Your brain is also feeling pretty mushy and …

Your Third Trimester ChecklistRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman with her birth plan

What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?

October 21, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Birth plans are all the rage. Sure, I prefer birth preferences or birth wishes, but the idea is the …

What a Birth Plan Can ACTUALLY Do For Your Birth?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

perineum with flowers

3 Things to Know About Perineal Massage

August 19, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Perineal massage gets a lot of talk on the internet, but is it actually useful? Today I'm going to …

3 Things to Know About Perineal MassageRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!, Will it put you into labor?

pregnant woman flexing saying "you gotta do these things"

3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster Labor

August 12, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Today I want to share three things you can do it try to make for a faster labor. That isn't to say …

3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster LaborRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman looking at a pregnancy test with a positive sign.

10 Things to Do When You Find-Out You’re Pregnant

May 23, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

So, you just found out you're pregnant (or you're hoping to soon) -- what are some things you should …

10 Things to Do When You Find-Out You’re PregnantRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care

pregnant woman with hands framing belly

7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third Trimester

May 10, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You've hit that third trimester, and you think you'll running it into the endzone for a big win this …

7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third TrimesterRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman with a cesarean scar

Considering a VBAC: What to do

May 9, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You're considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all …

Considering a VBAC: What to doRead More

Category: Cesarean Section Delivery, First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

DUE PREGNANT WOMAN HOLDNIG HER BELLY

To the Mom Who Thinks She’ll Go Early.

April 25, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

I see it all the time -- "I don't think I'll make it to my due date" -- but is that correct OR the …

To the Mom Who Thinks She’ll Go Early.Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Pains of Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnancy ultrasound

6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth Ultrasound

March 28, 2024 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Induction, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman crying

The Fear of Miscarriage or Loss

March 8, 2024 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

The fear of miscarriage or fetal loss is very normal during pregnancy. However, stressing about it …

The Fear of Miscarriage or LossRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care

pregnant woman looking at her phone

I’m So Nervous About Birth – What do I do?

March 5, 2024 //  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 …

I’m So Nervous About Birth – What do I do?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

woman talking to her doctor

Tips To Saying No To Your Provider

February 13, 2024 //  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 …

Tips To Saying No To Your ProviderRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Hospital Routines, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman, wiht fetal monitors on in bed.

What is a Non-Stress Test (NST)? Why does it matter?

February 8, 2024 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

using a fetal doppler on a patient

Should You Buy Your Own Fetal Doppler?

January 23, 2024 //  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 …

Should You Buy Your Own Fetal Doppler?Read More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

provider doing a vaginal exam

What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?

January 4, 2024 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Signs of Labor, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

photo of 2 cm dilated

I’m 2 cm Dilated? How much longer?

November 30, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

You might have been checked in the office at one of your appointments -- and been told your cervix …

I’m 2 cm Dilated? How much longer?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Signs of Labor, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

human fetus with an arrow.

3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head Down

November 28, 2023 //  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 …

3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head DownRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Hospital Routines, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

STD swab in an OB office.

What STD Tests are given to Pregnant Women?

November 22, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

STD tests are SO important for pregnant women, your provider will offer screening of a few including …

What STD Tests are given to Pregnant Women?Read More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Partners, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnancy ultrasound

3 Things to Do When your Doctor Says You Have a Big Baby

October 19, 2023 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman taking a glucose test

The Pregnancy Glucose Test for Gestational Diabetes

August 3, 2023 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources

woman getting a cervical exam

When Do Cervical Checks Start in Pregnancy – 36 weeks?

May 1, 2023 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

fetus in the womb

30 weeks Pregnant and Baby’s Movements Have Slowed Down

April 7, 2023 //  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

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman talking with her provider

The 7 Most Important Questions To Ask Your OB-GYN When Pregnant

March 24, 2023 //  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

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources

baby positionings in the womb

Once Baby is Head Down Can They Turn Again?

March 21, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Maybe you've had an ultrasound or your doctor has said that your baby is in a head-down …

Once Baby is Head Down Can They Turn Again?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

positive and negative pregnancy test

What Does it Mean When One Pregnancy Test is Positive and the Other is Negative?

February 21, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

It is not unusual to have one pregnancy test show up positive and another one show negative. But, …

What Does it Mean When One Pregnancy Test is Positive and the Other is Negative?Read More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care

pregnant couple at an ultrasound

32 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: What will the scan be?

February 17, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Getting an ultrasound at 32-weeks is very different than getting one earlier on in your …

32 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: What will the scan be?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman with glucose monitor

Signs You Passed Your Glucose Screening Test During Pregnancy

January 18, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

So, you took your glucose test, and you're anxious for the results? Can you TELL if you passed your …

Signs You Passed Your Glucose Screening Test During PregnancyRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources

pregnant woman on the toilet

Bleeding at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy

January 6, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Vaginal bleeding at any point during pregnancy can make you really worried. But, the worries change …

Bleeding at 20 Weeks of PregnancyRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Signs of Labor

doctor measuring uterus

When Will My Doctor Induce Labor?

January 3, 2023 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

A labor induction for pregnant women is an important choice to make with your healthcare …

When Will My Doctor Induce Labor?Read More

Category: Induction, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!Tag: Will this Induce Me?

pregnant womwan walking

38 Weeks With Pelvic Pain & I Can’t Walk — HELP!

December 15, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Oh man, 38 weeks is when things start to get pretty miserable, right? I remember the subtle art of …

38 Weeks With Pelvic Pain & I Can’t Walk — HELP!Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Pains of Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman and doctor

How Often Do Your Go To the Doctor When Pregnant?

December 13, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

When you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to know how often to visit the doctor – and even a little …

How Often Do Your Go To the Doctor When Pregnant?Read More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

bacteria culture

GBS Screening In Pregnancy: Why is group B Streptococcus a big deal?

November 5, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Are you pregnant? If so, you should know about GBS screening. GBS (group b Strep -- also known as …

GBS Screening In Pregnancy: Why is group B Streptococcus a big deal?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

diabetes supplies

What to Eat Before Your Pregnancy Glucose Test

September 12, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Your glucose test in pregnancy is VERY important. Gestational Diabetes can be a silent killer for …

What to Eat Before Your Pregnancy Glucose TestRead More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources

doctor and pregnant woman

6 Things Your Provider Does at Prenatal Appointments that Are Important

August 18, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Prenatal check-ups can seem really useless. You're likely hot, tired and you REALLY don't want to …

6 Things Your Provider Does at Prenatal Appointments that Are ImportantRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman with a midwife

The Benefits of a Midwife

August 4, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Midwives offer pregnant women a wealth of benefits that traditional obstetricians cannot match. From …

The Benefits of a MidwifeRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Healthy Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

breech baby

When Does a Baby Turn Head Down During Pregnancy?

July 21, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Every pregnant woman wonders when their baby will turn head down. Most babies will turn head down by …

When Does a Baby Turn Head Down During Pregnancy?Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

pregnant woman taking glucose test

Your Glucose Test During Pregnancy: How to pass it.

June 9, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

If you're pregnant and expecting to have a glucose test as part of your prenatal care, you might be …

Your Glucose Test During Pregnancy: How to pass it.Read More

Category: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources

midwives caring for pregnant woman

Midwife Pro’s and Con’s

May 31, 2022 //  by Hilary Erickson, BSN, RN

Becoming a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be overwhelming. …

Midwife Pro’s and Con’sRead More

Category: First Trimester Resources, Labor and Birth, Prenatal Care, Second Trimester Resources, Third Trimester Resources: Finish Strong!

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