Pregnancy Nurse Articles

📣 YOU are clearly getting prepared for pregnancy, birth & beyond — but do you wish your partner was more involved (looking for a teammate rather than just a cheerleader)? Couples love THIS! 💛🧡💚

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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).

Latest Posts:

Charlie Horses in Pregnancy: What you can do to prevent them?
Charlie horses are the nickname for leg cramps. While they can happen at ANY point in your life, they especially …
Pregnancy, Tylenol® & Autism: What Expecting Moms Need to Know
Sorting Fact from Frenzy: If you’re pregnant and confused by recent headlines about Tylenol® (acetaminophen) and its possible connections to …
Why People Get An Epidural Even When They’re Not Planning On It
If most people come in labor and delivery hoping not to get an epidural, why is it that so many …
How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor
Are you worried about making all the choices that will confront you during labor? Honestly, I can’t blame you. The …
What To Do If Labor Isn’t Progressing?
You may get to a point where labor stops progressing. This can feel really disheartening as you think things are …
Secret Keys to Labor that No One Talks About
There are a few keys to a great labor that no one really talks about (or talks about them right). …
Normal Daily Fetal Movement – Kick Counts
If you’re doing kick counts, or just feeling your baby move — what is the normal daily fetal movement count. …
Signs You’re Ready to Be Induced
There are a lot REASONS to be induced << and that post goes into it more — but today I …
What You Need to Know About Wired vs Wireless Monitors in Labor
There is a lot of talk about wireless monitors for labor. Today I want to talk about the differences, how …
The Three Biggest Mistakes Labor Patients Make—And How to Prevent Them
Bringing new life into the world is an experience that can be filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes, anxiety. While …
Labor Anxiety? These 3 Things Help You Feel in Control
Feeling nervous about your upcoming birth? It can feel like you don’t have a lot of control in this situation, …
What to Do If You are in Pain During Pregnancy
Honestly, pain is a part of pregnancy. I just don’t know how we could grow another entire human inside our …
Prodromal Labor: What is it and how to avoid it?
What is prodromal labor, how do you avoid it and what to expect in early labor at home. I think …
How To Build Confidence For Your Birth Experience
Are you wishing that you felt more confident going into your upcoming hospital birth? Today I’m going to share 4 …
Why Labor Pain Can Feel So Different For Each Person
Many of us feel like a certain action has a certain amount of pain associated with it. You break your …
Avoid Tearing at Delivery: 3 things you can do.
Tearing at delivery isn’t anything anyone wants to think about. I get it. However, I wish I had taken a …
5 Simple Tips for a “Natural” Labor & Delivery
Are you hoping to have a “natural” delivery at the hospital. Today we’re going to talk about what your plans …
Allergies During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What’s Not
Feeling allergies (seasonal or otherwise) come on during pregnancy? Today we’re going to share what is safe to do and …
7 Habits of Happy Pregnant Women
What are these happy pregnant women doing? What types of habits can WE be doing, and maybe more importantly WHY …
4 Things to Know About Birth Pains
Pain can be really scary — but birth pain is very different. Today, I’m going to tell you 4 things …
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 …

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