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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).

Latest Posts:

  • pregnant woman in pain at the hospital
    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 …
  • happy blob
    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 …
  • pregnant woman breathing through a contraction at home
    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 …
  • happy pregnant couple
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in pain a the hospital
    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 …
  • pregnant couple
    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 …
  • pregnant woman leaning on her bed
    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 …
  • pregnant woman, doctor feeling belly.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman and man in a birth class
    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 …
  • images of dates, breast pump, cuddling and primrose oil
    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 …
  • pregnant couple in bed
    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 …
  • pregnant couple cuddling
    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 …
  • pregnant woman getting her blood pressure checked
    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 …
  • breast pumps
    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 …
  • older child with ear on mom's pregnant belly.
    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 …
  • many images of a pregnant woman in the hospital getting an epidural
    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 …
  • urinary catheter
    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 …
  • pregnant woman sitting on bed
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in a field of primrose
    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 …
  • pregnant woman using a peanut ball during labor
    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 …
  • pregnant woman and her labor nurse
    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 …
  • compression socks
    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 …
  • husband and wife in a hospital room with their newborn
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in nature
    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 …
  • provider holding a stethoscope
    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). …
  • pregnant patient pushing //
    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 …
  • couple in a birth class
    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 …
  • pregnant woman on phone
    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 …
  • pregnant woman holding a notebook
    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 …
  • pregnant woman with her birth plan
    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. …
  • faint line on a pregnancy test.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in the hospital.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman by a toilet with a bladder infection
    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 …
  • ultrasound and pregnancy test
    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 …
  • pregnant mama
    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 …
  • woman advocating for herself in labor.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in the hospital //
    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 …
  • loving pregnant couple.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman sleeping //
    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 …
  • pregnant women in a hospital birth class
    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 …
  • perineum with flowers
    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 …
  • pregnant woman flexing saying "you gotta do these things"
    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 …
  • couple loving their new baby // postpartum plan guide.
    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 …
  • panic'd pregnant woman
    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 …
  • mom & new baby.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in pain
    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 …
  • mucus dripping
    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 pregnancy and birth statistics you need to know
    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, …
  • pregnant woman bored by labor.
    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 …
  • pregnant family in different phases, pregnancy, labor, birth and life with baby.
    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 …
  • woman with partner screaming in labor
    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 …
  • doppler fetal monitoring
    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 …
  • pregnant woman with groin pain
    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 …
  • saline lock
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in a yellow dress on the beach
    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 …
  • pregnant woman being induced
    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 …
  • happy couple with a positive pregnancy test.
    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 …
  • Cook's balloon
    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 …
  • pregnant woman sleeping
    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 …
  • fetus
    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 …
  • woman looking at a pregnancy test with a positive sign.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman and calendar
    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 …
  • image of a cesarean scar
    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 …
  • pregnant woman with hands framing belly
    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. …
  • woman with a cesarean scar
    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 …
  • pregnant woman contracting looking at her watch
    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 …
  • urinary catheter with the word "no" over the balloon.
    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 …
  • DUE PREGNANT WOMAN HOLDNIG HER BELLY
    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 …
  • mom and newborn
    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 …
  • pregnant couple
    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 …
  • pregnant woman in cesarean section
    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 …
  • pregnant couple in a field of tall grass he's touching her belly
    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 …
  • pregnant women in birth class
    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 …
  • pregnancy ultrasound
    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 …
  • concentric circles
    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 …
  • deflated balloon
    How to Dilate Faster
    Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make yourself …
  • pregnant woman crying
    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 …
  • happy pregnant couple
    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 …
  • pregnant woman looking at her phone
    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 …
  • mom and newborn baby postpartum
    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 …
  • baby right after being born
    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 …
  • mom and newborn baby
    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 …
  • uterus in a pelvis with round liagments
    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 …
  • woman talking to her doctor
    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 …
  • pregnant couple cuddling on the couch.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman, wiht fetal monitors on in bed.
    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 …
  • woman with an epidural infusing
    Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About
    The epidural seems to divide a lot of people. Some people love it, some hate it — but what you …
  • pregnant woman, office chair writing at desk.
    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 …
  • pregnant woman hurting
    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 …
  • pregnant woman sleeping
    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 …
  • pregnant woman on a laptop
    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 …
  • woman with an IV in.
    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 …
  • using a fetal doppler on a patient
    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 …
  • mom during a c-section
    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 …

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    • Shop 🛒
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  • Healthy Pregnancy
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