loader from loading.io

Things That Might Make Labor Tough - 250

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

Release Date: 01/13/2025

Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start - 267 show art Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start - 267

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

Are you wondering if your baby has dropped, what fetal lightening means, or whether it’s a sign that labor is near? In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® breaks down the signs your baby has dropped into your pelvis, why it happens, how it affects breathing and bladder pressure, and what it means for your labor timeline. If you’re searching for what dropping feels like, when it typically happens in pregnancy, or want to understand station and cervical checks, this episode gives you clear, expert answers and practical tips as you...

info_outline
From Sharp Stabs to Relief: Navigating Ligament Pain in Pregnancy with a Pro Nurse - 266 show art From Sharp Stabs to Relief: Navigating Ligament Pain in Pregnancy with a Pro Nurse - 266

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

If you’ve ever googled “sharp pelvic pain during pregnancy,” “round ligament pain,” or wondered if your uterus was about to explode, this episode is for you! On this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse®, Speaker A breaks down everything you need to know about ligament pain in pregnancy—what it feels like, why it happens, how to tell it apart from contractions, and pro tips for preventing discomfort. Whether you’re newly pregnant or further along, learn practical ways to ease those sudden, stabbing pains and when it’s time to talk with your...

info_outline
How to Push Out Your Baby: Options, Expert Advice, and Personal Choice 265 show art How to Push Out Your Baby: Options, Expert Advice, and Personal Choice 265

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson RN-BSN —The Pregnancy Nurse®—breaks down everything you need to know about pushing during delivery. From different techniques, timing, and positions, to myths you might see online, Hilary shares her extensive labor and delivery experience to empower you with practical advice for your birth. Disclaimer: This episode is meant for entertainment and general medical information purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your own provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy. Watch the original video: Find...

info_outline
Unexpected Pregnancy: You’re Not Alone – Processing Grief and Finding Support - 264 show art Unexpected Pregnancy: You’re Not Alone – Processing Grief and Finding Support - 264

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of "The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled," Hilary Erickson | The Pregnancy Nurse® is joined by Erin Galloway from She Might to discuss the complexities of unplanned and unexpected pregnancies. Together, they unpack the wide range of emotions—from shock and grief to adjusting expectations and seeking support. The conversation highlights how common these experiences are, the importance of giving yourself grace, and why finding community, such as She Might, can make a real difference during uncertain times. Big thanks to our sponsor  -- if...

info_outline
What Every Pregnant Family Should Know About the NICU - 263 show art What Every Pregnant Family Should Know About the NICU - 263

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, hosts Hilary Erickson and Dr. Janene Fuerch, a neonatologist at Stanford, dive into what every pregnant family should know about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They discuss why it's important to understand NICU basics—even if you’re planning a smooth delivery—and share practical tips on how to cope if your baby needs extra care, including ways to stay connected, manage stress, and support bonding. The episode also highlights exciting innovations aimed at making NICU stays safer and more comfortable for babies and families, plus...

info_outline
Unconventional Conception Stories and Advocacy in Motherhood with Dani Morin - 262 show art Unconventional Conception Stories and Advocacy in Motherhood with Dani Morin - 262

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary chats with Dani Morin about the many paths to pregnancy, navigating tough relationships with healthcare providers, and whether you can really trust AI for pregnancy advice. Dani shares her unique experience of becoming a mom through different methods, including home insemination, and opens up about the challenges she faced after loss and while being a single parent. The discussion is honest, real, and packed with supportive insights for anyone on their own parenthood journey. Big thanks to our sponsor -- if you're looking to get...

info_outline
Informed Consent During Pregnancy: Knowing Your Rights - 261 show art Informed Consent During Pregnancy: Knowing Your Rights - 261

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary welcomes certified nurse midwife Juli Pyle to dive into the topic of informed consent in labor and delivery. Together, they break down what informed consent really means, the key components every patient should know, and how it plays out during childbirth. Juli and Hilary share personal stories from both sides—provider and patient—highlighting why these conversations matter and how they can empower you to make the best choices for your birth experience. Whether you're planning your first delivery or looking to better understand your...

info_outline
Vacuums, Forceps and Birth: What Every Parent Should Know About Assisted Deliveries - 260 show art Vacuums, Forceps and Birth: What Every Parent Should Know About Assisted Deliveries - 260

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

Curious about assisted deliveries? In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, The Pregnancy Nurse®, sits down with Dr. Tori O'Daniel, a board-certified OB GYN, to demystify vacuum and forceps deliveries. They explain when and why these tools might be used, how they work, the differences between them, and what you can expect if your delivery needs a little extra help. They also bust some common myths and share real-life experiences (including Hilary’s own forceps story), plus get honest about risks, benefits, and postpartum recovery tips. Whether you’re prepping for...

info_outline
Kick Counts Made Simple: FAQs, Expert Tips, and Why It Can Save Babies’ Lives - 259 show art Kick Counts Made Simple: FAQs, Expert Tips, and Why It Can Save Babies’ Lives - 259

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast, Hilary Erickson, RN, is joined by Kimberly Iceberg from Count the Kicks to answer common questions about tracking your baby's movements during pregnancy. They discuss why kick counts matter, how to use the Count the Kicks app, what to do if you notice changes in your baby’s movement, and how kick counting can give you peace of mind while supporting stillbirth prevention. The episode also covers tips for handling complications like an anterior placenta and offers advice for communicating concerns with your healthcare provider. Big thanks to...

info_outline
Lessons in Partnership: Adapting to Changes in Marital Duties With Stephanie Straub of CNY Therapy Solutions - 258 show art Lessons in Partnership: Adapting to Changes in Marital Duties With Stephanie Straub of CNY Therapy Solutions - 258

Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®

In this episode of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson, RN, and guest Stephanie Straub from CNY Therapy Solutions dive into the complexities of changes in marital roles, especially after the arrival of a new baby. They explore how these shifts can impact relationships and offer practical advice on how couples can adjust to these changes. Listen as they discuss the mental load, the importance of communication, and strategies like the "Sunday sit down" to help untangle the various roles within a marriage. This episode is packed with insights for...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In Episode 250 of The Pulling Curls Podcast: Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled, Hilary Erickson delves into five reasons your birth might be particularly challenging. From not meshing with your doctor to having solid expectations, she unpacks potential obstacles and offers valuable advice on how to navigate them. Sponsored by the Online Prenatal Class for Couples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better prepare for a smoother birth experience.

Big thanks to our sponsor The Online Prenatal Class for Couples -- you'll find these tips and more to have your best pregnancy, birth & postpartum life!

Links for you:

My post 5 reasons your birth might be hard: https://pregnurse.com/birth-hard/

Timestamps:

00:00 Switch providers if unsatisfied; consider larger offices.

04:50 Keep flexible expectations during birth for ease.

07:09 Join online prenatal class to enhance preparation.

Keypoints:

  • Discussion on why having a good relationship with your doctor is crucial for a smoother birth experience.
  • Advice on switching providers if there's a mismatch, even past 30 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Explanation of previous uterine or cervical surgeries and how they can impact delivery.
  • Importance of knowing about cervical surgeries like LEAP and their potential effects on labor.
  • Encouragement to start speaking up for oneself during prenatal appointments for better communication during birth.
  • Warning against having rigid expectations for birth as it can lead to disappointment and stress.
  • Emphasis on positivity and flexibility during labor to make the process easier.
  • Significance of being well-prepared for birth and not relying solely on providers for preparation.
  • Personal anecdote about the lack of preparation for hospital experiences and the creation of a comprehensive birth class.
  • Promotion of the online prenatal class for couples to help expectant parents prepare for various stages of pregnancy and postpartum.

Producer: Drew Erickson

Keywords:

birth complications, hard birth, pregnancy nurse, prenatal class, switching doctors, doctor-patient relationship, meshing with doctor, uterine surgery, cervical surgery, cervical scarring, LEAP procedure, pap smear, dilate cervix, C-section, speaking up, birth plans, birth expectations, birth trauma, labor pain, epidural, induced labor, birth preparation, birth class, online prenatal class, third trimester testing, laboring at home, postpartum care, breastfeeding difficulties, pregnancy resources, strength training during pregnancy.