Recognizing Early Signs of Labor: What to Watch for Before Contractions Start - 268
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Release Date: 06/03/2026
Preventing Tearing During Delivery: Real Tips for a Smoother Birth and Recovery #270
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Curious about how to prevent tearing during childbirth? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled dives deep into practical tips for reducing your risk of perineal tears, addressing common myths, and highlighting proven strategies you can start in late pregnancy and use on delivery day. Whether you're searching for "how to avoid tearing during labor," "perineal massage benefits," or "warm compresses for childbirth," this episode is packed with easy-to-follow advice and reassurance to empower your birth experience and postpartum recovery. Catch the complete conversation and visuals...
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Prepare Your Cervix for Labor and Reduce Your Risk of C-Section - 269
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® untangles the science and myths behind getting your cervix ready—perfect for anyone searching for natural induction methods, “how to ripen your cervix,” or “ways to prepare for labor.” The conversation focused on practical, study-backed strategies including intimacy with your partner, nipple stimulation or pumping, evening primrose oil, and eating dates. The discussion explored how each method works, who should avoid certain options, and why preparing your body can make labor easier and potentially reduce the chance of needing a...
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Recognizing Early Signs of Labor: What to Watch for Before Contractions Start - 268
Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls®
Curious about the early signs of labor and not sure what to watch for besides contractions? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls® dives into those subtle pre-labor symptoms that many parents-to-be miss. Learn about cramping, fatigue, mucus plug changes, shifts in discharge, stomach upset, and more—crucial indicators if you’re wondering, “Am I about to go into labor?” Perfect for anyone searching for what early labor feels like, what the first signs before contractions are, and how to handle these changes at home before heading...
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Has Your Baby Dropped Yet? What to Expect and When Labor Might Start
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineCurious about the early signs of labor and not sure what to watch for besides contractions? This episode of Pregnancy & Parenting Untangled with The Pregnancy Nurse® | Pulling Curls® dives into those subtle pre-labor symptoms that many parents-to-be miss. Learn about cramping, fatigue, mucus plug changes, shifts in discharge, stomach upset, and more—crucial indicators if you’re wondering, “Am I about to go into labor?” Perfect for anyone searching for what early labor feels like, what the first signs before contractions are, and how to handle these changes at home before heading to the hospital.
Watch the original episode on YouTube:
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Disclaimer
This podcast provides educational information only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health and pregnancy.
About Hilary: The Pregnancy Nurse®
Hilary is an experienced labor and delivery nurse who has been a registered nurse since 1997. With 20 years dedicated to labor and delivery, she specializes in making the complex process of labor easy to understand for new parents. Her expertise ensures you're getting trusted, evidence-based information to make you feel confident and prepared as you approach labor and delivery.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Early signs of labor discussion
05:46 Signs labor might be starting
06:24 Early labor signs and tips