Week by Weeks of Pregnancy

We all know there’s 40 weeks of pregnancy.

Pulling Curls has you covered during every week of pregnancy!

You might be wondering why on EARTH I have so much pregnancy content. And that, my friends is I am a labor and delivery nurse — of 15 years. I love pregnancy. I love how the human body changes to create a human. If I can do anything to make that process easier, or easier to understand, I want to. 🙂 Hope you find it helpful!

If you’d like more information sent to you about the stage of pregnancy that you are currently in — I have a way to do that. I’ll follow you through your pregnancy with a newsletter that is like no other. It’s like an insider’s look at the delivery room. Check it out!

I do sell my own online childbirth class, if you click on the “look inside” on the sales page you can even see part of the first chapter on what to come in for!

Preparing for Pregnancy

From Ovulation through Conception — we’ve got it all! We’d say we’ve got you covered — but no covering now {wink, wink} you want to get pregnant!

Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

Marijuana during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. Hopefully, you'll consider actually reading this post before you comment. 🙂 This post points out the dangers of smoking weed while pregnant and how CPS will be involved. Will they take your baby away if you test positive? Marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding can have serious consequences. I can't believe I have to write this post, but we're seeing it more and more -- and somehow moms are shocked and surprised by the consequences ...
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How far apart should I have my Babies?: Baby spacing

How far apart should I have my babies? Child spacing is a hot topic and one that there are many pros and cons for each spacing. As a labor and delivery nurse, I get asked by expectant moms how far apart are my kids. I often get wide eyes -- they're awfully far apart (although certainly not as far apart as some). For your info, my kids are 5, 11 and 14 -- at this moment in time. I have 9 years between the first and the last, with only one in between them. And that's how God wanted it. ...
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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

This post is going to share what to do when you're pregnant for the first time. Or, if you've forgotten, you should still do these things for EACH pregnancy. What to do when you're first pregnant. Learning that you're pregnant, or trying to conceive is an exciting time! There are SO many questions though. Here's a few tips from an L&D Nurse. You can get my helpful tips your entire pregnancy by signing up for my pregnancy newsletter: ...
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Why Can’t I Get Pregnant Again?

Why can't I get pregnant again is something I asked myself for years. If you can't get pregnant -- what can you do? What IS there to do? You might have a reason, or everything might be normal. Even includes a quiz! Why can't I get pregnant? I was having a hard time getting pregnant with my second and third children. The third time it took us over three years. Secondary infertility is not unusual and I want to share the reasons I later saw as to why it happened. All of my tests came back normal -- what was ...
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Not Getting Pregnant, When Everyone Else Is

It's that time of the month, you've waited and "worked" for a simple second line. You wake up early remembering to pee in the cup (or on the stick if you're pretty coordinated early in the morning - which I never was). If you're smart, you use the dollar store variety (woah -- I just found these on Amazon). And there it is, just one line. One late period and just one line. You're not pregnant. I would take a big sigh and think that at least I can take an ibuprofen if I have a headache for the next couple of weeks after ...
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Painful Vaginal Exams: Internal checkup during pregnancy is painful

Vaginal Exams aren't something that any woman looks forward to, but many women find internal exams during pregnancy almost intolerable because of the pain. Let's talk about why they are so painful and what you can do to make them easier to handle. One of the BEST ways to make everything less painful is to understand more, which is why I recommend this. Thousands of women have gone through it and felt more prepared and excited for their delivery as a result. Let it simplify birth for you! ...
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How to Prepare for Breastfeeding: A Breastfeeding Checklist

There are few key things you can do, while still pregnant, to prepare your body to breastfeeding. You'll be as ready as you can be to give your baby the very best.

In this post: You'll learn how to prepare for breastfeeding. A few things you can do, while still pregnant to get ready! This post is sponsored by Boppy. Thanks to Boppy and their support of breastfeeding, in so many ways! Be SURE to enter their giveaway at the bottom of this post! Breastfeeding is somewhat nebulous until you have a baby. You're not exactly sure how it will work and what you'll need. I mean, you've never fed a human with your body before, and it does sound somewhat difficult, am I right? You might the person that feels like ...
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Fertile Window: Find your dates to get pregnant

fertile window / trying to get pregnant /infertility / crappy

Not getting pregnant is one thing, but it just seems like there are heaps of other things that blow when it comes to being infertile. It took us about 3.5 years to get pregnant with our last child. While I strongly feel that pregnancy is a 2 edge sword that for some reason we just needed to wait for, it was a rough few years. And, if fertility is on your list of things to do -- don't miss my 2 other posts:

Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

We all know prenatal vitamins are important for the growth and development of your baby, but sometimes they're SO hard to get down (and stay down). Here's some ideas on how to get the nutrients you need to grow another human.

Babies are parasites. You heard what I just said. Babies are parasites. I mean, super adorable parasites that you created out of love.... but parasites. God created babies to take what they need from you -- that is how our race goes on. They sometimes grow at their mom's expense. I once had a good friend who had great teeth right up to baby #5. Then, suddenly she was spending hours at the dentist. That baby had sucked it out of her. The good news is there is a perfect way to stop that. That thing is vitamins. The problem ...
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Keepin’ the Sexy On While Trying to Conceive

Keeping your relationship alive while trying to conceive is often harder than you think it will be. It becomes a chore. Here's how to keep the spark alive. A guest post by Marissa Lawton

Today's post is a GUEST post by Melissa from mamasandminimes.com. As a note, I don't normally take guests posts, but I felt like this post is REALLY relevant. We tried for 4 years for our last child and I felt a lot of the things in this article, she had great advice! Take it away Melissa! Keeping things sexy while Trying To Conceive is a challenge. Some of you are super lucky that when you decide you want to start a family, you simply stop using whatever prevention tactics you’ve been employing and wing it. It likely doesn’t take much effort ...
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Early Pregnancy

You’re Pregnant! Yayayay! Now what?

Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant: Will they take my baby away if I test positive?

Normal Signs of Pregnancy

There's plenty of annoying stuff in pregnancy, but some of it's totally normal. Aka, there's no fix for it -- other than HAVING your baby.

I was once pregnant with my first. I wasn't an L&D Nurse and I would constantly worry that something was going wrong. What are the normal signs of pregnancy? As it turns out, growing a human inside you own body can be problematic while you're trying to live in that body too. Some things are just normal: Hilary has been a labor nurse for 15 years and excited to give you great info during our pregnancy but -- be sure to never take the advice of anything you read here (or anywhere on the internet) over the advice of ...
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What to Do When Pregnant for the First Time

Cause of Premature Birth: Can it be predicted?

premature birth | preterm labor | pre-term | 32 weeks | uterus | pregnancy | predict | signs | symptoms | causes

In this post, we'll talk what can cause premature birth and what to watch for. Ten percent of all births are premature. You'll find out if you're at risk and what you can do! Preterm labor isn't something most people consider until it starts to happen. This post is sponsored by PreTRM, but I am an avid believer in preventing premature births -- ideas and opinions are my own. Sure, it might sound amazing to get that baby out and get out of the worst part of the pregnancy, but a preterm baby has lots of possible consequences, including a NICU ...
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The MOST accurate — am I pregnant quiz!

The harsh reality is that a pregnancy test is the most accurate -- but if you're looking to know if you're pregnant -- take my MOST accurate am I pregnant quiz to find out. And then go buy a home pregnancy test, because that's the best. 🙂 ...
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Is it OK to Sleep on Your Stomach When Pregnant?

Sleeping on your stomach when you're pregnant -- is it OK? Are there trimesters you can or can't sleep on your stomach? What is the best sleeping position to sleep during pregnancy? Is it OK to Sleep on Your Stomach When Pregnant? Well, it depends ...
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Baby Registry Lists: Things to Sign Up For During Pregnancy

Baby registry lists are things you're going to want to sign up for during your pregnancy. They include where to register, how to save some cash, look great -- AND get rid of your fear of the labor room Baby Registry Lists: If you're looking for what to PUT on your registry, don't miss my 11 things you need for your new baby and my awesome list of things you'll want for your new baby. Being pregnant is a unique time in your life -- and it will 100% change some of the things you're doing/have done. Today we're going ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

Today I want to share the story of my own pregnancy. I'm Hilary -- I've been a labor nurse since 2001. In 2008 I was experiencing infertility. We'd been trying to have a baby for over 2 years and weren't really sure what was in God's cards for us, but we also had 2 boys -- the youngest turning 5 soon. I was ready to close the baby factory. The items in this post will talk about my infertility, up through having our last baby in April 2009 (so, posts go from the oldest to the newest). I know I ...
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Questions to Ask Your OB on Your First Pregnancy Visit

Your first pregnancy visit is an important one -- and these five questions will help you know if your doctor is the right fit for you and your growing family. Your first visit to your OB is likely to be very chaotic. In fact, many women don't actually even SEE their OB on the first visit because they are mostly getting lab tests, and setting up paperwork/payment options with the office staff. However, once you get IN to see your doctor (or midwife, or whoever you are seeing) here are 5 questions NOT to be missed (and they may not ...
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Nosebleeds during Pregnancy: And other early pregnancy symptoms

nosebleeds during pregnancy & other early pregnancy signs

Nosebleeds during pregnancy are an odd sign but actually a common & normal early sign of pregnancy for some people. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Hi, I'm Hilary and I'm an L&D nurse, and while we don't see people as early as I'm talking about (these are symptoms of just the first few weeks of pregnancy) I've had 3 kids of my own and have been around countless pregnant women. These early pregnancy symptoms are NOT a pregnancy test. If you've had a negative test, but are wondering if you could still be pregnant, my friend Katie has a post on negative ...
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The adorable second trimester

The second trimester is the sweet spot of pregnancy. Isn’t it? No seriously, it is.

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Delivery Prep

So, what do I need to know for the big ol’ day?

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Tips for Delivery

No, I don’t plan on you delivering it yourself, but these tips are going to help you in the delivery room!

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Here are some handy postpartum recovery tips from an L&D nurse. Your uterus is now healing from a "placenta scab" left from the baby making their exit. This post includes info on pads, pain medicine and the timeline you'll likely follow. Having a baby is hard work! Sometimes you don't think about all that your body is going through (or WILL go through AFTER you go through labor). I know I was guilty of thinking I'd be 100% back to normal when I got out of the hospital. Wow, was I in for a surprise! You might wonder why I ...
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Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

baby-friendly hospitals | postpartum | breastfeeding | lactation | couplet care | mother-baby

This article is going to talk about breastfeeding support at the hospital -- and ask the question if baby-friendly hospitals are really all that friendly long-term? I read another thought-provoking postpartum article this morning about how tough life can be after a baby. There seem to be a lot of those out there, and I gave a silent amen as I finished it. I've certainly had my own. And it got me thinking of the thousands of babies that I've seen born. I've had a cold lately, so I've also watched more Call the Midwife than my tear ducts can ...
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When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

One of the most important things to know is the signs that breastfeeding isn't working. More and more women are finding that biologically breastfeeding is NOT working -- and they are not actually feeding their baby (often accompanied by guilt). This post teaches the signs that breastfeeding isn't working, and share's this RN's tale of when breastfeeding didn't work for me. **If you are concerned that breastfeeding really isn't working -- I'd recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. I have a great online option that is cheaper than in person and they are great. If you haven't given birth yet ...
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Postpartum Comforts

10 things to keep close at hand after a baby to stay as comfortable as possible (becuase total comfort isn't likely). HANG IN THERE NEW MOMS, it gets better!

For me, there are few times in my life that I wouldn't mind missing more -- by being in a coma -- than the postpartum period. It hurts, you're tired, it hurts, your baby sucks on parts of you, you're tired, it hurts. There's no leaving it behind, it's attached to you. The postnatal monkey on your back. Well, here are my 10 tips to make that a tad more comfortable -- postpartum comforts, if you will. AND to make things even a little easier -- I created a postpartum pack with Dollar Maxi Pad Club. I also have a whole ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

Ode to the New Mom

New mom survival | new mommies and daddies | newborn | postpartum | depression | info

Originally written in January of 2011, photos editing/post re-published in 2017 I have a hard time at work sometimes. Sometimes I feel like I'm that drill Sargent sending troops off to the war that was so very painful to me. I wheel them to the curb with a little tear in my eye. I know where they're going. I've been there. I've watched my friends go there. It is a war. I have literally choked away tears as I wish them good luck. Lately I have a lot of friends who are having their first baby (seriously, how did I ...
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Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

You'll bleed for 4 to 6 weeks after your baby, during the postpartum period. Postpartum just means after the baby comes out. You'll find that your body is truly recuperating from what you put it through during the postpartum period ...
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Dollar Maxi Pad Review

The Dollar Maxi Pad Club provides quality feminine products at a low price, shipped to your house conveniently, even with a treat! Dollar Maxi Pad Club The Dollar Maxi Pad Club is just like it sounds. It doesn't sell a lot -- but what it sells are quality.

Pads $1
Tampons $3
Wipes $1
Menstrual Cups $20
Panti Liners $1
Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!

Pregnancy Complications

There’s a reason people have babies at the hospital. And who do you turn to for tips about complications — your favorite nurse, of course.

Don’t Cut Your Ring Off!!!

Dear pregnant women of the world. Don't cut your rings off! I just found a very cool Youtube video that will give you instructions to get it off. A couple other things to try: 1. Lotion or soap -- if you lube it up, will it come off? 2. If that doesn't work: Try this. Instead of an oxygen strap you could use some thin elastic. Anyway, not unusual to get swollen fingers during pregnancy, I hope this helps someone. If you're concerned about your swollen fingers be sure to check out my preeclapsia post. If you like great ...
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VBAC risks vs benefits: 5 things to think about

Vbac risks vs benefits. There is a whole lot to consider when heading in for a VBAC, I cover 5 things you need to think about in my experience as a labor and delivery nurse.

First off, they're actually called TOLAC (Trial Of Labor After Cesarean). But, no one wants to be a Toe-lac. They'd rather be a VBAC (a VBAC would actually be a sucessful vaginal birth after cesarean section). There, feel educated? This is always on a pendulum. I'm not sure how much of that pendulum is associated with the malpractice insurance, as that is where a lot of anything comes from in this business. When I first started (13 years ago), NO ONE VBAC'd, and then we went to where most OB's were trying it, and now I feel like we're swinging back ...
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What We Know About The Zika Virus in Pregnancy

Let's all take a nice deep breath and talk about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. What we know, what we don't know, and what we can do.

I am getting a lot of nervous women about the Zika Virus in pregnancy. I wanted to do a post to give you the basics. As with all things disease you first turn to the CDC -- they have a great page about it! I thought I'd boil it down for you. Zika Virus in Pregnancy:

Zika virus can be transmitted by both mosquitoes and by having a sex with a male partner with the disease (although, it doesn't look like they know if this type of transmission also causes birth defects).
Just because you are bitten by a ...
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Why Do I Need Prenatal Vitamins?

Guest Post on Pregnant Chicken — When to Call Your Doctor

When and what to call your doctor for (besides labor). Stay healthy during your pregnancy!

Amy at Pregnant Chicken asked if I'd help her with a reader question, and I was all too happy to oblige. Today's answer is about what signs/symptoms to call your doctor (or head into labor and delivery for). Excluding labor. That's a blog post for another day ...
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Sick with a Cold While Pregnant: Home remedies, cough drops, medication and breathing

Being sick with a cold while you're pregnant is no fun. This post from an L&D RN will talk about how it can affect the baby, medications you can/can't take and what to do at home to try to feel better! Colds during Pregnancy Colds during pregnancy seem to happen so frequently. Your immune system is somewhat suppressed during pregnancy, so it is likely you'll experience a cold at some point during your 9 months. ** DO NOT take the advice on this blog over the advice of your physician, and please check with them before using any medications or ...
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Pregnancy Emergencies

medical team running to a pregnancy emergency

Pregnancy can have a lot of complications, but today I want to talk about pregnancy emergencies. These are obstetric emergencies that a good hospital is trained to handle, but with some care from you -- we can make sure it doesn't get this far. First off -- how do I know all of this? Well, after being a labor nurse since 2001, I've seen all these things, and I am trained to help in each of these situations. I'm excited to share a bit of what to watch for with YOU so that we can be partners in your health ...
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The story of my Pregnancy

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Discharge in pregnancy is almost like a crystal ball to a lot of ladies. We're going to talk about color, consistency and how it relates to the changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy First off - let's talk a bit about why pregnancy discharge is different than regular discharge. During pregnancy, you have a lot higher blood volume, in order to get enough blood to your baby and still function as a human at the same time ...
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How do I Know if I Have a Bladder Infection: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Wondering how do I know if I have a bladder infection? This post is going to talk about symptoms, causes as well as treatments (even some you can do at home).

In this post: Bladder Infections can be very irritating. This post will answer the question "How do I know if I have a bladder infection" as well as share the reasons why you might get one as well as the treatment. There are special kinds of pain that make you want to crawl out of your body and find a new place to live. A raging bladder infection or UTI is one of those. It is just such an uncomfortable spot and nothing makes it better. Let's talk UTI's today. UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection -- usually a bladder ...
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Postpartum Tips

So, the baby is out. What happens now? Do I get a fairy Godmother?

Postpartum Recovery Tips: Healing your placenta scab self care

Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

Postpartum Comforts

The story of my Pregnancy

Ode to the New Mom

Postpartum Period: What to have on hand

Dollar Maxi Pad Review

Pads $1
Tampons $3
Wipes $1
Menstrual Cups $20
Panti Liners $1
Pamper package (my favorite part -- like a gift for being a woman) for a limited time this is only $6
They also have a POSTPARTUM package that is a dream!

Newborn Care

Wait, this baby depends on me? Help!

Save on an Owlet Monitor & NURSE review

Sleep monitor | owlet | sids | prevention | sleeping | tips | alive | habits | beds | alarm

This post is all about looking for ways to save on an Owlet monitor or an Owlet promo code. But first, let's find out if it's actually worth it (because even with a coupon code you want it to be WORTH IT) -- from an L&D RN. Owlet has also announced the Owlet Cam! I have a whole post about the Owlet cam, and how you can buy both for a great price break! The biggest perk of the Owlet cam is the ability to use just one app for the cam and the sock. While the camera is nice, ...
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The Owlet Cam ~ A way to keep EYES on your baby, when you want

The Owlet was a revolutionary tool, created to help parents feel some peace when stepping away from a sleeping baby. Now they have an Owlet Cam that will help them feel like they are still there. SO many of my readers have bought the Owlet, and then asked me what I thought they should do as far as a video monitor. And now, I have your solution. I am a big fan of having ONE app to check when you need to do something -- and now, with the Owlet, you can do just that! ...
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5 Baby Items You Don’t Need

It's so hard to know what's worth it to spend that extra money on, or not. Here's 4 worthy splurges for your you and your new baby!

Yes, this post is about 5 things you certainly don't NEED for your baby. Which is awesome, because when you walk into a baby store it's like you need ALL THE THINGS. And I'm here to tell you, you totally don't (I have a post about the 11 things you NEED for a new baby). When I had my first one, times were financially rough. I get it. Babies are expensive in SO many ways! BUT I do have 5 things that I think are worth a splurge on babies (but totally not necessary). Some of them are NOT worth ...
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Breastfeeding Support: Is Baby-Friendly Mom-Friendly?

Freebies for New Moms: Free baby stuff for expecting mothers

This post will share freebies for new moms & expecting moms. These free baby things for expecting mothers are often by mail too! No trip to the store for these pregnancy freebies! These freebies for new moms will have you seeing smiles. While some come by mail and do require shipping a lot are SO cute -- I think you'll love them! A little something special freebies for new moms ...
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Can You Hold a Newborn too Much? Spoiling newborns & benefits

Spoiling newborns is a question a lot of new moms have. CAN you hold a newborn too much? Is it OK to hold them while they sleep? What are the benefits from all that holding? Can you hold a newborn too much? First off, I want to state categorically that mothers are born with instincts. One of the saddest things about delivering babies in the hospital is that I think we remove a lot of the instinct, by us following research and having safe patterns of practice. When I hear home birth stories I get chills. Your body knows what ...
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Online Breastfeeding Classes: The best classes to learn the basics on how to feed your baby

Taking an online breastfeeding class is a GREAT way to learn how to feed your baby. Much of the class is NOT hands-on (as you likely won't have a baby when you take it) and is easily learned online. Many include awesome graphics and instructional ways to help you understand it well! Online Breastfeeding Classes Why take a breastfeeding class online? As an L&D nurse since 2001, plus the creator of one of the best selling online prenatal classes I strongly believe that a breastfeeding class is paramount to understanding how things work and having a better experience ...
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Getting Ready to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding truly IS best, but being prepared for it can be a big help. Getting prepared is pretty simple thanks to some good advice!

I literally had never spent one minute of my life considering how a baby was fed until I showed up to couplet care as a student nurse one day. I was shocked by how HARD it was. How there needed to be pamphlets and help. I mean, the baby cow just walks up to the mom cow and it just WORKS. Where did mother nature leave us so alone? When I teach prenatal classes, and when I talk to my patients I'm adamant to share that this is something that will take a little practice. Much like riding a bike ...
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When Breastfeeding is Not Working: Signs breastfeeding won’t work

What is SIDS and how to prevent It

6 Sids precautions you might not know about to give you some peace of mind each day.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a horrible thing. I think it is something all parents have had to come to terms with. The reality of parenthood is that you truly can't control ALL things, but science has made a few things you can control with your newborn to give you SOME peace of mind (although you can easily follow every precaution and it just happens - my heart goes out to every single family affected by SIDS). As an L&D nurse for 16 year I've educated countless families on SIDS precuations and I'm excited to share them with you! Looking ...
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