Cervical exams can provide very specific information on how far labor has progressed. When we want or need to limit or avoid cervical exams, however, there are some alternative methods. In this post we will explore the emotional signposts of first stage labor, what contractions can tell us, and more.

Check out ten items to add to your to-do list before (or while) trying to conceive. From scheduling a preconception appointment to focusing on health and wellness, it can be so beneficial to be proactive for preconception and pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the placenta forms to serve multiple functions before being birthed at the very end of the labor process. Typically examined and discarded as medical waste, you have other options for this amazing organ. This blog post contains five ideas: view, consume, create, bury, and donate.

Adequate amounts of folate help prevent neural tube defects, which are birth defects of the brain and spine. In addition to folate found naturally in foods, supplementing with folic acid (a synthetic form of folate) is widely recommended before and during pregnancy. Learn more about current recommendations and why they are being challenged by some. I also include five reasons to trust the current recommendations.

Affirmations are short, positive statements designed to challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts. Why use positive affirmations in pregnancy? Which types of affirmations are most effective? How can positive affirmations be incorporated into pregnancy? Get answers to these questions, as well as some ideas for affirmations to try.

Food safety is always important, but pregnancy increases our susceptibility to foodborne illness, like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis. Also, seafood is an amazing source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is an important nutrient in pregnancy. At the same time, some seafood options are high in mercury content, which can negatively impact a developing fetus. In this post, learn all about preventing foodborne illness and choosing safe seafood options.

Navigating substance use in pregnancy can be as simple as just “avoid” for some. For others, it is an unbelievably complex issue. Learn why our widespread abstinence-only approach doesn’t work when it comes to improving outcomes and how taking a harm reduction approach could have a more positive impact.

Learn all about ovulation and how tracking it proactively can be helpful for some people. I also cover some factors that affect fertility, when to seek help, early signs of pregnancy, and more.

What should you pack in your hospital bag? This post contains a list of items you might want to bring, as well as some helpful tips and what to do if you’re not planning a hospital birth.