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About Catherine Beier MS CBE
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience
I have been a childbirth educator, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 6 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to evidence-based natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of two and waiting for more!

Publications
My book, Birthright: Reclaim Your Right to Give Birth Naturally, is currently in final edits for publication.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Women's Health > Childbirth

Questions Answered By Expert  Catherine Beier MS CBE 
In Category  Childbirth

SubjectDate Asked

rib pain at night during 3rd trimester8/26/2008
  Q: My daughter is 36 weeks pregnant. The baby is breech right now. She has extremely bad rib pain at ...
  A: Donna, It's most likely the position of the baby that's causing the pain. They can move and jab ...
Conception date question8/26/2008
  Q: Well I'm about as confused as ever. Let me just explain everything in detail. My last 2 periods were ...
  A: Heather, I studied the dates and information you provided, and to me, it looks like you are correct ...
pregnacy and pubic fracture8/22/2008
  Q: Hello I was diagnosed a few months ago with a pubic ramus stress fracture and was wondering if I can ...
  A: Crystal, Without more information, it's difficult to say. Much will depend on the location of the ...
C-section & pregnancy8/22/2008
  Q: I delivered a baby through a c-section in October 18 2007 but she died. Am now 28 weeks pregnant ...
  A: Josephine, Having a vaginal birth does not mean you will have a uterine rupture. It also doesn't ...
C-section & pregnancy8/21/2008
  Q: I delivered a baby through a c-section in October 18 2007 but she died. Am now 28 weeks pregnant ...
  A: Josephine, I'm not quite sure why you would want to avoid going into labor as there is much ...
When to induce a diabetic pregnancy?8/20/2008
  Q: I am pregnant with my third child and an IDDM patient. I have very well controlled blood sugars, ...
  A: Ashley, You are correct that most doctors think diabetes = induction, or worse, automatic ...
2 cm.. and thinning8/20/2008
  Q: How long can you be 2cm dilated during your second pregnancy? Especially if you feel contractions ...
  A: Shelly, The truth is that you can be 2cm dilated for minutes or months, with or without noticeable ...
C-section & pregnancy8/19/2008
  Q: I delivered a baby through a c-section in October 18 2007 but she died. Am now 28 weeks pregnant ...
  A: Josephine, First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what that must have been ...
Risk increase with age8/15/2008
  Q: My husband and I are planning on starting our family. I have just turned 30 and my husband is about ...
  A: Priya, In general, the risk increase you're referring to would be that a woman's fertility ...
39 weeks, leep 1 yr ago, cervix not dilating...7/30/2008
  Q: Wondering what your thoughts are on this: I've been having some pretty good (albeit false labor) ...
  A: Nancy, From what you're describing, I don't think you should be too worried yet. The burning ...
when did i get pregnant7/30/2008
  Q: im 21 weeks and i cant figure out when my last period was or when i got pregant. I get my perid a ...
  A: Beonka, Unfortunately, without more information I can't tell you the exact day you conceived. If ...
VBA2C7/30/2008
  Q: I am a 29 year old woman in good health. I had my first baby in December of 2005 via C-section ...
  A: Beth, You're doing the best thing possible by seeking out accurate information beforehand. Let's ...
5 weeks pg normal ultrasound findings7/29/2008
  Q: First OB- ultrasound today. Was given 5 weeks and 1 day term. Only saw gestational sac and yolk sac. ...
  A: Andrea, My best advice would be to let nature take its course if you are indeed miscarrying or have ...
early contractions7/26/2008
  Q: My daughter is in her second pregnancy, approx 32 weeks. About 2 months ago she began experiencing ...
  A: Patricia, While I don't think that anything is seriously wrong, I also don't think that you're ...
pregnancy7/26/2008
  Q: If You Had Sex On April 30,and In May You Didnt Have A Period?,? You took a pregnancy test in may ...
  A: Wow! Lots of dates here. Based on what you've said, if you had a positive pregnancy test in May ...
is this normal7/25/2008
  Q: i had my 3rd baby on 4-1 of this year and i had my 1st period after giving birth last month on the ...
  A: Sally, It is quite common to have irregular cycles or skip periods soon after giving birth, ...
VBA3C with no prior vaginal deliveries7/24/2008
  Q: My husband and I are expecting our fourth child in October. My three older children have all been ...
  A: Brook, I actually know of a family who temporarily relocated to another state to have a home VBAC - ...
i have had 2 previous c-sections can i have a vbac7/23/2008
  Q: i wanted to know if it was possible to have a vbac after two c-sections?my first pregnancy they said ...
  A: Nikki, Yes, it is possible to have a VBAC after 2 sections. However, your chances will depend on ...
VBA3C with no prior vaginal deliveries7/23/2008
  Q: My husband and I are expecting our fourth child in October. My three older children have all been ...
  A: Brook, From what you've described, it definitely sounds like your c-sections were unnecessary with ...
Home water birth wise after IVF?7/19/2008
  Q: My husband and I have had troubles conceiving. Naturally and IUI (intra-uterine insemination have ...
  A: Helen, There is no correlation between difficulty conceiving and difficulty birthing. The only ...
hi7/17/2008
  Q: what should i do?
  A: Andrea, Congratulations on your little girl! It's quite common for your cycle to stop after you've ...
Conceived Late7/16/2008
  Q: I conceived late by a week, this was confirmed by my Doctor after an ultrasound test. I conceived on ...
  A: Ami, Ovulating late in your cycle is no cause for concern. All it means is that your last ...
my pregnancy6/30/2008
  Q: im due in 2 days im a 19 year old its my first child so i dont understand most things about ...
  A: Ciara, Let's answer your questions one at a time. It does sound like it was your mucus plug, which ...
Can it be mine?6/30/2008
  Q: My wife recently found out she was pregnant. We had seperated for a few months where she was ...
  A: Alex, It's possible that either of you is the father. It is doubtful, however, that she had any ...
Blood Group & Childbirth6/26/2008
  Q: Greeting! Is the childbirth possible when both man & woman having same blood group and they are ...
  A: S, There is no problem with pregnancy when both parents have the exact same blood type. Conception ...
conception6/3/2008
  Q: My lmp was on August 25th. There are usually about 32 or 33 days from the first day of my period to ...
  A: Maria, Let me start by saying that due dates are guesses at best. Only around 1% of all babies are ...
Trying and now confused... help?6/2/2008
  Q: me and my boyfriend have been trying for a while now to have a kid (were both young so I know the ...
  A: Danielle, First of all, how long have you been trying? About 90% of couples achieve pregnancy ...
Bleeding 6 weeks after childbirth6/1/2008
  Q: I had a baby 6 weeks ago and am currently breastfeeding. I went to my 6 week checkup 2 days ago and ...
  A: Sarah, Some women never miss a period, even when breastfeeding. I'm not sure why your doctor was ...
labor5/31/2008
  Q: how do you know your contractions are the real thing I have lots of contractions but they never go ...
  A: Marjorie, I know exactly how you feel. My worst fear was that I would go to the hospital too soon ...
Natural Labor Induction5/29/2008
  Q: My first child was induced and 12 days late. I was in labor 20 houres they almost took her c section ...
  A: Marjorie, I can completely understand why you want to avoid another invasive medical induction. ...
Early Sign of Pregnancy?5/29/2008
  Q: Ms. Beier Something tells me I might be pregnant. I'm waiting until the end of next week to have a ...
  A: C, You pose an interesting question. You didn't indicate how far along you think you may be, but ...
cord5/9/2008
  Q: baby was growing fine however it says this on my report: The placenta was anterfundally sited and ...
  A: Lilian, This means that the placenta is located in an anterior position, or attached to the front ...
Medications During Pregnancy5/8/2008
  Q: I am currently 17 weeks pregnant and sick for the second time. The first time was awful as I had ...
  A: Holly, Regular Sudafed is usually fine to take. Since I'm not aware of your medical history and ...
oligohydramnios5/8/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with oligohydramnios after an ultrasound at 30.5 weeks. This is my second child and ...
  A: Amy, The answers to your question will depend on how severe the oligohydraminos, or low amniotic ...
Postpartum Menstrual Issues5/7/2008
  Q: I am almost 7 mos postpartum and stopped breastfeeding at 5 1/2 mos. I got my first postpartum ...
  A: Corie, I wholeheartedly disagree with the RN at your OB's office. Postpartum cycles can be ...
Ultrasound5/6/2008
  Q: I am 16 weeks pregnent.I had my ultrasound today.The sonographist mentioned that she is not able to ...
  A: Shipra, I'd say there's a 50% chance it's a girl;-) Seriously, though, 16 weeks is much too early ...
who's the father5/6/2008
  Q: i got my period on the 23rd of march and i had sex with a guy on march 31st. i later had sex with ny ...
  A: Sharell, I'm assuming that you made a typo and you're 5 week, 5 days, and not 5 months. Given ...
loud noise during pregnancy5/1/2008
  Q: I am 28 weeks pregnant and just saw in the internet that exposure of mother to the loud noise could ...
  A: Irina, Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Yes, some loud noises can disturb the ...
help me5/1/2008
  Q: I had a baby 5 months ago,and every since then when I menstruate my whole pelvic area gets really ...
  A: Destiny, This could be due to a hormonal imbalance after giving birth, but could also be completely ...
question about prolapse and next pregnancy4/30/2008
  Q: I am 27, 5'9", 175 lbs (yes a little overweight)and mother of 2 little girls, 3 1/2 and 8 months ...
  A: Lindsay, This is a tough question. There is limited research in this area. The risks of ...
Questioning my boyfriend's paternity4/26/2008
  Q: My boyfriend and I have been together for a little over two years. His ex-girlfriend got pregnant ...
  A: Gayla, In order to have found out she was pregnant at that time, she would have to have been about ...
Questioning my boyfriend's paternity4/26/2008
  Q: My boyfriend and I have been together for a little over two years. His ex-girlfriend got pregnant ...
  A: Gayla, Given the information you've provided, there's little chance that he's the father. To have ...
Cervix Changes4/25/2008
  Q: My question is can the cervix change from a nullipara to a multipara even with a c-section?
  A: Deborah, Yes, it is possible for cervical changes from a nullipara (first-time mother) to a ...
what day did i get pregnant?4/25/2008
  Q: I ended my last period August 14th...first had sex August 15th found out i was pregnant in ...
  A: Kesha, Although it is possible to get pregnant the day after your flow ceases, it's quite rare. ...
can I be pg4/16/2008
  Q: my lmp was feb 22 I'm 3 weeks late almost 4 ..i did blood test n hpt neg...i feel nacious ...
  A: Vanessa, This is most likely the beginning of your period. It is also possible that it could be ...
can I be pg4/15/2008
  Q: my lmp was feb 22 I'm 3 weeks late almost 4 ..i did blood test n hpt neg...i feel nacious ...
  A: Vanessa, If you had unprotected intercourse during your cycle, then yes, you could be pregnant. ...
Probably Paternity Of My Baby4/14/2008
  Q: alright well. I'm 28 weeks pregnant with a beautiful baby boy, and recently Ive been having doubts ...
  A: Sarah, You're correct. Your fiance is the father. There is little to no chance that you were ...
Probable conception date4/9/2008
  Q: My granddaughter was born 7/25/04. I would like to know if you can tell me when conception might ...
  A: Angela, The information you gave is just too sketchy to give an accurate (or even semi-accurate) ...
Please Help4/9/2008
  Q: hello there my name is Christine Baker i was born on 16/09/1991 in Campbelltown NSW i just recently ...
  A: Christine, First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. Usually it is possible to conceive soon after ...
Mulitple Repeat Cesarean Risks4/7/2008
  Q: We are having another C-section in July. This will be our fourth. We would love to have 10 children ...
  A: Robin, Let's tackle each question separately. First, if you want to pursue a VBAC, then this ...
postpartum mensuration cycle4/6/2008
  Q: i had normal delivery on February 2008 and i am breast feeding. my bleeding last for 3 weeks after ...
  A: Pushpa, It is unclear from your question exactly how many weeks postpartum you are at this point. ...
Conception4/3/2008
  Q: Well, I am 5 weeks pregnant per the ultrasound as of May 28th. The doctor kepts saying I was really ...
  A: Mary, You're correct. There's little chance that #1 is the father since it's highly unlikely that ...
conception3/31/2008
  Q: I am almost 19 weeks pregnant. My LMP was Nov 19th my cylces are normally 30 days long. My due date ...
  A: Liz, Based on the information you gave, there is no chance that #1 is the father. The dates you ...
pregnancy3/30/2008
  Q: ..but its worth giving it a shot right? ok well im now in my 30th week of my pregnancy and last ...
  A: Jamie, It's normal to have a variety of different discharge during pregnancy. It is also possible ...
Male Fertility3/28/2008
  Q: First off, I should tell you that I am the male in my relationship with my wife. I thought you ...
  A: Emad, There are few common rules to start with for increasing male fertility: 1. Limit or ...
Conception3/27/2008
  Q: maybe you can help me.. Here is my situation;I had a casual sexual incounter on nov 2 2007 w a #1, ...
  A: Denise, There is a 0% chance that #1 is the father. You started a new period after your encounter, ...
Late deceleration and induction3/26/2008
  Q: My daughter is 40 weeks and 4 days. She had a NST today. She was on the monitor 30-45 min. She had ...
  A: Toni, Refuse the induction. Remind your daughter that she is the one in charge, not the doctor. ...
Preparing for Childbirth3/26/2008
  Q: Just wondering if you have any ideas re: coping methods for childbirth. We want to have a baby very ...
  A: M, You're taking the right step to eliminate your fear of childbirth by educating yourself. The ...
vaginal pain after urinating3/24/2008
  Q: Im 16 weeks pregnant with my first child and for the last couple of days i have had mild vaginal ...
  A: Ali, It is possible to be feeling ligament stretching at this time however, the symptoms you ...
Labor3/21/2008
  Q: My wife is having pains which started in her lower abdomen and spread into her hips and lower back. ...
  A: Wes, At 36 weeks, yes, this could be the beginnings of labor. However, it could also be prodromal ...
Perinatologists and High Risk Doctors3/19/2008
  Q: What is the difference between a Perinatologists and a High Risk Doctor? If a mom to be is sent to ...
  A: Jennifer, A Perinatologist is a subspecialty of obstetrician that deals exclusively with high-risk ...
menstruation post childbirth3/18/2008
  Q: my period has now returned but it is alot heavier than normal. I mean alot heavier. Before I had my ...
  A: Eugenie, The same thing happened to me after I had my first child. However, it only lasted for the ...
22 weeks preg...feel baby movement extremely low into pelvis, normal or sign of preterm???3/14/2008
  Q: I am just about 22 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby girl. So far, so good, all looked well at 18 wk. ...
  A: Brandi, This is most likely normal. The baby is still quite small and has lots of room to move ...
C-section vs vbac3/14/2008
  Q: I am wondering if you could give me some advice about my situation. I am scheduled for a c-section ...
  A: Megan, This is a complex issue. You are correct that both options do carry some risks. However, ...
need help regarding pregnancy! help!3/13/2008
  Q: I am currently single, my boyfriend and I have broken up recently due to relationship problems, ...
  A: Jenna, Early ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine a due date, especially if you have ...
Period returning after birth3/13/2008
  Q: im wondering when your period normally comes back if you've had a c section birth. My son was born ...
  A: Jacqui, If you do want to avoid pregnancy now, then yes, some form of birth control should be used. ...
to have an epidural3/12/2008
  Q: I am currently 28 weeks pregnant with my first child and have begun to seriously consider options ...
  A: Aim, To answer your first question, there is no truth to what your partner is saying. Babies whose ...
Castor oil before child birth.3/12/2008
  Q: My fiance wants to have some natural progression before she gets induced. Is it bad to take castor ...
  A: Sheldon, No, it is not advisable to take castor oil before a scheduled induction. Castor oil can ...
when did i get pregnant??3/12/2008
  Q: i really hope you can help me with this.... ok well im quite positive that my last period was from ...
  A: Jasmine, It can be difficult to actually determine a probable conception date when you have ...
Period returning after birth3/11/2008
  Q: im wondering when your period normally comes back if you've had a c section birth. My son was born ...
  A: Jacqui, It is normal to not have your period return for up to a year when you're breastfeeding. It ...
Pre-term labor3/10/2008
  Q: I have hypertension and take methyldopa for it. It still runs high 140's/90's so I have non-stress ...
  A: Kristy, You're in a tough situation. At 34 weeks, your baby's lungs are not developed. Your ...
Care during Pregnancy3/10/2008
  Q: My wife is 2 months pregnant now. I would like to take your opinion about her diet and what measure ...
  A: Dhoni, Congratulations on your first child. During her pregnancy, your wife should be seeing a ...
Pregnancy problems3/9/2008
  Q: My wife is pregnant and presently 20weeks pregnant. She is under treatment with my family doctor ...
  A: Nagamahesh, Increased discharge during pregnancy is completely normal. It shouldn't be a cause for ...
ovulation after childbirth3/8/2008
  Q: How soon after childbirth can you start ovulating? Is there risk of pregnancy to have unprotected ...
  A: Ruth, There is a risk of pregnancy every time you have unprotected sex, even at 4 weeks postpartum. ...
Dating ultrasound2/28/2008
  Q: Im confused about my conception/duedate. I had an ultrasound and it measured the baby to be 8wk 6day ...
  A: Jade, I have no idea why the sonographer would have put your due date back a week when the baby ...
Conception date2/27/2008
  Q: I have already asked one question and this is just a more informed question based on Ultrasound and ...
  A: FOLLOW-UP: Jenn, You are most likely correct that they wouldn't comment due to liability. Unless ...
What to buy???2/24/2008
  Q: My situation is a little odd, i live in America and my fiance' lives in the UK, before i have my ...
  A: Autumn, Yes, you're correct that babies are expensive - in any country, but it's even more true in ...
pregnancy2/23/2008
  Q: I am about nine weeks along in my pregnancy and i have my first appointment on monday, i am so ...
  A: Autumn, First of all, congratulations! First appointments can vary depending on whether you've ...
Labor2/20/2008
  Q: I'm due March 20th and i will be 36 weeks tomorrow my doctor told me last week i was 1cm dilated ...
  A: Paige, The contractions, cervical changes, and increased pressure are all signs that things are ...
how can i find out what date i conceived2/20/2008
  Q: i found out i was pregnant at 6 weeks but every ultrasound after tha is of by a 1 week or 2 ...how ...
  A: Crystal, To calculate your conception date, you will need to know how long your cycles typically ...

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