Top Pregnancy & Childbirth Apps

In this series, we'll be looking at the numerous apps for both the iPhone and iPad that focus on childbirth and childbirth education.  There are over 50 of them - some duplicates for the Phone and Pad.  But we're highlighting the best!  Here are the first 5!

The Pregnancy Wheel is super easy to use whether you are a parent or professional!  A swipe of the finger allows you to highlight your Last Menstrual Period Date to reveal the estimated date of conception, estimated due date plus what trimester you are to date.  And best of all, it's free!
Our rating: ***** (5 stars!)

Developed by Hesperian Health Guides, Safe Pregnancy and Birth gives information but in a negative manner in our opinion.  With topic headlines such as Danger Signs During Pregnancy, Danger Signs During Birth and Danger Signs After Birth, one would think childbirth is dangerous!
Free.
Our rating: ** (2 stars)

iDoula is more than a contraction counter.  Gives doula-type advice along with estimating the stages and phases of labor based on the frequency and duration of the contractions.  Downside, not available for the iPad, just the iPhone.  Helps give partners an edge, even if they cannot afford a doula or didn't hire one prior to labor.
$3.99
Our rating: **** (4 stars!)

Ilithyia is an app for any birth professional, especially the midwife, nurse, doula and childbirth educator.  Named after the Greek goddess of childbirth, Ilithyia is a peer reviewed and evidence-based prenatal care guide.  Recommendations are from national guidelines set forth by ACOG, CDC and peer-reviewed articles.  Reviewed and edited by residents and attending physicians of the San Jose-O'Connor Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, affiliated with Stanford University.  Many topics, such as Herbal Teas, Medication,  and Fruits and Vegetables are supported by "consensus".  Breastfeeding is supported by "evidence".  No information about labor or birth.
Free
Our rating: *** (3 stars)

Designed for both iPhone and iPad, Partogram is meant to be used by women who are in labor between 37 and 42 weeks, having one baby who is in the head down position.  Linked to and promotes the book, Proactive Support of Labor, this app claims to be evidence based (I found very little of this info) and usable professionals such as ob/gyns, midwives, residents, GPs who do births as well as doulas and childbirth educators.  If parents choose functionality, they need to pay to activate the app.
Free
Our rating: ** (2 stars)