The Dream Birthing A Bad Dream
Jan 15, 2026
Dr. Sarah Tugood, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Group, joins to tackle pregnancy and wellness myths. She discusses the overwhelming pressure on pregnant individuals for 'perfect' outcomes and how misinformation can lead to anxiety. The conversation dives into common concerns like caffeine intake and the nuances of interventions like C-sections, highlighting their lifesaving potential. Dr. Tugood emphasizes the importance of trust in prenatal care, especially in underserved communities, while debunking myths around pregnancy signs and interventions.
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Pregnancy Amplifies Wellness Pressure
- Pregnancy turns many ordinary decisions into moralized, high-stakes territory influenced by wellness culture.
- That pressure produces conflicting messages and makes women question even basic choices.
Scare Early In Pregnancy
- Jane Marie learned she might have cancer during early pregnancy after an abnormal pap and spent weeks terrified.
- She later found out it was HPV and not cancer, highlighting pregnancy's amplified anxieties.
A 55‑Hour Induction Ordeal
- Alicia described a 55-hour induction that involved Pitocin, multiple drugs, and extreme pain with little progress.
- She felt terrified, blamed herself, and oscillated between trusting doctors and her doula's advice.
