Pregnancy Podcast

Pregnancy cravings and aversions are common symptoms during pregnancy. While it may be fun to make jokes about pickles and ice cream, for some expecting moms, this can be a source of stress. You may find yourself craving junk food or completely turned off by healthy foods, even though they were once a normal part of your diet. This episode explains why cravings and aversions occur and how they can affect your diet. Learn what the research really tells us, and just as importantly, what it does not. If you have ever felt curious about your cravings, frustrated by aversions, or stressed out about how this affects your diet, this episode will help you understand why this happens, what is normal, and when to get support. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/foodcravings/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It's made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In the month of January 2026, save 40% with the code ZAPREN40 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The VTech Smart HD Plus is designed for flexibility and peace of mind at home and on the go. Save 20% on the VTech Smart HD Plus with the code VTPODCAST at https://pregnancypodcast.com/hdplus From skin care to treating stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered with 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. Every product comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it risk-free for 100 days. If you feel the product has not worked for you, or if you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

The CDC recently made significant changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, prompting widespread coverage and discussion. Vaccines are a complex and often polarizing topic. For expecting parents, clickbait headlines can feel overwhelming or confusing. This episode breaks down how these recommendations are developed and what actually changed in the vaccine schedule. Learn how the revised recommendations influence pediatric care, insurance coverage, and state requirements, and what this means in practical terms as you navigate vaccine decisions for your baby. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vaccineschedule/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It's made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In the month of January 2026, save 40% with the code ZAPREN40 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Determining a due date can feel like a pregnancy rite of passage, but it’s more of an estimate than a hard deadline. Discover how the 280-day rule is based on outdated assumptions and why real pregnancy lengths vary. Learn about the importance of early ultrasounds for accuracy and the risks tied to going past 42 weeks. Alternatives like ranges and personalized history could reshape how we approach due dates in the future. Tune in for insights on anxiety, prenatal care, and the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for baby!

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and what happens immediately after your baby's birth. A birth plan is much more than a piece of paper you hand to your care provider. It is the process you go through to prepare for your desired birth experience. This process will lay the foundation for preparing you for scenarios where everything goes exactly as planned and for what should happen if it does not. The value of a birth plan has more to do with the process of creating it than with the finished product. This simple process will help you navigate your labor and birth with confidence. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/plan/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes is a podcast with a collection of bedtime stories designed to help your little one relax and create calming, mindful moments of connection at bedtime for you and your child. There are no ads, no interruptions, and each episode is fifteen minutes or less. They are sensory-aware, which means they help calm restless bodies and encourage interaction between you and your little one. It's time to discover a better bedtime. Subscribe to Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes wherever you listen to podcasts: https://www.byuradio.org/wink-bedtime-stories From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients 8 Sheep Organics has you covered with 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple, green scoop. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your body every day. When you first subscribe to AG1, you'll get an AG1 Welcome Kit, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, a Morning Person hat, AND you'll get to try each new flavor of AG1 and their new sleep supplement, AGZ. That's $126 in free gifts at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

It is completely normal to feel nervous about giving birth, especially with so many unknowns about how labor will unfold. Research shows that fear of birth can affect your experience, but you are not powerless against it. In this episode, you will learn how to identify what is driving your anxiety, filter out unhelpful influences, and use simple, effective tools to feel more grounded and prepared. We will cover ways to reframe your mindset, build confidence through education and planning, and talk through common fears so you can approach birth with greater calm and confidence. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/confidence/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps and is perfect if you want private, no-fuss monitoring with premium features. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the Advanced HQ Max at PregnancyPodcast.com/HQMax. https://pregnancypodcast.com/hqmax/ AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple, green scoop. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your body every day. When you first subscribe to AG1, you'll get an AG1 Welcome Kit, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, a Morning Person hat, AND you'll get to try each new flavor of AG1 and their new sleep supplement, AGZ. That's $126 in free gifts at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast 8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

There are many things that can happen during pregnancy and birth that might feel embarrassing in other settings, but are normal parts of having a baby. The possibility of pooping during labor is one of these topics. This episode addresses a listener's questions about how common this really is and why it occurs. You will learn whether there's anything you can do to prevent it and what the pros and cons are of methods often suggested to avoid it. We also discuss potential benefits and how exposure to fecal matter during birth may influence your baby's gut microbiome. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pooping/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The True Belly Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is specially crafted with clinically proven ingredients that deeply penetrate the skin to effectively prevent stretch marks. Like all products from 8 Sheep, the True Belly Serum offers a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it risk-free for 100 days! If you feel the serum hasn't worked for you, or if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, just send them an email and they will issue a refund, no questions asked. Save 10% on 8 Sheep Organics at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Getting sick can feel especially tough when you're pregnant. Unfortunately, during pregnancy, you're more vulnerable to illnesses like colds, the flu, and COVID-19. This episode helps you understand what kind of illness you might have, how to treat your symptoms safely, and when to reach out to your doctor or midwife. Learn how these viruses spread, what symptoms to watch for, and how to distinguish between common cold, pregnancy rhinitis, or strep throat. Find out about evidence-based, non-medical strategies to ease symptoms. Hear about research on homeopathic remedies like Umcka and herbal teas for cold relief. Plus, a review of what we know about the safety of over-the-counter medicines and ingredients like acetaminophen, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. You should always discuss any symptoms and medications, including over-the-counter medicines, with your doctor or midwife. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/sick/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families. The VTech VM901 Baby Monitor makes monitoring effortless at home or away. With a 1080p HD camera and a 5" parent unit, it's designed for convenience and reliable performance. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the VTech VM901 Baby Monitor at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vm901 Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes is a podcast with a collection of bedtime stories designed to help your little one relax and create calming, mindful moments of connection at bedtime for you and your child. There are no ads, no interruptions, and each episode is fifteen minutes or less. It's time to discover a better bedtime. Subscribe to Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes wherever you listen to podcasts: https://www.byuradio.org/wink-bedtime-stories From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered with 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. Every product comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Exploring the science behind gratitude, this podcast dives into its powerful effects on emotional well-being during pregnancy. Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance relationships, reduce stress, and even improve physical health. Simple interventions like journaling or gratitude letters are discussed, along with the benefits of gratitude in decreasing prenatal anxiety and promoting better bonding. The host shares personal experiences and practical tips to cultivate gratitude daily, reminding listeners that even small moments can uplift their spirits.

Discover how the immune system shifts during pregnancy and why extra care is essential. Sleep emerges as a key player in immunity, while nutrition and hydration take center stage for overall health. Vanessa breaks down the role of exercise in boosting immunity and managing stress effectively. Explore the evidence surrounding supplements like vitamins, probiotics, and herbal remedies, alongside practical tips for making informed choices. Learn which foundational health practices should be prioritized before considering additional support.

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy pose serious risks to both mother and baby. From chronic hypertension to preeclampsia, understanding these conditions is crucial for safe prenatal care. Symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, and abdominal pain are warning signs not to ignore. The discussion also highlights the importance of careful monitoring postpartum, as risks can continue after delivery. With recommendations on preventive measures like low-dose aspirin, this episode is filled with essential insights for expecting mothers.