Pregnancy Podcast

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.

You probably know that taking a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy is important, but there's more to it than just that simple advice. I've received a lot of questions recently, including: When should you start taking a prenatal vitamin? Is a prenatal really that different from a multivitamin? What can you do if you have trouble swallowing pills or experience nausea? And how long should you continue taking one after having your baby? Tune in to this episode to get answers to these essential questions and more, and ensure you and your baby are getting the right nutrients at the right time. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitaminquestions/ 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 November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 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

Pregnancy brings unique stressors that can impact both mother and baby. The physiology of stress affects fetal development, with research linking high maternal stress to complications like miscarriage and preterm birth. Understanding individual stress responses is crucial, as well as implementing effective management strategies. Techniques like breathing exercises, journaling, and building social support networks can significantly reduce anxiety. Additionally, prioritizing mental health screening during pregnancy plays a vital role in maternal and child well-being.

Ever wondered about birthmarks? This discussion dives into their mysteries, exploring various types such as café au lait spots and hemangiomas. Learn how skin development affects these unique marks and why some fade while others remain. Discover the prevalence of vascular birthmarks and what to watch for regarding your baby's skin. Plus, get insight on when to consult a pediatrician and explore treatment options, including laser therapy. It's a captivating journey through the realm of your baby's skin!

Pregnancy can be overwhelming with countless choices and emotional changes. Listen as they tackle decision fatigue and stress the importance of choosing the right care provider. Discover the BRAIN framework for evaluating decisions and learn how to create a concise birth plan. Simplifying newborn preparation and pacing your learning journey over the trimesters can make a big difference. Plus, tips on outsourcing tasks and relying on trusted resources will help you manage the noise. Trust your gut and focus on your priorities!

New parents face a key decision about vaccinating their newborns against hepatitis B. The vaccine is recommended within 24 hours of birth to combat a serious liver infection. Discussion centers on the development of immunization guidelines and potential risks of the vaccine. Options include accepting, delaying, or declining the vaccination. Parents are encouraged to weigh personal risks and discuss choices with pediatricians for informed decision-making. Learn about the implications for public health and how state policies might affect your options.

Your doctor or midwife monitors the fetal heart rate of your baby to assess their well-being and how well they are tolerating labor. They primarily use electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), which is the most common obstetric procedure during labor. EFM This allows your doctor or midwife to recognize signs of low oxygen and respond quickly if intervention is needed. While electronic fetal monitoring can identify emergencies, research shows that continuous monitoring does not necessarily improve outcomes and is linked to higher rates of cesarean and assisted births. Most low-risk pregnancies can be safely monitored intermittently. Hospital policies, provider training, and individual risk factors all influence what type of monitoring is used. By learning about your options and discussing them ahead of time, you and your care provider can create a plan that keeps your baby safe while supporting the birth experience you want. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/monitoring/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: Thank you to VTech for their support of this episode. VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today's modern parents. 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. With a large 7" screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. The Advanced HQ Max 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/ The True Belly Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is specially formulated with clinically proven ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to effectively prevent stretch marks. Like all 8 Sheep products, the True Belly Serum comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel the serum 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. Save 10% off 8 Sheep Organics at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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 For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

You may notice a dark line running down the center of your belly during pregnancy. This is known as the linea nigra. What causes it to appear? Does it mean something about your baby? And will it really fade after birth? This episode answers several listener questions and explores the science behind this mysterious line, what influences how dark it gets, and whether there's anything you can do to prevent it. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/line/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. All 8 Sheep products come with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel they have 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. For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US. Plus, save an additional 10% off at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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 For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

A vaginal exam is a procedure that may be offered to you in the weeks leading up to your due date or during labor. These exams have become routine, but questions have been raised about whether they are truly necessary, how useful the results really are, and whether the evidence supports their widespread use. This episode explores what happens during a vaginal exam, what the results can and cannot tell you, and the research on the potential benefits and risks to consider. The goal is not to promote or discourage the procedure, but to empower you with knowledge and choice to make an informed decision you are confident in. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vaginalexam/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today's modern parents. 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 VM901 Baby Monitor makes monitoring effortless whether you're at home or away. With a 1080p HD camera and a 5" parent unit, it's designed for convenience and reliable performance. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the VTech VM901 Baby Monitor at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vm901 8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely 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/ AG1 Next Gen is a clinically-backed Daily Health Drink that combines a multivitamin, probiotic, and blend of superfoods into one scoop. Just one scoop contains essential vitamins and nutrients, supports gut health, helps you feel sharp and focused, and supports a healthy immune system. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Get a free welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2, and 5 free travel packs in your first box at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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 For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

There is an in-depth episode on the Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter analgesic for pain relief and an antipyretic, which reduces fever. Acetaminophen is also known by the brand names Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Panadol. That episode covers the recently raised concerns about prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder. If you haven't listened to that one yet, it provides important background on how this controversy started and what the evidence says. After that episode aired, I received numerous emails from listeners who had additional questions. Let's take a look at some follow-up questions to navigate some specific scenarios and make an informed choice about acetaminophen. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/tylenolquestions/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. All 8 Sheep products come with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel they have 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. For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US. Plus, save an additional 10% off at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/ Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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 For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com