

Pregnancy Podcast
Vanessa Merten
A resource to support expecting moms (and partners, too!) with evidence-based information to navigate the awesome adventure of pregnancy, birth, and being a new parent. Vanessa Merten provides evidence based info that goes way beyond the typical "pregnancy instruction manual". Every episode is designed to give you all of the evidence, research, pros, cons, risks, and benefits – all so you decide what the best option is for YOU and feel confident about your decisions during your pregnancy and beyond. The show covers everything from pregnancy to caring for a newborn. Topics include prenatal care, labor, natural birth, hospital birth, cesarean birth, preparing for your baby, breastfeeding, postpartum, and caring for a new baby. This is your evidence-based resource to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and your baby.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 19min
Q&A: What the Evidence Reveals About Pregnancy Dreams
Pregnancy often brings vivid and emotional dreams, influenced by hormonal changes and stress. This discussion dives into why these dreams feel so intense and the role of emotions in shaping them. Practical tips for improving sleep quality, like establishing a soothing nighttime routine and relaxation techniques, are shared. Listeners can discover how to manage anxiety and enhance restful nights during this unique journey. Plus, there's a spotlight on a special lotion designed to help with sleep and pregnancy discomfort.

Aug 31, 2025 • 42min
Understanding Your Options and Choosing the Right Formula
Navigating the world of infant formula can be quite the challenge! Discover how different formulas vary in nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins. Learn about essential additives such as DHA and probiotics. Tips on spotting allergies and sensitivities will help you choose the right option for your baby. Get savvy shopping insights, including label reading and strategies to save money during formula shortages. By the end, you'll feel empowered to select a formula that aligns with your values and supports your baby’s health!

Aug 27, 2025 • 17min
Q&A: Noise Exposure in Pregnancy and Concert Safety
Curious about concert safety during pregnancy? This discussion dives into how babies hear in the womb and what research reveals about acceptable noise levels. It debunks myths surrounding loud music, reassures expectant mothers, and offers practical advice to minimize risks while enjoying memorable events. Plus, hear about guidelines from health organizations to keep both mom and baby safe. It's all about balancing fun with safety!

Aug 24, 2025 • 45min
Complete Guide to Bottle Feeding
Dive into the essentials of bottle feeding! Discover how to choose the right bottle size and nipple flow for your baby. Learn safe methods for warming milk and cleaning bottles efficiently. Enjoy practical tips to ease feeding times and reduce gas and spit-up. If you're breastfeeding, find out how to introduce a bottle without upsetting your breastfeeding journey. Plus, explore the variety of bottle materials and designs to keep your little one healthy and happy!

Aug 20, 2025 • 21min
Q&A: Do Pregnancy Seat Belt Adjusters Improve Safety?
Explore whether pregnancy-specific seatbelt adjusters truly enhance safety for mothers and their babies. Dive into the research on car crash risks during pregnancy and the proven advantages of using traditional seatbelts. Discover guidance on proper seatbelt positioning and what leading safety organizations recommend. Uncover the reality behind the marketing claims of these adjusters and evaluate their effectiveness in protecting both mother and child.

Aug 17, 2025 • 53min
Success Strategies for Pumping Breastmilk and Building a Stash
Dive into the world of pumping breast milk and discover essential strategies for success! Learn how to choose the right breast pump and create a reliable storage system. Uncover tips for maintaining milk production while juggling personal life and work commitments. Explore the best practices for effective pumping techniques and the impact of your diet on milk quality. Get practical insights on the storage conditions for your liquid gold and how to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding with confidence.

Aug 13, 2025 • 24min
Q&A: The Essentials for Improving Fertility
Discover vital strategies to enhance fertility, including understanding your menstrual cycle and pinpointing your fertile window. Learn how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep play a crucial role in improving your chances of conception. Explore innovative hormone monitoring technology that gives you accurate insights into your cycle, moving beyond traditional tracking methods. This engaging discussion debunks myths and offers practical tips to create a healthy environment for pregnancy.

Aug 10, 2025 • 45min
Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding Issues
Breastfeeding can be a journey filled with challenges. New mothers often deal with issues like sore nipples, engorgement, and latching difficulties. It’s important to recognize symptoms early to prevent bigger problems later. Tips for managing common infant issues like spitting up and nursing strikes are also discussed. Support from lactation consultants and support groups can make a huge difference. The podcast encourages understanding feeding behaviors and highlights the importance of a nurturing environment for both mother and baby.

Aug 6, 2025 • 21min
Q&A: When Is the Right Time to Get Pregnant?
The discussion centers on the emotional and practical aspects of deciding when to have a baby. Listeners learn that there’s no ‘perfect’ time to expand a family, as personal experiences and financial contexts vary widely. The podcast emphasizes trusting your own timing, even amidst societal pressures. It also highlights innovative tools like Inito, an at-home fertility monitor, which helps track ovulation precisely, giving insights into unique hormone patterns to optimize conception chances. It's a relatable journey of navigating parenthood decisions!

Aug 3, 2025 • 44min
Mastering the Basics of Breastfeeding
Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally. For most, it takes time, practice, and support. Despite strong evidence in favor of breastfeeding, many parents supplement or switch to formula within the first year. Preparing yourself with foundational knowledge can make a big difference in reaching your breastfeeding goals. This episode covers the essential information you need to get started, along with practical tools and tips to make breastfeeding more manageable and rewarding. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/breastfeedingbasics/ Thank You to the Brands That Power This Podcast: Inito is the first at-home fertility monitor that tracks four key fertility hormones (estrogen, LH, PdG, and FSH) all on a single test strip. In just ten minutes, you get accurate, personalized hormone data to help you understand your unique cycle and optimize your chances of conceiving. Unlike ovulation test kits that can only predict ovulation, Inito not only predicts but also confirms when ovulation actually happens. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. If you are on a fertility journey, Inito provides you with clear insights into your unique hormone patterns, allowing you to stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Inito Starter Pack is available for just $89 with the code PREGNANCYPODCAST: https://pregnancypodcast.com/inito AG1 Next Gen is a clinically-backed Daily Health Drink that combines a multivitamin, probiotic, and blend of superfoods into one scoop. AG1 delivers optimal amounts of nutrients in forms that help your body thrive. 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: https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast 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


