Pregnancy Podcast

There are a lot of rumors about things you can do or food to eat to induce labor naturally. Some of these methods have science behind them. Others are old wives' tales that you can probably skip. This episode examines the evidence behind the methods thought to induce labor naturally. Methods included are exercise, baths, nipple stimulation, sex, acupuncture, acupressure, castor oil, evening primrose oil, red raspberry leaf, spicy foods, pineapple, basil, oregano, and dates.   Hello, and thank you for tuning into the Pregnancy Podcast. You can find the full article and resources that accompany this episode at http://pregnancypodcast.com/inducinglabornaturally/   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

In a perfect world everything works like it is supposed to, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature and ready to make their entrance into the world, and you naturally go into labor.  As you probably know, everything doesn’t always go the way we plan and many women end up getting an induction to jump start labor.  The key is knowing when an induction may be medically necessary, and when it may be better to wait it out.  There are many reasons your doctor or midwife may suggest an induction and this episode really dives deep into the reasons an induction may be necessary, as well as some reasons it may be better to wait.  There are many ways your labor can be induced and we go through each method, how it works, what risks are involved, and what the benefits of each method are.  We get into the details on stripping and sweeping membranes, misoprostol (Cytotec), dinoprostone (Cervidil & Prepidil), synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), using a laminaria or balloon cathedar, and breaking your water.  You will definitely want to listen to this episode to get all the information you need to determine whether induction is right for you, when is the best time to do it, and what methods you want to use.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

For a long time, it has been a common rule in hospitals that you could not eat or drink during labor. The main reason women were initially discouraged from eating during labor is not as relevant now, and a lot of research does not support policies limiting food or drinks during labor. In the past few years, this rule has improved to allow drinking clear liquids, but not every doctor is on board with eating during labor. In contrast, women who give birth at a birth center or home are encouraged to eat and drink during labor. This article examines the energy and hydration requirements of your body during labor, and the evidence to support why you should or should not eat and drink. Plus, if you decide that you want to have food or drinks at your birth, this episode covers the right things to bring, and how to navigate current hospital policies.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

During your labor and birth, your doctor or midwife will be monitoring your baby's heart rate to assess their well-being during labor and birth. The goal of using electronic fetal monitoring is to recognize babies who are short on oxygen and identify what the underlying cause is to correct it. Monitoring heart rate can also alert a doctor or midwife in the event an emergency arises in which a baby needs to be born immediately via cesarean section or through an assisted birth. Electronic fetal monitoring may sound uninteresting, but it can have a significant impact on your labor and birth. You have some choices about monitoring, depending on your risk level and how you and your little one are doing during labor.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

There are over 100 herpesviruses, and of those 8 affect humans. The two that are most common are the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are common skin conditions. If you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, you should not be ashamed or embarrassed. The truth is that this virus affects a considerable portion of the population, and one in five women. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects. The good news is that transmission rates during pregnancy and birth are low. Learn about how the herpes simplex virus can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, what medications are safe to use, and how to prevent transmission to your baby.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Prioritizing what is important is focusing your attention on the bigger things and spending less energy on the smaller things. Whether something is big or important is completely subjective. You have to decide what is important to you and your partner. Prioritizing what is important will keep you out of feeling overwhelmed. It is easy to burn yourself out trying to learn about every aspect of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Learn how to decide what is important and get tips to keep from getting sidetracked and overwhelmed with too many decisions.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/important/   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

Autonomy may not be the first thing you think about when you think of pregnancy or birth. Taking agency and ownership of your body can have a profound impact on your confidence and your satisfaction with your pregnancy and birth experience. This episode explores autonomy as it relates to many aspects of your pregnancy and parenting journey. We cover working with your care provider and participating in the discussion. How autonomy can help you navigate current restrictive policies due to COVID-19. Plus, the value in trusting your intuition.    Thank you to Deb Flashenberg for sharing so much valuable information in this episode.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

You have a vision of what you imagine your labor going like. There is always the possibility that your birth does not go as planned due to circumstances out of your control. It can cause anxiety for your birth to go another route you were not expecting. One possibility is precipitous labor and birth. This is when your baby is born within three hours of your labor starting. You can think of this episode as some emergency planning just in case you end up with very short and fast labor and birth. Learn about precipitous labor, get some tips if you do find yourself in this scenario, and how to process your birth experience afterward.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

You spend nine months preparing for your labor and birth, and suddenly it is here, and you are having contractions. Are you sure this is it? It could be prodromal labor. It can be tricky to tell the difference between prodromal labor and actual labor because contractions can have a somewhat regular pattern. They can start and stop at about the same time each day, and this can last for days or weeks before your labor starts. Learn about prodromal labor, how you can cope with it, and how to know when it is a fire drill or the big day you will be meeting your baby.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes to birth plans over the past few months and we can expect many of these changes to last for the foreseeable future. In this episode, I talk with Heather Delaney, of Maryland State Doulas, about how you can prepare, and what to expect if you are pregnant now. Heather is a wealth of information about how hospitals, birth centers, and home birth midwives are navigating this new environment. Learn what questions you should be asking your doctor or midwife, what to expect when you arrive at your birth venue, and what you may experience in labor and postpartum. Plus, the value a virtual doula can bring to your pregnancy and birth, and the logistics of how virtual support can be a lifesaver.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Pregnancy tends to be a time when you examine your diet and make healthy changes. For many expecting mothers, this means cutting back on sugar, which often means increasing the use of sugar substitutes. Throughout evolution, humans have learned to tie sweetness to calorie-rich foods. Now we have access to alternatives that taste very sweet but have zero nutritional value and no calories. Plus, in recent years concerns have been raised over the safety of artificial sweeteners, especially during pregnancy. This episode examines the evidence on natural and artificial sweeteners and their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Sugar is a broad term for a lot of different molecules that make foods and drinks sweet. Today, sugar is in just about every food and drink we consume. How your body processes different types of sugar varies. Plus, during pregnancy, there are changes to the way your body reacts to and processes glucose. This article explains walks you from understanding sugar and its effects on you and your baby to monitoring your sugar intake and keeping your consumption within recommended levels.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Your pregnancy journey starts with a positive pregnancy test. That is the first of many tests offered throughout your prenatal care. Some tests diagnose conditions you may have during pregnancy. Others look for genetic abnormalities in your baby. Some tests, like a Group B Strep test, may impact your birth. Tests are useful tools, but they can also create anxiety and stress during your pregnancy. Learn the basics of testing, so you have a better idea of how to make an informed choice when opting into any type of prenatal test.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Humans have a long history and connection to nature and the outdoors. That has changed significantly over the years, and today we spend close to 90% of our time indoors. Gardening is an activity you can enjoy that gets your outside and in nature, right in your backyard. While gardening has many benefits, when you are pregnant, there are also a few risks. Learn how to mitigate the risks to you and your baby while gardening. If you don't have a garden or yard, you can still enjoy plants inside your home. As a bonus, plants are supposed to improve the air quality in your house. This episode examines the evidence on this claim. Learn what hazards in your home diminish air quality and what you can do to improve it.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/garden/   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

COVID-19 can bring new challenges to breastfeeding. Don’t panic, plan. Get the evidence and guidelines on how COVID-19 can affect breastfeeding, and what precautions you should be taking to protect yourself and your baby. The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-evolving situation, and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of April 25, 2020.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

The technical term for swelling during pregnancy is edema. This happens in about 80% of all pregnancies. While swelling in your legs and feet is common and usually not an issue, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, like preeclampsia. Learn why swelling happens, how to prevent and treat it, and when you should call your doctor or midwife.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

In this episode, we are talking about the coronavirus and trying to conceive. Of all the questions I have received on COVID-19, I get the most from people asking if this is not the ideal time to try and get pregnant. Deciding when to have a baby is a very personal decision with a lot of factors. This article includes some considerations when deciding if now is the right time to try and conceive. This is an ever-evolving situation, and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of April 12th, 2020.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/coronavirusttc/   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

You know that your drink of choice during pregnancy should be water. Learn the importance of staying hydrated during your pregnancy, and how much water you should drink every day. In reality, you get the fluids you need from your diet and all the beverages you consume throughout the day. This episode dives deeper than merely telling you to avoid coffee and alcohol. Learn about the risks and safety of popular beverages, including soda, juice, tea, and kombucha.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

More research has been released in the last week about SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy and birth. This article is focused on the new evidence that is out and how you can protect yourself and your baby. Get tips on how to stay healthy and support your immune system. Learn what the experts are saying about how to keep your home safe and what you should be doing when you get groceries or takeout. This is an ever-evolving situation and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of March 29th, 2020.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

A lot has happened over the last week since we first discussed the coronavirus on the podcast. Hear the updates on how this pandemic can affect you during pregnancy, whether or not you get exposed to this virus. You will see changes to your access to prenatal care and changes in your birth plan as a result of this pandemic. This is an ever-evolving situation and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of March 22nd, 2020.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   View all of the resources on the coronavirus by visiting this page.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

A big challenge of covering the topic of the coronavirus is to find a balance among taking precautions, getting accurate information, being safe and prepared, and not inducing hysteria and fear. That has been part of the reason I have waited to cover this in an episode. I am very cautious about my sources of information, as you should be. There is a lot of alarming information about the coronavirus and there are a lot of unknowns. This is my attempt to synthesize all of the data and information I have been taking in, along with professional guidelines, and the actionable steps you should be taking right now to protect yourself. There are many ways in which this pandemic can affect you during pregnancy, whether or not you get exposed to this virus. You may see changes to your access to prenatal care and changes in your birth plan as a result of this pandemic. This is an ever-evolving situation and this article is the most recent info and data available as of March 15th, 2020.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/coronavirus/   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

It is easy to pull up a list online of foods to avoid during pregnancy. It may not be so easy to cut these items out of your diet. Especially if there is something on this list that you consume regularly, or really enjoy. It is not enough information for me to know I should avoid something. I want to know why I should avoid it. The truth is that during pregnancy you will eat something, likely more than once, on the do not eat list. I want to arm you with knowledge about the foods you are eating and the potential risks so you can make an informed decision about what you are comfortable eating. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Ages ago our last daily exposure to blue light came with the sunset. After dark, the light we were exposed to was mainly from campfires that contain mostly red light. Today, we are constantly exposed to artificial light that contains blue light that impacts our sleep, circadian rhythms, and hormone production. There is a lot of evidence on how blue light can affect fertility in both men and women, how it can affect your sleep, your hormone production during pregnancy, and even your breastmilk and your baby’s circadian rhythms. This episode features Andy Mant, who is well versed in the evidence and research on blue light exposure. Learn about the risks of blue light exposure and how to easily clean up your light hygiene. Plus, why apps like night shift and Flux do not do enough to protect you. This episode gives you simple hacks you can do to reduce your blue light exposure after dark, reset your circadian clock, protect your baby’s sleep, and stack the odds in your favor for fertility.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

One of the first things you do when you find out you are pregnant determine your due date. This date rules everything about your pregnancy from your prenatal care to the timing of your baby shower. This is also the most common question you will get from friends, family, and strangers. As you get close to your due date there can be a lot of anxiety, especially if your due date comes and goes and you are still pregnant. This date is an estimate of when your baby will arrive, it is not an exact science, and it is certainly not a deadline. The calculation we use today is hundreds of years old and the evidence doesn’t 100% agree with the calculation. This episode dives into how your due date is calculated, the accuracy of these calculations, the evidence of how long pregnancy lasts, and what this means for your pregnancy.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Whatever you want to call it, everyone goes #2, poops, or has a bowel movement. Spoiler alert, yes, it is true that this could happen during labor. Let me spare you having to Google this and sift through message boards of expecting moms horrified at this thought. This is the truth about pooping during labor. This episode discusses the possibility of pooping during labor, if it happens to everyone, and whether you can avoid it.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

In the last month of your pregnancy, you will be seeing your doctor or midwife weekly. Vaginal exams take place during your pregnancy in the last few weeks leading up to your birth and during your labor. The question is, are they really necessary and will you benefit from the results? Vaginal exams have become a routine, but questions about what the results show, the risks involved, and the psychological effects of the results have some expecting moms questioning whether they want to opt into these procedures. Learn what is involved during a vaginal exam, how the results are interpreted, and what the results mean for you and your baby. This episode presents all of the considerations, research and evidence to help you make an informed decision about vaginal exams.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Your care provider is the cornerstone of your prenatal care and birth experience. This is your expert resource that you will be working with throughout your pregnancy to make some very important decisions and you need to be comfortable with and trust your care provider. That is more important than their qualifications, where they went to school, and how many babies they have delivered. You need to see them as an integral member of your team, and most importantly you need to trust them and be comfortable with them. This article breaks down some considerations for choosing the right care provider. We will cover the difference between a midwife and an OB/GYN. We will discuss changing your care provider if you are not happy with your current one. Plus, this article includes a list of questions you can ask to find the right doctor or midwife for the prenatal and birth experience you want. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

You will spend about one third of your life sleeping. Sleep is so vital to your health and the health of your baby. Especially early and later in your pregnancy when you are more prone to fatigue, you will be spending a lot of hours sleeping. The big question is whether there is an ideal position to be sleeping in. In recent years there have been studies making headlines that sleeping on your back is dangerous for you and your baby. This has led to many expecting mothers waking up on their backs and panicking. I want to keep you from having to experience that. This article digs into the pros and cons of different sleeping positions, examines the research on which position is ideal, and digs into the statistics on your risks.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/sleepingposition/   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

Your perineum is the area between your vaginal opening and your rectum. This area stretches during birth and it is possible to have a tear. If you have an episiotomy, this is the area that is cut during the birth of your baby. Perineal massage is an exercise done by you in the weeks leading up to birth to prevent tearing. The theory behind perineal massage is that by stretching this area leading up to your birth will allow it to stretch more easily, and without tearing when your baby is crowning. There have been studies on perineal massage both during pregnancy and during the second stage of labor. This episode examines these studies to determine whether there is evidence to support this practice.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

There are a lot of questions about when to announce your pregnancy. Some expecting parents are comfortable telling everyone as soon as they have a positive test. Others prefer to wait until they are further along in their pregnancy. Some of the factors that can influence this are how private you are with sharing information, the particulars of your pregnancy, and your specific work situation. Learn why some parents choose to wait for certain milestones and the pros and cons of announcing early and later on. The right timing of when to announce your pregnancy will be different for everyone. This episode breaks down the considerations so you can decide when the right time is for you.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Self-care may seem like a random topic to be tackling but if there is any time during your life in which self-care is crucial, it is during your pregnancy. In the nine months, you are pregnant your body is going through more changes than it ever will in such a short time frame. Your life is changing in a major way. No one will make caring for you a priority like you can. This is the perfect time in your life to make self-care a priority for two main reasons. First, you have more free time now than you will in the future, which should make it easier. Secondly, making this a habit now will make it easier to continue and build on your practice of self-care later, when you are a parent. This episode explains how to make self-care a habit during your pregnancy to build a healthy practice of taking care of your physical and mental health for your life as a parent.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Picture the moment your baby is born. The umbilical cord is still connected on one end to your baby, and on the other end to your placenta, which is still attached to your uterine wall. Essentially, your baby is limited in how far they can go from your vagina because they are tethered by the umbilical cord. You want to delay clamping of the cord, but, you want to get skin-to-skin right away. This episode breaks down the logistics and timing of how immediate skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping can work together.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Traveling can be a big part of our lives from taking a trip for work, visiting family, or taking vacations. With a few exceptions traveling during pregnancy is no different than traveling when you are not expecting. The key is planning ahead. Whether you are hopping in a car for a road trip, getting on a train, or flying to another country this episode goes through some tips to stay healthy and be as comfortable as possible while traveling when you are expecting.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree. They are a small oval fruit, about one to three inches long, or three to seven centimeters, and they have a pit in the middle of them. Dates are high in sugar and contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6. Dates are rumored to naturally induce labor and make for a shorter labor. Sounds pretty great right? Thankfully there are several studies available to examine these claims and evaluate the evidence for eating dates late in your pregnancy. This episode breaks down the claims that dates will help your labor, and the science and studies behind them.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

There is an infinite number of decisions you and your partner have to make. Some examples are what prenatal tests to take, how to decorate the nursery, what to name your baby, who should be at the birth, and what procedures are done to your baby after they are born. It is a never-ending list, and even after all of these decisions are made the two of you are going to constantly make decisions throughout your child’s life. Some decisions are more trivial than others, but even working on coming to an agreement you are both comfortable with on little things can help you work out the big things. This episode goes through a lot of strategies you can put to use when you and your partner disagree to try and get on the same page.    You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

There are an infinite number of decisions you and your partner have to make like prenatal testing, how to decorate the nursery, what to name your baby, who should be at the birth, and what procedures are done to your baby after they are born. It is a never-ending list, and even after all of these decisions are made the two of you are going to constantly making decisions throughout your child’s life. Some decisions are more trivial than others, but even working on coming to an agreement you are both comfortable with on little things can help you work out the big things. This episode goes through a lot of ideas you can put to use when you and your partner disagree to try and get on the same page.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode110/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin to learn how to save 25% off when you buy a one month supply.

The traditional model of medical care faces increasing challenges. Factors like increasing health care costs, limitations of provider availability, issues like dissatisfaction with wait times, and the minimal opportunity for education and support associated with the individual care model have given rise to interest in alternative models of prenatal care. Centering started in the 90s when nurse-midwife Sharon Rising started bringing expecting mothers together for group prenatal appointments. Put in the simplest terms, Centering Pregnancy means that your prenatal care is in a group setting. This episode dives into the research on how this model of group care can impact your pregnancy and birth.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

This episode we are talking about using your brain. In this case we are talking about your brain as being an acronym for some good questions you can run through when deciding if any intervention or procedure is right for you during pregnancy, birth, or with your newborn. You will come across a lot of opportunities to opt-in or out of interventions during your pregnancy or birth, or even with your newborn baby. In a perfect world, every procedure comes along with informed consent and you have all of the information you need to make an educated decision you can be confident in. In the real world, constraints like limited time available for appointments make true informed consent a challenge. This episode has 5 simple questions you can ask to help determine whether any procedure or intervention is right for you.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

In the United States, the average cost of a vaginal birth is over $9,000 and the average cost for a cesarean section is almost $13,000. Health insurance is important because it will help to cover some of these costs and minimize the amount you will need to spend on medical bills. The first step is to find the right insurance coverage for pregnancy and birth. This episode is going to get you off on the right foot to minimizing your costs and making sure you are covered. You should know how your insurance works so you aren't surprised by medical bills after your baby arrives. If you already have health insurance that you are happy with this episode is going to help explain how health insurance works during your pregnancy and birth and how to understand what your cost is going to be. If you do not have health insurance or you are in the process of changing your insurance this episode will help you figure out how to choose the right plan.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

People give advice because they want to help. They think they have some information that you need to hear. It doesn't matter if they are educated about pregnancy or birth. Everyone has an opinion or advice and a lot of people feel compelled to share it with you. Even when you do not ask for it. People who give unsolicited advice are coming from a good place. It would be great if you could just speak your mind and tell people that you are not interested in their opinions. We also have relationships we want to uphold and feelings we do not want to hurt. This is the challenge. Get tips and tactics to deal with unsolicited advice when you are pregnant.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

You can expect to have at least one, or likely multiple ultrasounds during your pregnancy. This technology does more than give you a sonogram picture for your baby book. The information from an ultrasound can confirm your baby is healthy and diagnose potential issues. While these exams can be helpful when medically indicated, many expecting mothers may be getting additional ultrasounds that are unnecessary. There are a lot of studies on ultrasounds and this episode breaks down the evidence on ultrasounds in each trimester and the research on their safety. This episode is a must-listen if you are considering a 3D or 4D ultrasound of your baby.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Being sick is never fun, but especially not when you are pregnant. There are some additional challenges to the common cold during pregnancy. You are more susceptible to getting sick when you are pregnant because your immune system is lower. You may take longer to recover from being ill and to get over a cold. Pregnancy limits what types of medications you can safely take. It is so important to take care of your health when you are expecting. Unfortunately, even when you do take good care of your health, it is possible to catch a cold. Find out what over-the-counter medications you should avoid and how to treat the symptoms of the common cold and flu during pregnancy to get healthier faster.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

A vaccine is created by taking a weakened or killed form of a disease causing micro-organism that causes your body to produce antibodies. This provides immunity without actually inducing the disease. Vaccines are a very controversial topic. This episode is an introduction to what vaccines are and gets into specifics on the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. In addition to different types of vaccines, there are many ingredients that can be included in vaccines. These ingredients serve a particular function like increasing your immune response or as a byproduct of the processing. Tdap is one of two vaccines recommended during pregnancy that provides immunity for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Get the benefits and risks of getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy so you can make an informed decision on whether it is right for you.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Flu is short for influenza, which is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. In healthy adults the flu normally isn’t serious and symptoms usually subside in about a week. When you are pregnant, the inflammatory response your body has to the flu during pregnancy puts you at a higher risk for some complications. It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu vaccine during their pregnancy to protect them and give passive immunity to their baby. There are many flu vaccines available and it can be a challenge to weigh the risks and benefits to decide whether getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is right for you. This episode dives into all of the pros and cons and considerations to think about to make an informed decision on whether you should get the flu vaccine during your pregnancy.    You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Alcohol is one of the very first things to go once you see that positive pregnancy test. Trying to figure out guidelines for alcohol and pregnancy can be so confusing. Can you drink any alcohol during your pregnancy? Does it affect your baby? How much is okay? These are questions you may have asked your doctor or midwife and you usually get one of two answers. You hear, absolutely no alcohol, in any quantity, or, it’s okay to enjoy a glass of wine from time to time with a meal. You already know that drinking high amounts of alcohol is a bad idea. What about an occasional drink? This episode is going to get into all of the details on alcohol and pregnancy, how it affects your baby, and what the research says about drinking when you are pregnant.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Caffeine is considered a psychoactive drug, meaning that it changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness. It is the most widely consumed drug in the world and is most commonly found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Caffeine is one of the very first things to be cautious with once you see that positive pregnancy test.  Trying to figure out whether you can have caffeine when you are pregnant can be confusing. Understanding how caffeine effects your body, and how it is processed will be help you to determine whether you are comfortable enjoying some caffeine when you are expecting.  Some common questions are: Can you consume caffeine during your pregnancy? Does caffeine affect your baby?  How much caffeine is okay when you are pregnant? This episode answers these questions, dives into all of the details on caffeine and pregnancy, and talks about what the research says about caffeine consumption when you are pregnant.    You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Cord blood banking is definitely a confusing topic and this episode summarizes the information you need to understand cord blood banking and make an informed. Learn how cord blood stem cells are used, what conditions they treat, and how it is stored at a cord blood bank. When considering all of the pros and cons of cord blood banking, perhaps the biggest consideration is how it fits in with delayed cord clamping. This episode breaks down the evidence on cord blood banking so you can decide if it is right for you and your baby.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by visiting http://pregnancypodcast.com/cordbloodbanking/   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website at http://pregnancypodcast.com

There are a lot of products you can wear postpartum that are marketed as a way to return to your pre-pregnancy body faster with claims that they promote healing and weight loss. This ranges from Bengkung belly binding to mass produced garments that go by a lot of different names like pregnancy shape wear, belly wraps, belly binders, postpartum girdles, or support belts.  Brands vary and there are a lot of different styles, but overall the idea behind all of these is the same. The big question is, do they really work? This episode digs into all of the marketing claims and talks about the evidence, or lack of evidence, to back up these claims. If you do decide you would like to try a postpartum girdle there are tips for finding the right one and an evaluation of the top selling products available.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Running and walking are excellent modes of exercise when you are pregnant. Both will benefit you and your baby and lower your risk for some adverse pregnancy outcomes, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Like any exercise, running and walking are not without risks. When you are pregnant a lot of changes happen in your body that will impact your ability to exercise. Thankfully there are some simple tips and guidelines to make sure your workout is pregnancy safe.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Exposure to heat in hot weather and activities like working out can cause your body temperature to go up. Your normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. Hyperthermia occurs when you have a high temperature (102 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.9 degrees Celsius) for an extended period of time without an actual fever. When you are expecting there is concern of an elevated core temperature causing neural tube defects, spontaneous abortion, and other abnormalities. There are cautions you should take when practicing Bikram yoga, going in a hot tub or sauna, and even taking a hot bath. Learn about heat exposure and how to make sure you and your baby stay safe and do not overheat.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

There is not a huge amount of research on quitting breastfeeding. Research is more focused on keeping mothers breastfeeding. This makes sense, but it isn’t a lot of help when you are ready to wean and have limited evidence of how to do it. Some of the best breastfeeding resources lack great information on weaning. What you find instead is information on why you should keep breastfeeding and anxiety inducing articles on all of the things that can go wrong when you stop nursing. This episode aims to take the anxiety out of weaning. Get actionable tips on how to stop breastfeeding and transition from being a breastfeeding mother to your next parenting adventure.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Newborns are hard wired to breastfeed and are born with instincts to help them latch on right after birth. But that doesn’t mean it always goes perfectly right from the start. Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems. This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your baby like jaundice, tongue tie, yeast infection, thrush, food allergies or sensitivities, nursing strikes, sleepy babies, cluster feeding, growth spurts, and spitting up.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Many women expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems. This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your breasts like leaking, sore nipples, nipple shields, pain during breastfeeding or pumping, vasospasms, blebs, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.   For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby when you cannot be there to breastfeed. This could be so you can run errands for a couple hours, enjoy a night out with friends. This is a must if you are returning to work. Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold. It is so valuable and amazing that it cannot be reproduced in a lab and only you can make it. Your milk is perfectly formulated for your baby. Hooking your boobs up to a machine to pump milk is pretty strange. But, the fact that you can give your baby your own breast milk from a bottle is awesome. Pumping breast milk can really make a major difference for moms who need to be away from their baby during a short time and especially if you are returning to work. This episode is focused on all the fundamental things you need to know about pumping breast milk. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Hear about the fundamental things you need to know before your baby is born and what to expect when they arrive and start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is so important and one of the best things you can do for your baby. There is no formula that comes close to mimicking breastmilk. Your milk contains every vitamin, mineral, and nutritional element your baby needs, and your milk is customized just for your baby. Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger. Breastfeeding produces prolactin and oxytocin, which are hormones that foster a connection to your baby and help you recover from birth better. By understanding the basics you will have a solid foundation to start building a successful breastfeeding relationship with your new baby.   You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.    For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Is it safe to use a microwave oven when you are pregnant? Learn about the safety of microwaves and how to minimize the risks for you and your baby. You can read the article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast Website.

Your baby’s position in the womb can have a big impact on your labor and their birth. What if you can do some things during your pregnancy to help your baby get in an optimal position before you go into labor? There are a couple of practices that aim to do just that. Optimal Fetal Positioning and Spinning Babies are two practices that give you positions, movements, and exercises to take care of your body and give your baby the environment they need to move into the best possible position for an easier birth. The big question is, are these practices evidence based? Tune into this episode to learn about Optimal Fetal Positioning and Spinning Babies, and hear about the evidence, risks, and benefits of incorporating these ideas into your pregnancy.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode156/   Thank you to Aeroflow for their support of this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy.  All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump.  To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Your baby’s position in the womb seems simple on the surface. You want your baby head down in the third trimester and you are good to go, right? It is a bit more complex than that, and while baby position can be confusing, this episode simplifies how to understand your baby’s position. After listening to this episode, you will know what it means when your doctor or midwife says your baby is LOA. More importantly, you will know exactly what your baby’s position means for you and your baby in birth.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode155/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals and your pregnancy is an excellent time to get safer products in your home. Any chemicals you are exposed to when you are pregnant potentially exposes your baby to them. There are no current regulations requiring manufacturers to fully list all of their ingredients. Generic terms like “fragrance” can mask all kinds of compounds, some of which have been linked to serious health impacts. Learn what chemicals you should be avoiding, how to shop for safe cleaning products, and tips for safer cleaning during your pregnancy.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/cleaning/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your baby’s umbilical cord is their lifeline. The reason for this, is that it is constantly delivering oxygen and nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide and waste. Plus, your placenta acts as a reservoir of blood and after birth there is a transfer of blood from the placenta, through the cord, to your baby. This is true regardless of whether you are having a vaginal or cesarean birth, or if your baby is born at term or prematurely. This placental transfusion of blood, also contains immunoglobulins and stem cells, and this transfer is stopped as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped. While there has been movement toward delaying clamping of the umbilical cord, there is not a universal guideline practiced by all care providers. This episode dives into the evidence on delayed cord clamping and what minimum amount of time is ideal.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode154/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

The third stage of labor starts after your baby is born and ends with birthing the placenta. Even after your beautiful baby is born your uterus will continue to contract. These contractions are generally more mild than the contractions you experience during birth. As your uterus begins to contract and shrink, your placenta will detach from your uterine wall. The blood vessels are then closed off, and the placenta is pushed out. You have a lot of options as to what interventions are employed during this stage and whether your care provider uses active or expectant management. This includes the timing of clamping the umbilical cord, medications, and physically pulling on the umbilical cord. This episode explains all of your choices during the third stage of labor and examines the research to give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode153/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Postpartum hemorrhage is the number one cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage is between 1-5% of pregnancies, and is most common in the first 24 hours following birth. This episode dives into the risk factors and causes of postpartum hemorrhage, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the warning signs you should look out for. Find out what to expect about bleeding, technically called lochia, in the weeks after our baby born and what you should know about your menstrual cycle and period returning after birth.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/postpartumbleeding/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Informed consent is a basic component of communication between medical professionals and patients. True informed consent means you fully understand the procedure, intervention, or treatment, that you are aware of all of the risks and benefits, and you have the choice to opt in or opt out. The guidelines for this are defined by organizations like the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Even though it is a basic tenant of medical care, it isn’t always practiced ideally. There are challenges involved with the time and attention needed to give you true informed consent. As we are seeing a shift to more patient focused practices and a more evidence based approach to care we will hopefully see this become a bigger priority. Until then, this episode gives you some tips in finding the right care provider, how to make sure you are really informed before giving consent for procedures and interventions, and when you know you should switch to a new doctor or midwife.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/informedconsent/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Did you know that your feet can go up a shoe size during your pregnancy? This is just one of many issues that can affect your feet when you are pregnant. The good news is that there are things you can do to get some relief if you are dealing with any foot issues. The even better news is that there are very simple things you can do to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Physical changes, like gaining weight, and hormonal changes, like the release of relaxin, can lead to issues ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some expecting moms find that issues with their feet during pregnancy end up affecting their overall quality of life. Some of these issues, like varicose veins, may go away after you have your baby. Unfortunately, other issues, like a decrease or loss of your arch, can be permanent changes in the structure of your feet. This episode covers how pregnancy changes your feet, common foot issues, tips to get some relief, and simple steps to prevent problems in the first place.   Show notes: http://PregnancyPodcast.com/episode152/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

There is so much focus on pregnancy and birth that many new parents find themselves lost once their baby is born. Most parents prepare to take care of a baby by learning how to change a diaper or how to swaddle, but what about how to take care of yourself? These five rules will help you thrive in your new role and keep you in a positive space so you can take excellent care of your little one.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode151/.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of March with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/

If you are planning on having more than one child there is no magic time frame that you should wait in between pregnancies and there is no right answer that fits everyone. There is research available on the risks and benefits of waiting a certain period of time in between pregnancies. Plus, organizations like the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommendations for minimum time frames in between a birth and getting pregnant again. This episode breaks down the evidence on spacing in between your pregnancies and some considerations for you to think about when planning.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/childspacing/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of March with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/

Body image during pregnancy and after having a baby is not something that just affects someone who was previously anorexic or struggled with their weight. Body image applies to anyone who is pregnant. I have yet to meet anyone who was confident about all of the physical changes going on during pregnancy. That doesn’t mean those people do not exist, but that definitely isn’t the majority. The many physical and emotional changes that come with carrying a baby puts your body through a major transformation. These changes are necessary to have a healthy baby. It is impossible to create a new life without going through a major transformation. This episode prepares you for what body changes to expect during pregnancy, what influences our body image, the research on body image, and evidence based interventions to improve it.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode150/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of March with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/

Pasmo is a Spanish word that doesn’t have an English equivalent. It describes the reversal of labor once it has started. During labor and birth oxytocin, the love hormone, is the driving force of your contractions. Other hormones, like beta-endorphins and catecholamines counteract oxytocin to slow down labor. When this works like it is supposed to this balancing act keeps your labor at a pace where you are able to experience the positive effects and relief from beta-endorphins and at a pace where your body can handle the stress. In cases where levels of these stress hormones are too high labor can slow down, stop, and even reverse. This episode covers the reasons your labor can slow down, stop, or reverse and the steps you can take when planning your birth to promote your labor progressing.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/pasmo/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of March with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/

The Pregnancy Podcast has teamed up with Zahler for the month of March to get you a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book, and be entered to win two amazing prizes; a nine month supply of the Zahler +DHA prenatal vitamin, and a Bugaboo stroller.   To get your free book and be entered to win one of the prizes all you have to do is leave a review for the vitamin on Amazon mentioning the Pregnancy Podcast and send a screenshot to me vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com.   Plus you can save 25% when you buy a one-month supply on Amazon with the promo code PREPOD25. To check out the vitamin, or leave a review you can go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   The Zahler +DHA prenatal vitamin uses high quality ingredients like the active form of folate, and bioavailable iron, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is my #1 recommendation for a prenatal vitamin because Zahler doesn’t skimp on ingredients, and quality matters. Zahler has made it a priority to formulate all of these really high quality ingredients into one vitamin that will cover all of your bases for the vitamins and minerals you need when you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or in the postpartum period.

Back in the 1950s dads spent labor in hospital waiting rooms, called “stork clubs”, until a nurse came in to let them know the were a father. By the 1980s most dads were present for the births of their babies. Today, dads and partners are not just present, they are active participants from planning during pregnancy to catching their babies in the deliver room. The challenge in preparing your partner for birth is understanding what role they play or knowing what they should be doing while mom-to-be is in labor. Get the dos and don’ts to guide your partner to being the rock of support you need so you both can go into your labor and birth feeling confident and read to meet your baby. Plus, this episode breaks down labor step-by-step and details what your partner should be doing at each stage of labor.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode149/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

You have several options during your pregnancy when it comes to testing for chromosome abnormalities in your baby. The most common non-invasive screening tests are the first trimester screen and quad screen and these have been offered to all pregnant women for many years. With better technology comes more options for testing, especially when it comes to examining DNA. The cfDNA (cell free DNA) test, which became available in 2011, is named for the fragments of your baby’s DNA that are freely floating in your blood stream. This simple blood test from you can test for many more chromosome abnormalities than the traditional screen tests, plus the sex of your baby and their Rh factor. This episode breaks down everything you need to know about the cfDNA or NIPT test compared to other options so you can decide whether to opt in to this test and how to understand the results.   Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/nipt/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your baby’s sex is determined at conception. They will get an X chromosome from the egg and either an X or Y from the sperm. XX is genetically female and XY is genetically male. There was a time when the only way to find out if you were having a boy or a girl was at birth. Today there are lots of options to find out the sex of your baby. These options vary in their safety, the length of time to get results, and how accurate the results are. For most expecting parents finding out whether you are having a boy or girl is a milestone moment. This episode explains all of your options for finding out the sex of your baby, when those options are available and some things to consider when planning to break the news to your family and friends.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode148/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your first prenatal appointment usually isn’t until you are eight weeks pregnant. For many expecting moms there are weeks between a positive home pregnancy test and a visit to a midwife or an OBGYN. These weeks can feel like an eternity, and leave you with anxiety about your pregnancy, worrying about the health of your baby, and a lot of questions about what you should be doing now that you are pregnant. This episode answers a questions about what to do when you are waiting for your first prenatal appointment.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/firstappointment/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes an awesome prenatal vitamin that has really high quality ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I have taken for years and it is still my #1 recommendation today. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and get a promo code to save 25% when you buy a one-month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Maternity leave is the name for taking time off from work after you have a baby. The amount of time that your maternity leave lasts varies a lot depending on what country you live in, the company you work for, and your personal financial situation. Paternity leave is the counter part of maternity leave for dads and partners. It can be a challenge to understand what is covered by your employer, to navigate federal or state programs, and prepare financially for your family. Planning for maternity leave is a big project and this episode breaks it down into manageable tasks that you can knock out so that you are totally prepared to be off from work and enjoy spending time with your new baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode147/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Weight is one of the things your doctor or midwife will monitor throughout your pregnancy as a metric of your health during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain or not gaining enough weight during pregnancy is associated with low and high birth weights for newborns, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage. Your risk for these complications is lower if you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Learn about the guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, how those translate to the pregnant population in reality, and what you should be focused on to gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/weightgain/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Consumption of placenta by a mother after birth has been a taboo subject, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. The thought of eating your placenta might gross you out at first but once you hear about some of the amazing benefits women claim it has you might be willing to consider it. This is not another pregnancy podcast solely focused on the all of the wonderful things placenta encapsulation does. This episode really dives into the possible benefits and risks of this practice, examines the scientific evidence available to back up the claims, and addresses your options for consuming your placenta from raw placenta smoothies to placenta encapsulation. After listening to this episode you will totally understand what placenta encapsulation is and have all of the pros, cons, evidence, and options so you can decide whether you want to encapsulate your placenta.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode146/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Choosing a name for your baby is a big item on your to do list. While you can wait until after you baby is born to pick a name, many parents prefer to have a name chosen early on. This is a topic that is very opinionated by a lot of people, especially well-meaning friends and family who will undoubtedly have opinions about what to name your baby. This episode responds to a listener who is struggling to come up with the right name and offers ideas, considerations, and the one rule to follow when choosing the perfect baby name.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/babyname/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

It is so important to make sure you have all of the vitamins and nutrients you need during pregnancy for you for your growing baby. While you should be eating a healthy diet, it is difficult to make sure you are getting all of the optimal vitamins and minerals from your diet alone, and you should be supplementing with a prenatal vitamin. A prenatal vitamin differs from a multi-vitamin because it has specific nutrients you and your baby need during pregnancy. This episode features Kenn Israel who is a formulator and an expert resource on prenatal vitamins. He brings decades of expertise and talks about what you should be looking for in a prenatal vitamin and why it is so crucial to make sure you and your baby are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode145/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of November with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Thanksgiving is always a great time of year to think about what you are thankful for. I am so grateful for this podcast and for you trusting this resource to inform you about the big decisions in your pregnancy, birth, and parenting adventure. Thank you so much for being a part of this podcast and for allowing me to be a part of your journey.   I put together the best Black Friday deals I think you would be interested in and some deals that I am taking advantage of because they are just too good to pass up. http://pregnancypodcast.com/blackfriday/   I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Miscarriage is a term for a pregnancy loss within 20 weeks. Rates of miscarriage are terribly confusing and the most widely accepted statistic is that 10-15% of clinically recognized pregnancies result in a loss. This number is likely much higher if you include pregnancies that miscarry prior to being clinically recognized. A common theme when examining miscarriage rates is that they vary greatly when you look at other factors like smoking or maternal age. This episode provides an overview of miscarriage, warning signs, treatment, recovery, prevention, and coping with the loss of a baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/miscarriage/

When you eat your body breaks down foods into glucose, which is used for energy. Your pancreas he hormone, insulin, is produced by your pancreas to help muscles, fat, and other cells absorb glucose for fuel. During pregnancy your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin, which means that more glucose remains in your blood, because it isn’t being absorbed. For most moms this works just like it is supposed to. Even though your body is more resistant to the insulin and higher levels of glucose are in your blood, your pancreas reacts by producing more insulin, which is what it is supposed to do. The problem comes in when your pancreas can’t keep up with the high demand for additional insulin and more glucose builds up in your blood. Insulin doesn’t cross the placenta, but glucose does. So too much of that extra glucose in your blood, that isn’t being absorbed and used as energy, is going to your baby. That extra glucose that is more than your baby needs ends up being stored as fat. There are many risks to both you and your baby when you have gestational diabetes. This episode breaks down gestational diabetes, testing, treatment, risks, and exactly how this affects you and your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode144/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of November with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Breathing is something we are constantly doing, and seldom paying much attention to. When you are pregnant, the changes your body is going through can also have an impact on your breathing. While breathing is typically done without you having to think about it, you can control your breath, and how you breathe can have a big impact on your mood, anxiety, hormone levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and even your perception of pain. There is evidence to support controlled breathing during labor to promote relaxation and cope with contractions. Plus, there is some evidence showing which breathing techniques can be used in the pushing stage of labor that may help avoid vaginal tearing. These techniques can apply to you whether you are planning an un-medicated birth, you know you want an epidural, or even during a cesarean birth.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode143/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Everyone seems to have strong opinions about pregnancy, birth, and parenting, especially parents and in-laws. Challenges with family are a tricky topic because everyone’s family dynamic is so unique. Plus, these concerns extend beyond your family to friends, co-workers, or anyone in your life that may be inserting their opinions about your pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, or parenting choices. The good news is that if you are running into challenges with friends and family, you are very lucky to have people in your life that care about you. Challenges you may run into range from someone giving you a heard time about your food choices, to someone wanting to be present at your birth that you do not want there, to criticism about how you are raising your baby. This episode runs through some challenging scenarios and actionable tips on how to deal with them while minimizing conflict and keeping your relationships intact.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/family/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Progesterone is the most important hormone in a group of steroid hormones known as progestogens. This hormone plays a major role during your pregnancy by affecting your uterus, amniotic fluid, and your immune system. Overall, progesterone is involved in maintaining your pregnancy and preventing preterm birth. As a supplement, progesterone is used during pregnancy primarily for recurrent miscarriage and to prevent preterm labor. There is a lot of research on the use of progesterone and this episode dives into the role progesterone plays, testing your levels, supplementing, and the use of progesterone to prevent miscarriage and preterm birth.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode142/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Heartburn is so common during pregnancy and it is estimated that heartburn can affect over half of all expecting mothers. Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in the upper part of your digestive tract. This is caused by acid going from your stomach into your esophagus. heartburn is also sometimes referred to as acid indigestion or acid reflux. Heartburn tends to be most common in the third trimester and should disappear after you have your baby. Thankfully, there are a lot of diet and lifestyle changes, as well as over-the-counter medications that can treat heartburn and improve symptoms. This episode explains why you may experience heartburn during your pregnancy and dives the evidence behind all of the treatments for heartburn so you can safely relieve your heartburn when you are pregnant.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/heartburn/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Find out exactly what you need to pack in your bag to take to the hospital or birth center when you go into labor.  This is a pretty big to do on your list because of course you want to be prepared and make sure you have everything you need and that you are not forgetting anything when the big birth day arrives.  This episode goes into detail on everything you need to pack, whether you are planning on having your baby at a hospital or a birth center.  If you are planning on a home birth this episode will still be helpful for you because you will want to have a lot of these items on hand and easily accessible during and after your labor at home. Don’t over think this.  I am pretty obsessed with checklists and I tend to over think things sometimes but to be perfectly honest, if you went into labor and showed up to the birth center or a hospital with nothing you would fine, I promise you it would not be the end of the world.  You would probably have to send your partner out to buy a car seat so you could take your baby home from the hospital or birth center, but otherwise you would surely survive.  With that being said, there are definitely some things you can pack in a bag that will make your labor and birth experience more comfortable.  This episode breaks everything down by what you need to pack for mom, baby, and partner.  Don’t forget about your partner, they need some stuff too.  We will get into what items are must haves and some optional things you may want to consider too.  Don’t worry about writing all of this down.  I created a checklist for you to download with everything on it.    Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode141/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a health drink. The beneficial ingredients in kombucha include probiotics, polyphenols, amino acids, active enzymes, and B vitamins. This all sounds good right? When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, the most common recommendation is to avoid kombucha because it contains caffeine and alcohol, it is not pasteurized, and it can have a detoxifying effect on your body. This episode answers a listener question about whether kombucha is safe during pregnancy and digs into the risks and benefits of drinking kombucha when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/kombucha/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Hemorrhoids are estimated to affect around 40% of pregnant women, and that number climbs even higher after birth. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding during a bowel movement, pain, swelling, itching, and general discomfort. Changes in your hormones and your body make you more susceptible to hormones during pregnancy and giving birth and the action of pushing can also cause them. While the only cure for hemorrhoids is giving them time to heal there is a lot you can do to prevent them and to find relief in the event you do end up with them during your pregnancy or after you have your baby. This episode breaks down what hemorrhoids are, how you get them, how you can prevent them, and what you can do to safely treat them during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode140/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Milk supply can be a stressful topic and low supply is the most common reason that moms stop breastfeeding, or don’t feel like they can breastfeed. Lactogenic foods or galactagogues are substances that are thought to increase your milk supply. Things like lactation cookies or smoothies usually incorporate several of these ingredients. This episode answers a listener question about whether lactation cookies work and what ingredients are best for promoting milk supply.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/lactationcookies/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby when you cannot be there to breastfeed.  This could be so you can run errands for a couple hours, enjoy a night out with girlfriends, or because you will be returning back to work after your maternity leave is over.  Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold, and it is.  It is so valuable and amazing that it cannot be reproduced in a lab, only you can make it, and your milk is perfectly formulated for the needs of your baby.  Hooking your boobs up to a machine to pump milk is pretty strange, but the fact that you can give your baby your own breast milk from a bottle is awesome. Pumping breast milk can really make a major difference for moms who need to be away from their baby during a short time and especially if you will be returning back to work at some point after the birth of your little one.  This episode is focused on all the fundamental things you need to know about pumping breast milk.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode139/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Newborns are hard wired to breastfeed and are born with instincts to help them latch on right after birth.  But that doesn’t mean it always goes perfectly right from the start. Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues.  In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems.  This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your baby like jaundice, tongue tie, yeast infection, thrush, food allergies or sensitivities, nursing strikes, sleepy babies, cluster feeding, growth spurts, and spitting up.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode138/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Many women expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues.  In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time.  There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road.  The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems.  This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your breasts like leaking, sore nipples, nipple shields, pain during breastfeeding or pumping, vasospasms, blebs, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement.    Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode137/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Breastfeeding is so important and one of the best things you can do for your baby.  There is no formula that comes close to mimicking breastmilk.  Your milk contains every vitamin, mineral, and nutritional element your baby needs, and your milk is customized just for your baby.  Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger.  Breastfeeding produces prolactin and oxytocin, which are hormones that foster a connection to your baby and help you recover from birth better.  Hear about the fundamental things you need to know before your baby is born and what to expect when they arrive and start breastfeeding. By understanding the basics you will have a solid foundation to start building a successful breastfeeding relationship with your new baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode136/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

The idea of breastfeeding a baby may be foreign if you have not been around other mothers who are nursing and if you have never had a baby before.  You may think of breastfeeding as something that will come naturally once your baby is born, or you may be freaked out about the idea of breastfeeding.  Every mom and baby are different and breastfeeding is a relationship that has to work for both you and your little one.  This episode gives some advice to an expecting mom who is freaked out about breastfeeding and some of the possible challenges that she could encounter.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/freakedout/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Generally if you delay cord clamping you would clamp and cut the umbilical cord after a few minutes or when it stops pulsating.  In a lotus birth, sometimes called physiological cord clamping, the cord is never cut and your baby remains attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates.  The term lotus birth was coined in 1974 after Claire Lotus Day observed that chimpanzees do not sever the umbilical cord of their babies.  This is not the most common practice but it has been increasing in popularity.  This episode answers a listener question about whether there are scientific studies on lotus birth and the safety of the practice.      Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/lotusbirth/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your cervix is the lower part of your uterus that opens to your vagina.  The length of your cervix changes as your pregnancy progresses and naturally shortens as you approach the birth of your baby.  In addition to our cervix shortening, when you are in labor your cervix dilates or opens and effaces or thins to allow your baby to pass through during birth.  If your cervix is weak it could open up early and cause preterm birth or a late term miscarriage.  In the medical community this is referred to as an incompetent cervix.  In some cases a surgical procedure, called a cervical cerclage, is recommended.  As with any surgical procedure there are benefits and risks you should be aware of.  This episode breaks down how your cervix changes during pregnancy and birth, when a cervical cerclage is evidence based and the risks and benefits of the procedure.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode135/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Lipase is an enzyme that is naturally produced in breastmilk that can give your milk an off smell and taste. This is only noticeable when you freeze milk, and then thaw it out and it may have a funny smell and taste.  Some babies do not mind this at all, while others will be fussy about drinking it and may even refuse it altogether.  The good news is that there is a solution to this problem.  This episode answers a listener question about lipase in breastmilk and how to get rid of it.   Show notes:http://pregnancypodcast.com/lipase/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Summer time means warmer weather, which can also mean insects like mosquitos, fleas, and ticks, tend to be more abundant. More insects mean the potential for increased exposure to bug bites.  Bug bites are never fun, and they are not something you want to deal with when you are pregnant.  Insects like mosquitos, fleas, and ticks are bothersome to say the least, but worse, they can carry diseases.  Some of the illnesses that can be spread by these pests include Zika, malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus.  No one wants to encounter these diseases and especially when you are pregnant because they can be a serious risk to you and your baby.  The big question is, do you need to worry about bug bites during pregnancy?  The short answer is no, you shouldn’t worry, but you should be aware of what the risks of bug bites during pregnancy, how to treat bites, and how you can safely limit your exposure and mitigate the risks to you and your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode134/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Gentle yoga is commonly recommended as a good exercise during pregnancy and there are many documented benefits of the practice. While many poses are recognized as safe throughout your pregnancy, there are some poses that instructors advise against.  From a liability perspective it is always going to be safer for yoga instructors or professionals to advise against something during pregnancy, especially when there are unknowns or a lack of evidence.  It is not surprising that many people advise avoiding inversions during pregnancy.  An inversion is any pose where your head is lower than your heart.  Downward facing dog is probably the easiest, and this goes all the way up to handstands, with a lot of poses in between.  This episode looks at the specific risks of inversions during pregnancy so you can decide whether you are comfortable doing inversion yoga poses when you are expecting a baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/inversion/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

There is so much attention on mom and baby during pregnancy that it is easy to forget about dads and partners, who are so important, and play such a huge role in pregnancy, birth, and parenting.  It is critical to get on the same page and communicate with your partner, go to appointments, and learn about what mom is going through during pregnancy.  Just because you are not pregnant doesn’t mean there isn’t anything for you to do for the nine months leading up to your baby’s arrival.  Get tips on how you can deal with some of the changes mom is going through during pregnancy, the lowdown on sex, how to prepare for birth, how to be a supportive in the postpartum period, and what your role is with a new baby at home.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode133/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/  

When you are pregnant it can be a challenge to limit your exposure to harmful substances and activities in your everyday life.  Many expecting moms also have to be concerned about occupational exposure to things like chemicals or heavy lifting at work.  This episode addresses questions from a listener who is a painter and is concerned about her job and her baby’s health.  This episode is focused on what work or job hazards pose a risk, and how to figure out what you can avoid, or what modifications you can make to make your job environment safer for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/jobhazards/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

By mass iron is the most common element on earth.  We wouldn’t be alive without iron, which is why it is called an essential mineral.  Iron is essential for anyone, but it is really critical during pregnancy.  Iron is a component of hemoglobin, which is a substance in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout your body.  During pregnancy your blood volume increases by 50%, which requires a lot of iron.  When you are not replacing iron as quickly as your body is using it you end up with a deficiency.  If you are deficient in iron during pregnancy it can cause premature labor or your baby to have a low birth weight,and impaired cognitive and behavioral development.  You can expect to have blood tests done that look at your complete blood count, which can tell you if your iron levels are low, or if you are potentially anemic.  If you are not getting enough iron from your diet your doctor or midwife may recommend an iron supplement.  Deciding what form or iron is the right one to take to maximize your iron levels and minimize unpleasant side effects can be a challenge.  This episode breaks down the evidence on iron during pregnancy, and the different sources of iron so you can make sure you and your baby have optimal iron levels.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode132/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

People love to tell you what you can and cannot do when you are pregnant.  Most often people don’t mean any harm, but sadly they are misinformed and incorrect information is frequently repeated without anyone fact checking.  This episode answers a listener question about being petite and being able to carry a baby to term.  There is some truth to having a higher risk of premature labor if you are smaller and we can really put that into perspective by looking at the evidence on maternal size and preterm labor.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/shortheight/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role during your pregnancy. One of the most important things vitamin D does is help with the absorption of other important nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. The majority of expecting mothers are deficient in vitamin D. This increases your risk for preeclampsia, negative health outcomes for your child later in life, and may even increase your risk for a cesarean section. Your body gets vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, your diet, and supplements like your prenatal vitamin. Most prenatal vitamins contain far less vitamin D than research is showing is necessary for adequate levels required during pregnancy. Find out what the most current research says about vitamin D during pregnancy and how to make sure you have enough vitamin D to support you and your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode131/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

There are a lot of strange things that can happen during pregnancy.  Some expecting moms may be surprised to see that their toilet seat is turning blue. If you have not experienced this, picture a white toilet seat with a faint blue print where your butt and thighs come into contact with the toilet seat.  While it may be most noticeable on a white toilet seat, it can happen with other materials, like sheets, your deodorant stick, or anything that is coming into contact with your skin.  Some of the hypotheses as to why this happens are due to dye from new maternity jeans, the pH of your skin, or your sweat having a chemical reaction to something, and of course we can always blame hormones for anything pregnancy related. This episode answers a listener question and explains why she is turning her toilet seat blue.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/bluetoiletseat/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

BPA is short for bisphenol A, and this is an industrial chemical used in plastics.  This is not a new chemical, BPA was first synthesized in 1891 and beginning in the 1950s this chemical was used in polycarbonate plastics which are used in a lot of food and drink packaging.  BPA is also used in epoxy resins, like the coatings you find inside of most canned food, bottle tops.  Some other unexpected places you may find BPA is in receipts, movie tickets, and even baby toys.  Exposure to BPA is a concern because it is an endocrine disruptor.  Your endocrine system is your hormone system and BPA disrupts this by mimicing estrogen.  You know hormones are a big deal, especially for pregnancy and hormones drive practically every process in your body.  Listen to this episode to learn how BPA can affect you and your baby, whether BPA is something you should be avoiding, and how you can reduce your expsoure to it during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode130/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

A cesarean section can be a lifesaving procedure for a mom or a baby.  In a perfect world this surgery is only performed when absolutely necessary, meaning when it is safer for your baby to be born via cesarean, rather than to remain in your belly, or be born vaginally.  The big question is, what determines whether a C-section is absolutely necessary? This episode addresses this question and gives you some tips on how you can be comfortable in knowing when a cesarean birth is necessary and when it is not.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/csection/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Breastfeeding is commonly thought of as something that comes naturally once your baby is born.  For a small number of mothers this may be true, but for the majority of new moms the truth is that breastfeeding takes work and dedication.  I am in my second season of breastfeeding and I have learned a lot, and many things I have learned the hard way.  In this episode I share those lessons with you to hopefully save you from some of the mistakes I have made, and let you in on some of the changes I made with breastfeeding the second time around.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode129/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

When you are choosing a doctor or midwife you need to ask if they will be present for the birth of your baby.  Often times a practice will have multiple doctors or midwives and the doctor or midwife who will attend your birth will be the person who is on call when you go into labor.  In this scenario it is common for your appointments to be with different practitioners so you have an opportunity to meet everyone at some point during your prenatal care.  It can be a challenge to be comfortable with all of the doctors or midwives in a practice so that by the time you go into labor you will comfortable with whoever happens to be on call to attend your birth.  This episode responds to an email from a listener that is having a challenging time getting comfortable with some of the midwives in the practice.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/oncall/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazongo to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Your gastrointestinal system (AKA your gut) is made up of both good and bad bacteria.  It is the balance between the two that helps keep things running smoothly. This microbiome is more than just the system that digests your food.  Your gut is home to around 70% of your immune system.  The gut is often referred to as the second brain and is responsible for creating 90% of serotonin.  Gut health applies to everyone, but it is especially important during pregnancy. It can potentially impact things like group B strep, your risk for preeclampsia, and even help with constipation.  Probiotics are the key to making sure you have the right balance of bacteria and that you have a healthy gut.  Learn what probiotics are, how to incorporate pregnancy safe probiotic rich foods in your diet, the risks and benefits of a probiotic supplement, and how to choose the right one.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode128/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazongo to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEETwhen you checkout.

Trying to figure out what you can and cannot eat during pregnancy can be challenging. Finding conflicting information online doesn’t make this any easier.  This episode answers a listener question about whether it is safe to eat deli meat during pregnancy.  Learn about the actual risks of eating deli meats like turkey, ham, pastrami, salami, and find out how you can avoid or mitigate those risks to keep you and your baby healthy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/delimeat/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitaminthat has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazongo to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/and enter the promo code FEETwhen you checkout.

An antibiotic is a microbial drug used to treat bacterial infections. There are a number of infections during pregnancy, birth, or in the postpartum period that antibiotics may treat. Antibiotics are prescribed more than any other medications during pregnancy. Common conditions like urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, cesarean sections are done with routine use of antibiotics, and antibiotics may be given to you or your baby after birth to treat or prevent infections. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics, there are risks and benefits of their use. Learn why antibiotics are prescribed during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum and the evidence on the risks and benefits of antibiotics.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode127/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Morning sickness is most often nausea that happens during pregnancy, and can be accompanied by vomiting. This does not just happen in the morning, it can be anytime or even all day. Morning sickness affects 60-80% of expecting mothers. This is most common in the first trimester, can start as early as one to two weeks after conception, and usually goes away after 12 weeks, or about when you are starting the second trimester. Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe morning sickness that can require hospitalization or treatment with IV fluids, and affects .3-2% of all pregnancies. It can be especially tough in the first trimester when you may not be telling everyone you are pregnant, you feel sick, you may be missing work, or missing out on social activities. Overall you are going through a lot of physical and emotional changes and not feeling well can really impact your mental health and quality of life. Everyone is going to be different, what helps relieve nausea for one expecting mom may not work for you. This episode goes through a long list of different treatments to try and find some relief.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode126/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

It can be tough when you are told that you have to give up some of your favorite things to do once you are pregnant. There are so many sources telling you that you can’t drink this, don’t eat that, you can’t do this. When it comes to recreational activities like boating or off roading there is a lot of conflicting information on what is safe for you to take part in when you are pregnant. Learn about what recreational activities you should avoid during pregnancy, the risks you should be cautious about, and considerations to take into account so you can decide what activities or sports you are comfortable participating in during your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/recreation/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Back pain during pregnancy is something that is estimated to affect about 2/3 of expecting mothers. This can include lumbar spine pain, posterior pelvic pain, or a combination of these two. Back pain tends to be more common as your pregnancy progresses, with more reported cases in the third trimester. This is such a huge issue because it truly can impact all aspects of your life, like your work, sleep, and even your social life. Back pain isn’t just an issue during your pregnancy but can also affect you in your birth or your postpartum period.   Just because back pain is common doesn’t mean you should have to suffer through it. Learn about the causes of back pain during pregnancy, how you can prevent back pain, and how you can find some relief.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode125/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Nail polish is regulated by the FDA under the umbrella of cosmetics. According to the FDA, “Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed”. Despite the FDA deeming nail products safe for their intended use, some questions have been raised about the safety of some of the chemicals used in these products. Pregnancy raises new concerns because any chemicals you come into contact with could potentially reach your baby. This episode answers a listener question about the safety of nail polish during pregnancy by looking at some of the ingredients and research available. Plus, get tips to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals if you choose to use nail polish during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/nailpolish/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Nearly one third of babies in the U.S. are born via cesarean section and this is the most common surgery performed. Cesarean sections are a routine procedure for Obstetricians that haven’t changed much over the last few decades. In the last few years the idea of a gentle cesarean was introduced which is challenging some of the routine practices of a conventional cesarean. A gentle cesarean, also called a family centered cesarean, family centered birth, or natural cesarean, involves little tweaks to the routine procedures to make a cesarean birth more mom and baby friendly. This episode goes through the components of a gentle cesarean and how they can differ from a conventional cesarean. Also included is the evidence on the risks and benefits of vaginal seeding and how your baby’s gut microbiome can be influenced by their birth. If you know you will be meeting your baby via cesarean this episode will give you some options to the conventional cesarean and how to discuss these with your doctor. If you are planning a vaginal birth this is great info for your back up plan so you can be prepared on all your options no matter how you meet your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode124/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

When your baby is born they are susceptible to getting sick because their immune system is so immature. If your baby is exposed to a bacteria or virus it is going to be harder for them to fight it off, than a child who is older or an adult. This can present a challenge when friends and family want to visit your newborn baby, and especially during flu season. This episode covers tips on how to handle visitors after the birth of your baby to minimize their risk of being exposed to germs and make sure they stay healthy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/visitors/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

A cesarean birth is the birth of a baby via a surgical procedure called a cesarean section or C-section. This procedure is used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.   Cesarean births may be planned or unplanned. A cesarean birth could be planned ahead of time if you have a complication that would make a vaginal delivery difficult or you have had a previous cesarean birth and you aren't considering vaginal birth after cesarean, commonly referred to as a VBAC. Often a cesarean is not planned and the circumstances change when you are in labor, which lead to a cesarean birth. If you are planning on a cesarean birth you should know what is involved, what you can expect, what your options are, and how to get your recovery off to a good start. Even if a cesarean birth is the furthest thing from how you envision your birth this episode will prepare you just in case your baby ends up being born by cesarean.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode123/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

During the second trimester your baby’s skin becomes covered with vernix caseosa. Vernix is a kind of greasy and cheese like and this white coating protects your baby’s delicate skin from abrasions and hardening that can come from exposure to the amniotic fluid. This coating serves a lot of different functions in the womb, in your baby’s transition out of the womb, and after birth. Vernix sheds as delivery approaches and at birth, it may cover the entire surface of your baby’s skin or you may only find it in their folds of their skin. This episode covers the benefits of vernix, whether you should wipe it off, rub it in, or leave it alone, and when to give your baby their first bath.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/vernix   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

An essential oil is the naturally occurring oil that has the fragrance of the plant or other source it is extracted from. These are most commonly made by steam distillation or cold pressing. While essential oils have long been a part of complimentary and alternative medicine, they are rarely used in conventional medicine. In recent years their use is growing and they have become more common during pregnancy. The big question is whether essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. The majority of information online about essential oils comes from the marketing of the companies that sell oils, or their representatives. There are a lot of claims made and it was tough to figure out which ones were valid and which may be exaggerated. The biggest challenge was trying to get evidenced based information. This episode covers what an essential oil is, how they work, the research available on efficacy and safety, using essential oils during pregnancy, birth, and in the postpartum period, and tips for buying and using oils.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode122/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

A nuchal cord happens when the umbilical cord is wrapped 360 degrees around a baby’s neck. If this does not resolve itself before birth then a baby can be born with their umbilical cord wrapped around their neck. While this may sound like cause for alarm, there are a lot of misconceptions around nuchal cords and whether they are dangerous to your baby. Nuchal cords happen quite frequently, in over 27% of term births and doctors and midwives should be experienced in births where the baby has the cord wrapped around their neck. This episode answers a few questions from a listener about whether a nuchal cord is a big deal, the risks associated with nuchal cords, and how it can affect delayed cord clamping.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/nuchalcord/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

From a biological standpoint there is a limited window for getting pregnant from reproductive age until menopause. While there is a big window of opportunity, there may never be a perfect time to have a baby. You may end up expecting much sooner than you imagined, or life may work out that you end up pregnant much later. Due to the higher risk stigma of pregnancy after age 35, or social norms and expectations, a lot of women feel pressure to have children prior to age 35. The technical term for having a baby over the age of 35 is elderly primigravida for a first time mother, or elderly multigravida for a second time mom. This is also commonly referred to as advanced maternal age. The reason there is a classification for women who are pregnant over age 35 is that many risks increase after this age. Labeling an expecting mother who is 35 as a higher risk from the start can come along with anxiety and stress, but there are also some benefits to being a mother in your mid thirties and beyond. This episode examines the evidence behind the risks associated with advanced maternal age and what pregnancy over 35 means for you and your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode121/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

An allergic reaction happens when your immune system reacts to what would normally be a harmless substance, like a food, to be an invader and creates immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. Once your body produces these antibodies, the next time the allergen is introduced to your body your immune system attacks it, and you have an allergic reaction. This can range from mild symptoms like a rash to full on anaphylactic shock. This episode answers a listener question as to whether your baby can have an allergic reaction in the womb and if there is a way to prevent your baby from developing allergies in the future.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/allergies/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

The postpartum period is often referred to as the 4th trimester. You can think of it as the first 3 months after your baby is born, although for many new mothers the postpartum period lasts much longer. Your baby is making the transition from being inside your belly to being out in the world, which is a huge adjustment. You are healing, and navigating how to take care of yourself, and a little human, also a big transition from being pregnant, and an even bigger transition from pre-pregnancy. Planning ahead is going to be key in setting you up for an ideal postpartum period. Don’t wait until your baby arrives to think about this stuff. A little preparation can go a long way.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode120/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Apple cider vinegar has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Online you can find articles and blog posts touting that apple cider vinegar can help with weight loss, regulating blood sugar, soothing sunburns, treating eczema, the list goes on. If you regularly use apple cider vinegar you are likely using one with the mother, meaning that it is unrefined, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. During pregnancy it is advised to avoid unpasteurized foods, and this could include apple cider vinegar. The risks of eating unpasteurized foods during pregnancy and whether it is safe to consume apple cider vinegar when you are pregnant.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/applecidervinegar/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

We spend so much time planning for our birth and we often overlook what happens after that. Or perhaps we think about our baby, but not as much about how we should be taking care of ourselves postpartum. If you give birth in a hospital, you will likely be there for 1-3 days, depending on whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth and how you and your baby are recovering. At a birth center you are often heading home the same or next day, and with a home birth you are likely solo with your baby the same day. Before being on your own you should be given instructions for your care from your doctor or midwife. These instructions on how to care for yourself after having a baby will include what you can expect as part of a normal recovery, and warning signs of complications to keep an eye out for.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode119/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your baby’s ears start developing very early on and by about week 18, they should be able to hear. This sense will continue to improve as their hearing sharpens throughout their time in your belly. It is often said that loud noises can startle a baby in the womb, although things like your dog barking will get them used to those sounds before they even get to meet your pet in person. This episode explores the risks of loud noises by looking at studies on how babies hear in utero, and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/loudnoises/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Every pregnancy and birth is different. Even knowing this, I still expected my second pregnancy and birth to be like my first experience. While there were some similarities, there was a whole lot that was different and it was a great learning experience. In this episode I share the lessons I learned in my second pregnancy and the birth story of my baby girl who joined us on New Year’s Eve.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode118/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Your diet is a big contributor to your health and the health of your baby during pregnancy. It isn’t a secret that you should be eating healthy whole foods. Should you take it a step further and be eating organic during pregnancy? In its simplest form, “organic” certifies food that was produced without synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, genetic engineering, radiation or sewage sludge. One of the biggest reasons some consumers opt for organic foods is to avoid pesticides. This episode breaks down the difference between organic and conventional produce, meat, dairy, and other foods. Also included is some of the research and evidence on whether pesticides affect you or your baby during pregnancy, and what you need to know about GMO foods and pesticides. Get an in depth look at organic vs. conventional foods, and find out whether there is evidence to support eating organic during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode117/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Making the decision to be a mother is one of the biggest, most exciting, and terrifying, decisions you will ever make. At some point during your pregnancy, birth, or parenting journey you will be faced with judgment from people close to you who question or criticize your decisions. While these concerns may come from a good intentioned place it can be challenging to feel like your family or friends do not support your choices. The path and choices that lead to becoming a mother look a bit different for everyone. This episode addresses an email from Denise who has decided to become a mother by insemination from donor sperm and she is concerned about breaking the news to her family.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/insemination/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Many expecting mothers experience headaches and migraines during pregnancy whether or not they experienced migraines pre-pregnancy. If you did get migraines before you got pregnant you may find that pregnancy improves the severity or the frequency of your migraines. A migraine is like a headache on steroids. We do not know the exact causes of migraines and they are thought to occur with changes in neurochemicals, nerve pathways, and blood flow. This differs from a headache that is often caused by stress or tension, rather than physical changes in the brain. Migraines can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, you may also have your vision affected and see spots or even get blind spots in your vision, and you could have sensitivity to light, noise, or smells. Whether you are dealing with headaches or migraines, this can affect your sleep, mood, your nutrition intake, and overall quality of life. This episode covers diet and lifestyle changes to relieve headaches and migraines and talks about different medications and their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode116/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

When you get pregnant the egg is fertilized and then should implant in the lining of the uterus, which is necessary for the egg to survive and grow. An ectopic pregnancy happens when the egg attaches somewhere else. The most common place outside of the uterus this happens is in the fallopian tube, sometimes these are called tubal pregnancies. It is more rare, but also possible for the egg to implant in the ovary, cervix, in your abdomen or in the scar from a previous cesarean birth. This episode responds to a listener request for information on an ectopic pregnancy with causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, how this can affect future fertility, and coping with loss.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/ectopic/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

You may experience that you are completely regular, as far as going to the bathroom goes prior to getting pregnant, and then suddenly it is like you are stopped up and having issues when you need to go #2. Constipation is really common during pregnancy. If you are constipated, it means that you are having difficult bowel movements, or they are not happening frequently, your stools are hard, and you may also have pain or discomfort in your stomach. There are a few things going on with your body during pregnancy that contribute to constipation. This episode examines the causes of constipation and solutions ranging from small diet and lifestyle changes to over-the-counter medications.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode115/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Your placenta plays a big role in secreting hormones that are really crucial for your baby.  This includes hCG, commonly known as the pregnancy hormone, estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin. One of the biggest reasons new moms consume placenta is because of the belief that it will help balance out their hormones postpartum. This episode answers a listener question about autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, and how it could be helped by hormones in encapsulated placenta. This episode also addresses concerns raised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after a medical case study that came out last year that prompted the CDC to publically recommend against placenta encapsulation.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/placentacdc/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

When you have made it through most of your pregnancy and are in the final stretch you enter the waiting game of waiting to go into labor. This can be nerve racking for two reasons. First you do not know when you are going to go into labor, and second you do not know how to tell that you truly have started labor and it isn’t just a false alarm. This episode explains the signs that labor is going to start soon and the signs that you are in labor. You are not going to experience all of these signs, and some of these signs may happen to you but go unnoticed. After listening to this episode you will have a better idea of what to look out for to know when labor is starting, and when to call your doctor or midwife.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode114/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

It is common for expecting moms, especially the first time around, to have some fear about birth and fear that things will not go as planned. This episode addresses a listener who is terrified that things will not go as planned and outlines some steps to take to replace that fear with confidence.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/planB/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic “practice” contractions that many pregnant women experience during the second and the third trimesters. This episode talks about what they are, what they feel like, what can trigger them, and how you can find some relief. There are some key ways to distinguish between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions. Knowing the signs of pre-term labor and labor and how to tell the difference between fake contractions and the real thing will you give you the confidence you need to decide when to call your doctor or midwife, when to go to the hospital or birth center, and when you just need to relax and wait it out. Listen to this episode for everything you need to know about Braxton Hicks.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode113/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

It can be exciting to feel your baby move. For many moms this is a nice reassurance that there is in fact a baby in your belly. Your baby starts off making spontaneous movements really early on, but your little one is so small that you do not feel them. As your baby’s nervous systems continues to mature the neurons between the muscles and the brain are connecting, which gives your little one control over their movements. The more your baby grows the more pronounced their movements are. This episode answers a listener question about when in your pregnancy you can feel your baby moving.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/movement   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree. They are a small oval fruit, about one to three inches long, or three to seven centimeters, and they have a pit in the middle of them. Dates are high in sugar and contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6. Dates are rumored to naturally induce labor and make for a shorter labor. Sounds pretty great right? Get all of the risks and benefits of adding dates to your daily diet in the last weeks of your pregnancy. This episode breaks down the claims that dates will help your labor, and the science and studies behind them, so you have the facts to decide whether you want to eat dates during your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode112/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Newborn babies have really sensitive skin. At birth, your baby will have just spent the last 9 months in your belly totally protected from the outside world and things like chemicals or fragrances. A lot of companies market products specifically for use with babies and laundry detergent is no exception. You will be doing a lot of laundry with a new baby. Do you need to treat it differently than you do the laundry of other family members? This episode answers a listener question about whether you need to special laundry detergent for your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/detergent/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

In the United States, the average cost of a vaginal birth is over $18,000 and the average cost for a cesarean section is almost $28,000.  Health insurance is important because it will help to cover some of these costs and minimize the amount you will need to spend on medical bills.  The first step is to find the right insurance coverage for pregnancy and birth.  This is going to get you off on the right foot to minimizing your costs and making sure you are covered.  Next, you should know how your insurance works so you aren't surprised by medical bills after your baby arrives.  If you already have health insurance that you are happy with this episode is going to help explain how health insurance works during your pregnancy and birth and how to understand what your cost is going to be. If you do not have health insurance or you are in the process of changing your insurance this episode will help you figure out how to choose the right plan.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode111/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Whether you are trying to conceive now or thinking you may want another baby down the road, this episode will be beneficial to knowing what you should and should not do when trying to conceive. This episode breaks down the evidence on diet, exercise, lifestyle, and supplements to prepare your body to get pregnant.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/fertility/   Thank you to Motherhood Maternity, the best resource for maternity clothes, for their support of this episode. I shopped here during both of my pregnancies and was really happy with the selection, quality, and the prices. I know it can overwhelming to think about not fitting into anything in your closet and it is 100% worth it to invest in maternity clothes. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style when you are expecting. You can shop at your local Motherhood store or shop online and you can get 40% off one item for the month of November with the code MAMA40 when you shop online. To check Motherhood Maternity out you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/maternityclothes/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Evenflo who makes the EveryStage car seat for their support of this episode. The EveryStage car seat is an infant seat, convertible, and booster all in one and it has 10 different positions that will keep your baby or older child safe and comfortable. Evenflo’s EasyClick latch system makes it so easy to install and move it from one car to another. When it comes to car seats safety is a huge priority for me and this seat allows kids to be rear facing longer. The EveryStage car seat is well made, safe, and so easy to use. This is the only car seat you will ever need. To check out the Evenflo EveryStage car seat and get a promo code to save 10% you can visit http://pregnancypodcast.com/carseat/

January first is a very important date for your health insurance. The start of a new calendar year means that everything resets and starts over with your insurance. This goes for how much you have spent towards your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. This episode addresses a listener email and discusses what happens when your pregnancy crosses over the new calendar year, and why you could have additional expenses when everything resets with your insurance.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/calendaryear/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.

Carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy is the result of edema, which is the buildup of fluid, in your wrists, which can put pressure on a nerve that runs all the way down your arm into your hand, and cause tingling or numbness. In addition, this can be painful and can even affect your grip and strength in your hands. This episode answers a listener question about preventing carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy and what you can do to treat it.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/carpaltunnel/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To check out the vitamin and get the details on the promo code go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Feeling under the weather is never fun, especially when you are pregnant. Combine that with feeling lethargic, shivering, and burning up and you can really feel crummy. Plus, running a fever during your pregnancy can be scary. The best way to alleviate any fears or unknowns is to educate yourself about what temperature constitutes a fever, when you should call your doctor or midwife, and what to do if you get a fever during your pregnancy. Research recently made headlines linking fevers during pregnancy to autism. This episode is going beyond the click bait headlines to explain what a fever is, why we get them, and what the research says about how a fever during pregnancy can affect your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode109/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering exclusive promo codes for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and when you checkout enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off. Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To get the details on the promo code and to order them today go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

It is never a bad idea to bring up any questionable symptom you experience during your pregnancy with your doctor or midwife. The more they know about what your body is going through during pregnancy the better they will be able to help treat any symptoms or keep an eye out for any possible complications. A symptom that is common, especially in the third trimester is tingling and numbness in your feet. This episode answers a listener question about numbness in her feet, why this happens, and what you can do to prevent it.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/numbness/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Being sick is never fun, but especially not when you are pregnant. There are some additional challenges to the common cold during pregnancy. You are more susceptible to getting sick when you are pregnant because your immune system is lower. You may take longer to recover from being sick and to get over a cold. Plus, you are limited on what types of medications you can safely take. This is why it is so important to take care of your health when you are expecting.  Unfortunately, even when you do take good care of your health, it is possible to catch a cold. Find out what over-the-counter medications you should avoid and how to treat the symptoms of the common cold and flu during pregnancy to get healthier faster.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode108/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

If you have any body piercings you may be wondering if you need to take them out during your pregnancy, or before your birth. The answer to that depends on where your piercing is and whether the piercing is uncomfortable. This episode answers a listener question about body piercings and what you need to know about piercings, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/piercing/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Flu is short for influenza, which is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. In healthy adults the flu normally isn’t serious and symptoms subside in about a week. When you are pregnant, the inflammatory response your body has to the flu during pregnancy puts you at a higher risk for some complications. It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu vaccine during their pregnancy to protect them and give passive immunity to their baby. There are many flu vaccines available and it can be a challenge to weigh the risks and benefits to decide whether getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is right for you. This episode dives into all of the pros and cons and considerations to think about to make an informed decision on whether you should get the flu vaccine during your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode107/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Your skin tends to be more sensitive to everything during pregnancy and this includes the sun. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid the sun during your pregnancy but there are some precautions you may want to take to protect yourself. If you are opting for a tanning bed, tanning lotions, or a spray tans this episode also covers everything you need to know about sunless tanning during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/tan   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Episode 106: Pregnancy, Pets, and Your Baby   Many of us have fur babies before we have human babies and our pets are a huge part of our family. Pregnancy can bring up some risks relating to pets and may require some changes in our relationship with our pets. As you are preparing for a new baby, you may also be preparing your pet to be around a new baby. This episode has some tips on introducing your pet to your baby, and answers questions like whether your pet can sense that you are pregnant. Plus, learn about some research showing the benefits of bringing up a baby in a home with a pet.   Show notes: http://pregnancyPodcast.com/episode106/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

In general the less chemicals you are exposing yourself to the less you are exposing your baby to.  When you are talking about chemical exposure, the first trimester is thought of as the most sensitive period, as this is when the chances of miscarriage are highest. On the safe side you could just avoid everything during pregnancy, which I know is not realistic. You can weight the risks and benefits of getting a procedure done during our pregnancy and decide if it is worth having the procedure done or if you should hold off until after you have your baby. This episode answers a listener question about whether it is safe to get facials, microneedling, and botox during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/botox/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

A TENS device is a small handheld device that has wires coming out of it that are attached to electrodes in pads that you stick to your skin. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS units or machines are commonly used in patients who suffer from chronic pain.  A TENS machine works by sending electrical nerve stimulation through low voltage electrical impulses through the electrodes on your lower back. These devices were first used for women in labor in the 1970s, and today these devices are common for use during labor in the United Kingdom. The big question is, does a TENS machine really make a difference in labor? This episode examines the pros and cons of TENS machines and digs into the research and evidence available on their use.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode105/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

There are many people that can be involved in your birth, like doctors, OBGYNs, midwives, nurses, doulas, etc. Differentiating between all the roles of birth workers can be confusing. A doula is usually someone you hire to attend you birth in addition to the care you have planned with an OBGYN or a midwife. This episode answers a listener question about the role a doula plays during your pregnancy and birth, and how they differ from an OBGYN and a midwife. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/doula/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy.  All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump.  To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA.  This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend.  Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon.  To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy.  They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots.  You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy.  Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive 20% off for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check them out go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET when you checkout.

Did you know that you can go up a shoe size during your pregnancy? This is just one of many issues that can affect your feet when you are pregnant. Pregnancy has a major impact on your feet. Physical changes, like gaining weight, and hormonal changes, like the release of relaxin, can lead to issues ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some expecting moms find that issues with their feet during pregnancy end up affecting their overall quality of life. Some of these issues, like varicose veins, may go away after you have your baby. Unfortunately, other issues, like a decrease or loss of your arch, can be permanent changes in the structure of your feet. The good news is that there are things you can do to get some relief if you are dealing with any foot issues. The even better news is that there are very simple things you can do to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. How pregnancy affects your feet, common feet issues, tips to get some relief, and simple steps to prevent problems in the first place.   Show notes: http://PregnancyPodcast.com/episode104/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Mommy Steps for their support of this episode. Mommy Steps makes insoles specifically for pregnancy. They have insoles for athletic shoes and ones for flats or boots. You can even heat them in your oven and mold them to your own foot to make you more comfortable and to prevent foot issues during pregnancy. Mommy Steps is offering an exclusive discount for listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. Go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/feet/ and enter the promo code FEET to save 20% off.   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I prefer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler is offering an exclusive discount to listeners of the Pregnancy Podcast. To check out the vitamin and find out how you can save 25% when you buy a one month supply on Amazon go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Some expecting mothers feel like they are more forgetful and less sharp mentally during their pregnancy. Pregnancy brain is a general term used to describe forgetfulness during pregnancy.  There are many things that could contribute to you feeling more forgetful during your pregnancy, like being short on sleep, having a lot on your mind, and dealing with stress and anxiety. This episode answers a question from a listener abut whether pregnancy brain is a real thing. Listen to go beyond the standard answer to the science behind whether pregnancy brain is a real thing.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/pregnancybrain/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Sleep isn’t just the key to waking up feeling well rested in the morning. Quality sleep will also improve your focus and productivity, reduce your stress, and overall improve your health. When you sleep your body is in an anabolic state, which means that your body is building up things like your immune system, which you know is important at any life stage, but especially during your pregnancy. Simply put, sleep gives your body and your brain a chance to repair and rebuild. There are so many things you can do to increase the quality and quantity of your sleep. The time from getting pregnant, through the first few years of your baby’s life is a huge learning curve. It takes time to figure out what works for your family, adjust to new demands, and develop new schedules. You will need to have some flexibility in your sleep routines for these phases coming to your family in the next few years. This episode goes through a lot tips that will help you get better sleep during your pregnancy and at any stage during your life. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode103/ Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Trying to decide when to break the news about your pregnancy to your employer can be tricky.  There are a lot of considerations that can go into your decision about when to share the news of your pregnancy.  Some expecting moms are comfortable telling everyone as soon as they have a positive test, and others prefer to wait until they are further along in their pregnancy.  The right timing will be different for everyone.  This episode answers a listener question about when to tell your boss you are pregnant, discusses considerations of breaking the big news to your work, and how to decide when the time is right. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/boss/ Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/ Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Sleep is so vital to both your physical and mental health during any stage of your life and certainly when you are pregnant. When you are expecting you are sleeping for two and you will have increased sleep requirements. Some people say that sleep issues during pregnancy prepare you for less sleep when you have a newborn baby. This could be true but if there is something you can do to improve your sleep during your pregnancy, why not? There are two parts to your sleep; quality and quantity. If either of those suffer it will affect your energy during the day and your mood, which ultimately will impact other areas of your life. Issues like fluctuating hormones, stress, vivid dreams, being uncomfortable, waking up to go to the bathroom, heartburn, leg cramps, congestion, snoring, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia are all things that can affect your quality and quantity of sleep. Listen to this episode that dissects some common pregnancy sleep issues and gives you tips to relieve them so you can get a better night of rest.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode102/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

It is common to experience fatigue during your pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Once you are in the second trimester you should feel like you have more energy, and you may have that fatigue come back in the third trimester. The simplest explanation for feeling extra tired is that you are building a human. While it may not seem like you have a lot going on outside your body early on, there is a ton going on inside. This episode answers a listener question about feeling tired during pregnancy and explains all the changes your body is going through that are consuming your energy and some tips to combat fatigue and increase your energy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/tired/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

This episode focuses on breastfeeding challenges in the real world. These are issues that can be the hardest to overcome. These complex issues are seldom discussed and account for many of the reasons why women do not breastfeed or stop breastfeeding early. This episode features documentary filmmaker, Elizabeth Bayne. Elizabeth has spent the last few years in the trenches with expecting and new mothers learning about their struggles with breastfeeding in the real world. Although these issues can impact all mothers, minority communities tend to be the most heavily affected. Attitudes and biases towards new mothers in the minority community have an influence on breastfeeding rates. Family legacy and African American history are affecting attitudes towards breastfeeding today. In addition, economic barriers of lower income mothers can present additional challenges to breastfeeding. This episode prepares you for some of the real world social, economic, and cultural challenges you may encounter with breastfeeding.   Elizabeth Bayne is an award-winning producer, director and public health communicator whose work has garnered 2 CASE Awards, a Gold Davey Award, 7 Telly Awards, and a Best Short Competition Award. Earning her Masters of Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health and Masters of Fine Arts in film from the Art Center College of Design, Elizabeth is committed to working at the intersection of social impact and film. She is currently producing Chocolate Milk, her first feature documentary.    Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode101/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2waR28X and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

During your pregnancy your body is going through a lot of physical changes. Many of those changes can affect your susceptibility to injury and you should be careful about carrying heavy things. This episode answers a listener question about lifting heavy objects during your pregnancy. Why you need to be extra cautious when lifting or carrying things during your pregnancy, and how to protect yourself from getting injured when lifting heavy objects.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/lifting/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby when you cannot be there to breastfeed. This could be so you can run errands for a couple hours, enjoy a night out with girlfriends, or because you will be returning back to work after your maternity leave is over. Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold, and it is. It is so valuable and amazing that it cannot be reproduced in a lab, only you can make it, and your milk is perfectly formulated for the needs of your baby. Hooking your boobs up to a machine to pump milk is pretty strange, but the fact that you can give your baby your own breast milk from a bottle is awesome. Pumping breast milk can really make a major difference for moms who need to be away from their baby during a short time and especially if you will be returning back to work at some point after the birth of your little one. This episode is focused on all the fundamental things you need to know about pumping breast milk.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode100/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

We have become so addicted to ultrasounds, and there is so much information we can get from an ultrasound that we wouldn’t otherwise know.  This has a lot of benefits when we can catch something early, but in some cases, it can sound off alarms when they may not be needed. A placental lake is something that would only be discovered on an ultrasound. This episode covers what a placental lake is, some of the research behind placental lakes, and whether they can affect you and your baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/placentallake/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB.

Newborns are hard wired to breastfeed and are born with instincts to help them latch on right after birth. But that doesn’t mean it always goes perfectly right from the start. Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems. This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your baby like jaundice, tongue tie, yeast infection, thrush, food allergies or sensitivities, nursing strikes, sleepy babies, cluster feeding, growth spurts, and spitting up.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode99/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

If your newborn baby is placed on your abdomen after birth they will use their instincts and their senses to make their way up to your breast to initiate breastfeeding on their own. This is pretty incredible to see and it is fascinating to see just how instinctual breastfeeding is in a newborn baby. There are many steps involved in the breast crawl and each one affects you and your baby. There is also quite a bit of research on this topic. The big question is whether it is better to let your baby complete the breast crawl uninterrupted or to assist them in finding and latching on to your breast. Listen to this episode for information on what the breast crawl is, the instincts, senses, and steps involved in the breast crawl, and the evidence behind this behavior.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastcrawl/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Many women expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems. This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your breasts like leaking, sore nipples, nipple shields, pain during breastfeeding or pumping, vasospasms, blebs, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode98/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Prostaglandins are used in labor induction and help to ripen your cervix, meaning they cause it to efface or thin, and cause uterine contractions. There are two basic types of prostaglandins, misoprostol (known under the brand name Cytotec in the United States) and dinoprostone (which goes by the trade names Cervidil and Prepidil). Misoprostol was originally approved as a medication to prevent ulcers and in the United States is commonly used “off label” to induce labor. There is documented concern of risks associated with misoprostol (Cytotec) that primarily revolves around hyperstimulating the uterus. This Q&A answers a listener question about misoprostol (Cytotec) and includes evidence based information on the risks and benefits of misoprostol (Cytotec) to induce labor.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/misoprostol/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Breastfeeding is so important and one of the best things you can do for your baby.  There is no formula that comes close to mimicking breastmilk.  Your milk contains every vitamin, mineral, and nutritional element your baby needs, and your milk is customized just for your baby.  Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger.  Breastfeeding produces prolactin and oxytocin, which are hormones that foster a connection to your baby and help you recover from birth better. Hear about the fundamental things you need to know before your baby is born and what to expect when they arrive and start breastfeeding. By understanding the basics you will have a solid foundation to start building a successful breastfeeding relationship with your new baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode97/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Your uterus expands throughout your pregnancy. In the beginning it is hidden behind your pelvic bone, which is why it takes some time for you to start showing. As your uterus grows it becomes a lot more obvious that you are pregnant and the further along you are the bigger your belly gets. Every woman is different, we come in all shapes and sizes, and no two women will carry their pregnant belly in the exact same way. There are a lot of different variable that can influence how your belly sits or appears during your pregnancy. This episode answers a listener question about carrying low, the reasons behind this, and the potential risks.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/carryinglow   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

During pregnancy your body is going through so many changes. Things are being stretched, you are carrying more weight, your center of gravity is off, and all of these changes can create tension, aches, and pains, and different massage needs than someone who is not pregnant. The goal of a prenatal massage is relaxation, aches, pains, stress and tension relief. A massage when you are pregnant is customized to your needs during pregnancy, and should be with a massage therapist who is trained and has experience with pregnancy. There is evidence and research on the benefits of massage during pregnancy for both you and your baby. The great news is that you can get the benefits with a professional massage or even with a massage at home from your partner. If you choose to get a professional massage this episode has tips on choosing the right massage therapist, what to expect during and after the massage, and tips to make the most of your experience.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode96/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

We all dream when we sleep. Sometimes people claim that they do not have dreams, and the truth is that they do, they just may not recall them. Pregnancy can add some new challenges to sleeping, and interruptions to sleep cycles, which can impact your recollection of dreams. The more you recall from your dreams the more vivid they may seem and the more details you remember. In addition, anxiety and stress during pregnancy, and even in the postpartum period, can impact our sleep quality, emotional state, and subconscious thoughts, and this can all have an effect on our dreams. Fortunately, there is quite a bit of research on dreaming during pregnancy that may help us to better understand pregnancy dreams. This episode answers a listener question about whether vivid dreams are common during pregnancy and what causes them.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/dreams/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

A babymoon is a vacation you take with your partner when you are pregnant. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some time with your partner and relax before your baby arrives. While a stereotypical babymoon is a weeklong trip to a tropical island, you can make this any kind of vacation, or even staycation, you would like. Tips for planning your babymoon will help you with the best time during your pregnancy to vacation, where to go, how to work with any budget, and how to customize your babymoon to fit you and your partner. Tips for making the most out of your babymoon will help you maximize quality time with your partner, relax, and maybe even get some free perks. This is not your last chance for a vacation for the next 18 years. Your life is not over when you have kids, you can still travel, and take vacations. Will it be exactly the same as when it is just two of you? No. It will be different, but that isn’t a bad thing. Your pregnancy is a great excuse to take one last trip with just the two of you, before your family grows. Everything you need to know to plan and make the most out of your babymoon whether you are going to a tropical island or enjoying a staycation.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode95/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Getting sunburned is never fun, and anything that can make you uncomfortable during pregnancy isn’t good. There is a big difference between a mild sunburn and a severe sunburn and different symptoms that come along with each. There are also some skin issues in pregnancy that sun exposure can make worse. Plus, some women find their skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, which could have you more sensitive to sun exposure. This episode answers a listener question and covers how to protect your skin from getting sunburned, how to treat a sunburn, how a sunburn can affect you and your baby during pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/sunburn   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

It took 9 months for your body to get to where it is after birth, and your body has been through a lot. There is so much societal pressure to get back in shape. Give yourself time and have some compassion for all of the amazing things your body has done. Especially in the first few weeks after birth you are healing and your focus should be you and your baby, not getting back into shape. There are a lot of products you can wear that are marketed as a way to return to your pre-pregnancy body faster with a lot of claims that they promote healing and weight loss. These garments go by a lot of different names like pregnancy shape wear, belly wrap, belly binder, postpartum girdle, or support belts. Brands vary and there are a lot of different styles, but overall the idea behind all of these is the same. The big question is, do they really work? This episode digs into all of the marketing claims and talks about the evidence, or lack of evidence to back up these claims. If you do decide you would like to try a postpartum girdle there are tips for finding the right one and an evaluation of the top selling products available.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode94/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Ideally your baby settles in a head down position in the third trimester. Some babies do not get into the head down position and are breech. A breech baby can present some challenges with a vaginal birth and unfortunately it has become common practice is U.S. hospitals to have a scheduled cesarean for a breech baby. Many moms who have a breech baby towards the end of their pregnancy will try all kinds of ideas to get their babies to flip. One of the popular methods is acupuncture, which is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. When this practice is applied to a woman whose baby is breech, it involves an additional technique called moxibustion. In this practice, an herb is burned near a specific acupuncture point on your smallest toe. This is thought to help stimulate blood flow to your uterus and promote your baby getting in a head down position. This episode looks at the research and answers a listener question about how safe or how effective acupuncture is to reposition a baby.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/acupuncture/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Your blood type is something that is determined by your genes, and until you need a blood transfusion your blood type doesn’t really have any affect on your health. If you get a blood transfusion it is important to match the donors blood type with your blood type so your body does not reject it. Having Rh negative blood isn’t a concern until pregnancy. If you are Rh negative, and your baby is Rh positive then you have an Rh incompatibility. This means that there is a mismatch between the blood of you and the blood of your baby. When your Rh negative blood is exposed to your baby’s Rh positive blood, your blood reacts by producing antibodies that can attack and destroy your baby’s Rh positive blood cells. To avoid the complications that come along with this rho(D) immune globulin, commonly referred to by the brand name RhoGAM, is given at various points during your pregnancy or after birth. This episode explores all of the risks, benefits, and considerations surrounding Rh compatibility with your baby and the rho(D) immune globulin or RhoGAM shot.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode93/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

It is common to have loose stools and a bowel movement shortly before your labor starts. This happens because your body releases prostaglandins that are going to help soften your cervix. Prostaglandins can also stimulate your bowels, which can cause loose stools or diarrhea. One theory is this helps empty your bowels prior to labor starting. What about having a bowel movement during your labor? For many expecting moms the thought of pooping during labor is terrifying and embarrassing, but it shouldn’t be. The truth is that it is not a big deal. This episode answers a question from a listener about pooping during labor, if it happens to everyone, and whether you can avoid it.   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

It is extremely important to stay hydrated during your labor and birth, and if you are dehydrated it will affect your labor. You can become lethargic and have a lack of energy, and your uterus is going to have a hard time contracting efficiently, which can slow down or stall your labor. There are three ways you can stay hydrated during your labor, by drinking fluids, receiving fluids from an IV, or a combination of the two. IV is short for intravenous, and IV fluids are delivered via a needle directly into a vein. In U.S. hospitals it is common practice to routinely use IV fluids during labor, especially if you receive other interventions like an epidural or Pitocin. The benefit of being given IV fluids is that you stay hydrated during labor. This intervention also comes along with risks that can impact you, your baby, and even breastfeeding. Whether or not you plan to receive IV fluids during your birth, it is still a good idea to drink fluids during your labor. There are some tips and guidelines on what fluids are best to drink during labor and how you can ensure you stay hydrated during your labor. This episode covers the benefits of staying hydrated during your labor, how you can stay hydrated by drinking fluids, and the benefits and risks of IV fluids during labor.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode92/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Deciding whether to have your child or children attend the birth of a sibling is a very personal choice. Expecting moms fall all over the spectrum on this from not being able to imagine a birth without their other children present to not even willing to consider the idea. If you do have an older child or older children there are a lot of considerations you can take into account when deciding whether to have them present at your birth. If you ultimately do decide to include siblings there are many things you can do to plan ahead and prepare your child for a positive experience for everyone.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/sibling/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

For the last half century it has been a common rule in hospitals that you could not eat or drink during labor. The main reason women were originally discouraged from eating during labor isn’t as relevant now and a lot of research does not support policies limiting food during labor. In the past few years, this rule has improved to allow drinking clear liquids, but not every doctor is on board with eating during labor. In contrast, women who give birth at a birth center or at home are encouraged to eat during labor. By looking at the energy requirements of your body during labor, and the evidence to support why you should or should not eat, you can decide what is going to be the best course of action for you as you plan your birth. Get evidence based information on eating during labor and tips to fuel your body so you do not run out of energy during your birth.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode91/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Writing your birth plan is an important part of preparing for the birth experience you want and getting really clear on what your preferences are. One of the recommendations when writing your plan is to limit it to one page. There are several reasons to make your birth plan one page, both for you and your care provider. This episode addresses an email from a listener who is having trouble narrowing down her birth plan, explains why your birth plan should be a maximum of one page, and tips to narrow your birth plan down and focus on what is most important for the birth you want.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/onepagebirthplan/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, was first used as a labor analgesic in 1881. Today it is commonly used as a labor analgesic in countries like Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. Nitrous oxide is not as common in the United States, and this is changing as it is becoming more widely available in both hospitals and birth centers. A benefit of using nitrous oxide is that it can easily be incorporated in a natural or a low intervention birth. During labor it is administered by breathing a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen, which you time with your contractions to manage their intensity. Nitrous oxide induces feelings of euphoria, and creates a disassociation with discomfort of contractions. This episode dives into everything you need to know about nitrous oxide, and the risks and benefits of using it during labor and birth.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode90/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and I suspect we will see more states jump on the bandwagon and legalize marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use in the future. Of course just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is 100% safe but the more common its use is, and the more accepted it is, the more research will be done on the effects of marijuana use on fertility, pregnancy, and babies. The active component of marijuana is THC, which has been shown to have receptors in both the brain and the testis. This episode talks about the current the research and evidence available on how a father's marijuana use before conception impacts sperm and male fertility. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/marijuana Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Morning sickness is most often nausea that happens during pregnancy, and can be accompanied by vomiting. This does not just happen in the morning, it can be anytime or even all day. Morning sickness affects 60-80% of expecting mothers. This is most common in the first trimester, can start as early as one to two weeks after conception, and usually goes away after 12 weeks, or about when you are starting the second trimester. Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe morning sickness that can require hospitalization or treatment with IV fluids, and affects .3-2% of all pregnancies. It can be especially tough in the first trimester when you may not be telling everyone you are pregnant, you feel sick, you may be missing work, or missing out on social activities. Overall you are going through a lot of physical and emotional changes and not feeling well can really impact your mental health and quality of life. Everyone is going to be different, what helps relieve nausea for one expecting mom may not work for you. This episode goes through a long list of different treatments to try and find some relief. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode89/ Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and makes up about a third of our total protein. These amino acids are used throughout the body and are mostly in your skin, tendons, and ligaments. With the rise in popularity of bone broth, collagen has become a popular supplement to aid in the health of your skin and joints. This episode answers questions on whether collagen helps with stretch marks, if it safe for pregnancy, and whether there any evidence to support the benefits.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/collagen/

One of the first things you do when you find out you are pregnant is figure out when your due date is. This date rules everything about your pregnancy from your prenatal care to the timing of your baby shower. This is also the most common question you will get from friends, family, and strangers. As you get close to your due date there can be a lot of anxiety, especially if your due date comes and goes and you are still pregnant. Your due date is an estimate of when your baby will arrive, it is not an exact science, and it is certainly not a deadline. Only 4% of women have their baby on their estimated due date and only 70% have their baby within 10 days of their due date. The calculation we use today is hundreds of years old and evidence doesn’t 100% agree with the calculation. This episode dives into how your due date is calculated, the accuracy of these calculations, the evidence of how long human pregnancy lasts, and what this means for your pregnancy.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode88/

You may enjoy thicker and fuller hair during your pregnancy. But what happens to your hair after you have your baby? Hearing that your hair can fall out post birth is terrifying and thankfully the term postpartum hair loss is a little bit misleading. Once you understand how your hair’s growth cycle works and how hormones affect your hair during and after your pregnancy, it will be a lot less scary. This Q&A answers a question about loosing your hair postpartum and if there is any way to avoid it.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/postpartumhairloss

Pregnancy glow, sounds like your face should be beautiful and glowing during your pregnancy. This “glow” is due to an increased blood volume and extra production of oil, which are supposed to give you a glow during pregnancy. All of the changes your body is going through during pregnancy may give you a beautiful glow, but for many expecting moms this creates some not so fun changes in their skin. Some common skin issues are sensitivity, stretch marks, acne, melisma, linea nigra, spider and varicose veins, and skin tags. This episode dives into each of these issues, what causes them, if or how they can prevented, and how you can treat them.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode87/

Most women will see their breasts increase in size beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy. This happens as the ducts and alveoli in the breast multiply rapidly in preparation for breastfeeding. In general most expecting mother’s gain 2-3 cup sizes during pregnancy. Everyone’s breasts are going to differ a bit in how they change and grow during pregnancy. This episode discusses some of the challenges expecting moms with large breasts may encounter during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/largebreasts

Think about everything you put on your skin and hair from the time you step in the shower to when you step out your front door. We use a ton of products every single day; shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving cream, lotions, face wash, toner, moisturizer, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, hair products, it is an endless list. All of those products you use add up to a very long list of chemicals we are exposing our bodies to. During pregnancy, we want to be even more cautious about what we are putting on our bodies so we can minimize the amount of harmful chemicals we are exposing our baby to. Just because a product is available to buy on a store shelf doesn’t mean that all of the ingredients in it are safe. Unfortunately, there is little regulation from the FDA on hair and skin care products. Knowing which ingredients to avoid will help you choose safer products for both you and your baby. This episode gives you a list of skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and simple tips for finding safer products for your skin and hair when you are expecting.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode86/

Most women experience an increase in their breast size early on in their pregnancy. Everyone is different and not everyone ends up with huge boobs by the time they are going into labor. How does the size of your breasts affect your milk supply? Milk supply can be a stressful topic. Low supply is one of the most common reasons mother’s stop breastfeeding. This episode answers questions about how breast size affects milk production, milk supply, and breastfeeding, and what you can do to increase your milk supply.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastsize/

Tea first originated in China, and has been around for thousands of years. Traditional teas, like white, green, oolong, and black tea are made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis shrub, and all contain some amount of caffeine. Herbal and rooibos teas are naturally caffeine free because they are made from herbs, berries, fruit, flowers, seeds from other plants. In evaluating the safety of drinking tea during pregnancy, there are both risks and benefits to consider. In addition to paying attention to the amount of caffeine in tea, there are other components like antioxidants, stimulants, fluoride, and heavy metals that could potentially affect you and your baby during pregnancy. There is a lot of confusion around which teas are safe and which should be avoided during pregnancy and this episode dives into some research to give you a clear list of what teas are thought to be the safest.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode85/

PUPPS is the most common skin condition in pregnancy and stands for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. This shows up as a rash that is bumpy and itchy. It usually first appears in stretch marks on your belly, it can spread on your belly to your arms, thighs, butt, but this doesn’t show up on your navel, or your face. PUPPS affects about 1 in every 160 pregnancies, and is most common in the third trimester, among first time moms, and moms carrying multiples. While there are no known risks to you or your baby, the rash can be very itchy and bothersome. Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines are frequently prescribed to alleviate the itching. Hear the theories on what causes PUPPS, the evidence behind the medicines used to treat PUPPS, plus some natural remedies that may help you find some relief.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/PUPPS/

Your baby starts building their strong sucking reflex in the womb. This is needed for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, but it also has a calming effect on your baby. While it may seem like all parents give their babies pacifiers, some parents choose not to. There are benefits to giving your baby a pacifier beyond soothing a fussy baby, like a reduction in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Along with the pros come some drawbacks to their use, and some precautions about pacifier use and breastfeeding. There is quite a bit of research on pacifiers and things like breastfeeding, dental issues, ear infections, and SIDS. By hearing the evidence both for and against the use of pacifiers you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to give one to your baby. If you do choose to give your baby a pacifier this episode also has recommendations for their use, and tips for shopping for pacifiers.

Your anatomy scan ultrasound is done between 16-20 weeks and is more in depth and longer than other ultrasounds.  During this ultrasound many measurements and images are captured of your baby, looking at their organs, spine, heart, your placenta, the umbilical cord, the amount of amniotic fluid, etc. Overall the ultrasound technician wants to make sure that your baby is developing just like they are supposed to. It can take some time to look at all of these individual things and depending on how your baby is positioned, it may be difficult to get a great view. This episode answers a listener question about why an ultrasound can be an uncomfortable experience, and how to handle a situation in which you need to speak up and advocate for yourself.   Show notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/uncomfortableultrasounds/

You spend 9 months dreaming about the day you get to meet your baby, you meticulously design your birth, you draft up the perfect birth plan, you over prepare, then you go into labor and nothing goes like it is supposed to. When things do not go as planned, it can be a huge disappointment. There are so many factors that impact your labor and birth, and when the big birth day comes it is possible that some of those things are out of our control and can send your birth experience in a different direction than you planned. You often hear, ‘all that matters is that you have a healthy baby’. That is important, but how you feel about your birth experience is also important, and it also matters. Everyone copes with emotions differently and this episode has some tips and strategies you can apply in the event your birth does not go as planned, and some ways to be more prepared for those unplanned outcomes.   Show notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode83/

Glucose is used throughout your body for energy. In order for your body to use glucose, It needs insulin, which is a hormone produced by your pancreas, that helps muscles, fat, and other cells absorb glucose for fuel. When you are pregnant your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin, which means that more glucose remains in your blood. The Glucose Challenge Screening, is a standard preliminary screening test performed between 24-28 weeks to evaluate how your body processes sugar.  Exercise affects both glucose and insulin levels and this Q&A answers a question about whether working out prior to a glucose test will affect the results.   Show notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/exerciseandglucose

The technical term for your water breaking before labor starts is premature rupture of membranes (PROM). The amniotic sac and amniotic fluid serve a lot of purposes like protecting your baby from infection, cushioning your baby from bumps and injury, and maintaining a constant temperature. The majority of expecting moms will have their water break during labor. For about 1 in 10 it will happen before labor, prior to the onset of contractions. For decades it was a common rule that you had to give birth within 24 hours of your water breaking, even if that meant having a cesarean section. Today we have a lot more research in this arena and are more educated about the risks of employing interventions vs. expectant management. This episode talks about the signs of your water breaking, and the risks, options, and evidence in relation to the time between premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and birth.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode82/

For most of our entire human history a mother in labor was free to move around and change positions to whatever was most comfortable and suited her best at the time.  It really wasn’t until we made labor and birth a highly medicalized process that women began laboring on their backs in a bed.  There are an infinite number of positions you can try during labor and there is no one size fits all.  Labor will likely start at home and you can utilize many different positions to keep labor progressing and be as comfortable as possible before you even get to the hospital or birth center.  No matter where you are giving birth, what your birth plan is, or what interventions you are electing to have, you have options.  This episode has a lot of different labor positions to try with the pros and cons of each, and what the research says about the best positions for both labor and birth.   Show Notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode81/

An intervention is any procedure performed by a care provider, usually a doctor or midwife, that impacts your labor or birth. Interventions include IVs, epidurals, electronic fetal monitoring, assisted delivery (using forceps or a vent house suction cup), episiotomy, induction, augmentation, and cesarean. Every interventions comes with pros and cons and by learning what each procedure entails and when and why it is preformed you will be better able to make sound decisions as to whether or not you need or want it. Show notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode80/

Unfortunately, sometimes when your skin is stretching during birth it can tear.  It is pretty common for first time mothers to have some tearing during a vaginal delivery and of course there is also the possibility that you could have an episiotomy, which is a surgical incision.  The good news is that there are some things you can do leading up to, and during, your labor and delivery to prevent this.  I know all of this can sound scary but it shouldn’t be.  The benefits of a vaginal delivery far outweigh the downside of a tear or an episiotomy.  Keep in mind some women make it through a vaginal birth without any tearing so it is not unavoidable.  If you do end up with a tear or incision there is a lot you can do to make yourself more comfortable, give yourself some relief, and help your body heal afterwards.   Show Notes http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode79/

A doula is a professional who has been trained in childbirth and who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother and their birth partner.  Having a doula can be an amazing help in creating the birth experience you want, and can drastically decrease your chances of requiring an intervention and a cesarean section.  This episode features Nathalie Saenz of the Dearest Doula podcast.  She has a passion for birth and explains everything you need to know about doulas from what they do to some great questions to ask when finding one that is the right fit for you. Nathalie Saenz is a birth doula, and the creator and host of the Dearest Doula podcast, a free online resource for new and aspiring birth workers. She currently offers pregnancy and birth support in San Antonio, Texas.

It is very common for first time expecting moms to be scared of giving birth. This is especially true when you are surrounded by negative birth stories, and facing so many unknowns about what birth will be like and how you will handle it. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to set yourself up for a positive experience and to go into labor without being scared of giving birth. This episode has actionable steps you can start taking right now to set yourself up to go into your labor with confidence and overcome being scared of giving birth.

The glucose challenge screening has become a standard part of prenatal care in the third trimester. This screening test evaluates how well your body processes sugar to find out if you are at risk for gestational diabetes. If your blood glucose levels are not within a normal range you will be required to take the glucose tolerance test. Pregnancy affects your insulin resistance and your blood glucose levels and 6-7% of pregnancies are impacted by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during your pregnancy, and goes away after the birth of your baby. If it is not treated, this diagnosis comes with risks to both you and your baby. Identifying whether you have this condition and treating it, can make a major difference to your and your baby’s health. This episode dives into what gestational diabetes is, how it affects you and your baby, the methods of testing for gestational diabetes and examines the risks of the tests and potential alternatives.

The birth of your baby starts the third stage of labor during which you birth your placenta. The expulsion of the placenta and the closing off of blood vessels in your uterus is critical to your health during labor. A retained placenta is a birth complication that affects about 2% of births worldwide. The top risks associated with this are postpartum hemorrhage and infection. These complications have a high mortality rate in underdeveloped countries but typically are managed well in the Unites States and other developed countries. This Q&A is from Lisa who experienced a retained placenta during her last pregnancy and wants to be proactive in preventing it from happening again.

There are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Many of these false beliefs are perpetuated by movies and television, repeated by news outlets and on social media, and passed on through friends and family. Eventually these untruths come to be assumptions that can mislead expecting moms. Pregnancy myths can give you a negative attitude about your pregnancy, misguide you about your diet, and mislead you about your due date and going into labor.  Myths about birth can limit your options about how you give birth and steer you towards unnecessary interventions. Breastfeeding myths can give you false information about drinking alcohol and breastfeeding and even influence you to stop breastfeeding before your baby is ready to wean. This episode digs into the evidence to debunk 15 common myths about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding that can have a major impact on you and your baby.

A uterus is usually pear-shaped and is in a straight vertical position. There are many different abnormalities that can occur in the shape and position of your uterus. Some of these are minor, like a tilted uterus, and don’t have any impact on fertility, pregnancy, and birth. Some abnormalities are more serious and may increase your risks for complications. It is estimated that 4-7% of women have some type of abnormality that occurs when their reproductive system is formed. One of those anomalies is a bicornuate uterus, commonly referred to as a heart shaped uterus. This episode explains a tilted uterus and a heart shaped uterus, and what the risks are for you and your baby.

Your diet has a huge impact on your health during pregnancy and the health of your growing baby. It can be a challenge to make sure you are getting the right nutrients and avoiding some of the wrong ingredients and foods. Grocery shopping and trying to decode labels and marketing claims brings a whole new layer of complexity to maintaining a healthy diet.  This is especially true when it comes to buying beef, chicken, and pork. There are both risks and benefits to eating meat during your pregnancy. This is not a debate between a diet that includes meat and a vegetarian or vegan diet. This episode is about knowing what is in the meat you are eating to keep both you and your baby healthy during your pregnancy.

The choroid plexus is a tissue in your baby’s brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds your baby’s brain and spinal cord. In a small number of pregnancies a tiny bit of fluid is pinched off when the choroid plexus is formed and it appears on an ultrasound as a fluid-filled cyst, called a choroid plexus cyst. These cysts could be a concern because they are common in babies who have Edward’s Syndrome. The good news is that in most pregnancies these cysts are harmless and will disappear by week 28. This episode gives a brief overview of choroid plexus cysts, how they are diagnosed, and what they mean for you and your baby.

Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA are vital during pregnancy.  Your body cannot make omega 3s and you must get them from your diet or a supplement.  There is clear evidence that Omega 3s are important both during your pregnancy, and in the postpartum period when you are breastfeeding. Omega 3s, like DHA, are important for the development of your baby’s brain and eyes, improving neurodevelopmental outcomes and IQ, decreasing risk of infant allergies, preventing preterm birth, and lowering your risk for postpartum depression. The issue is that it can be tough to get enough omega 3s from your diet alone, without a supplement. The omega 3 and fish oil supplement industry is $1.2 billion dollar industry, with a ton of marketing claims it can be a real challenge to find the right supplement. This episode breaks down everything you need to know to decide whether an omega 3 supplement is right for you during your pregnancy, and gives you tips to choosing the right one.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode74/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

During your pregnancy your doctor or midwife will be measuring your baby based on estimates of their size relative to your due date. These values are monitored over time to see the growth of your baby in the womb. Measuring the size of your baby before they are born is not an exact science, and cannot be done with 100% accuracy. Based on where your baby’s measurements fall within a spectrum they could be deemed small (less than the 10th percentile) or large (greater than the 90th percentile) for gestational age. This episode answers a question about changes in growth percentiles over time.

One of the best food sources for DHA and omega 3s is fish. DHA is one type of omega 3 that is critical for the development of your baby’s brain and eyes, helps to prevent preterm labor and preeclampsia, increases birth weight, improves infant outcomes like hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and attention span, and decreases your risk for postpartum depression. In addition to omega 3s, fish are high in protein and have essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium. Along with the benefits there are some risks to consuming fish during pregnancy like mercury content, dioxins, PCBs, and radiation. The big question is, do the benefits of eating fish during pregnancy outweigh the risks? This episode breaks explains which fish to avoid and which are considered safe during pregnancy and examines the evidence to support the risks and benefits of eating fish during pregnancy.

Your perineum is the area between your vaginal opening and your rectum.  This area stretches during birth and it is possible to have a tear, or if you have an episiotomy, this is the area that is cut during the birth of your baby. Perineal massage is an exercise done by you in the weeks leading up to birth to prevent tearing. The theory behind perineal massage is that by stretching this area leading up to your birth will allow it to stretch more easily, and without tearing when your baby is crowning. There have been studies on perineal massage both during pregnancy and during the second stage of labor. This episode examines these studies to determine whether there is evidence to support this practice.

A recurring issue I hear about from many expecting moms is that you are getting pushback from your care providers on your prenatal care or birth preferences, feel like you aren't being heard, and feel like you aren't given choices.  I want to help bridge the gap between you and your care provider and I have a guest on today who is really going to help you better navigate your relationship with your care provider.  Our conversation went above and beyond communicating with your care provider to tips on how to find the right doctor or midwife, red flags that you may want to consider a new care provider, and how fear within the medical community can impact your pregnancy and birth.   Dr. Stuart Fischbein is an OB/GYN in Southern California and has been practicing for over 3 decades. Throughout his career he has had extensive training and experience in vaginal breech and twin birth at some of the busiest Los Angeles area hospitals.  He has co-authored and contributed to multiple books and hosts Dr. Stu’s Podcast. He has three times been awarded Physician of the Year by the Doulas Association of Southern California, and in 2008 received their first Lifetime Achievement Award. On top of all of that Dr. Stu is LA's only OB/Gyn specializing in natural breech, twin and VBAC birth. One of the many things I really respect about Dr. Stu is that he has a long history of support for Midwives and the alternative to the medical model of birth they provide. He is really an outspoken advocate of your right to informed consent and refusal and the exercise of your free will.

Prenatal vitamins are an important part of your health during your pregnancy for both you and your baby. Trying to compare brands and ingredients to find the right prenatal vitamin for you can be confusing. The key to finding the right prenatal vitamin is looking past the marketing claims and going right to the ingredients. How to compare prescription and over the counter prenatal vitamins, the main differences, and how to find the right one for you.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/prenatalvitamin/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Welcome to the third and last trimester!  The third trimester goes from weeks 28 until your baby’s birth.  Your pregnancy is measured in forty weeks, but some babies like to hang out in your belly a little longer and can go a week or two past their due date.  If you are in your third trimester, congratulations, you are in the home stretch until you get to meet your little guy or girl.  This trimester can be a bit challenging as your belly keeps growing and you have some new symptoms as a result of carrying around more weight and you may also find yourself anxious to have your baby and ready to be done being pregnant.  Your baby is also going through a lot of changes this trimester in preparation for birth and life outside of your womb. Keep in mind, you are almost at the finish line and when you get to meet your baby all of the hoopla that came along with being pregnant is 100% worth it, so hang in there!

When you are pregnant your immune system is lowered. This sounds like a negative thing but this helps make sure that your body doesn’t reject your baby, as it would a foreign bacteria or virus. With a lower immune system it is harder for your body to fight off a cold or the flu. This is why it is so important to take care of your health when you are expecting.  Basic things like eating well, staying hydrated, and making sure you are getting plenty of rest are crucial. A homeopathic remedy sometimes used for cold and flu symptoms is pelargonium sidoides, which goes by the brand name Umcka. This is an herbal remedy made from the roots of this South African plant. This episode answers a question about whether or not Umcka is safe to take during pregnancy.

For many expecting moms the second trimester is their favorite period of their pregnancy and the one they enjoy the most. During weeks 13 to 27 of your pregnancy first trimester symptoms like morning sickness should be subsiding. By this point you have adjusted to many of the lifestyle changes to have a healthy pregnancy, your moods and emotions should be evening out, and overall you should feel like you have more energy. After all of the internal changes in the last trimester, the second trimester brings a lot of physical changes. Your belly will start showing and you will be able to feel your baby kicking. Get an overview of everything you can expect during the second trimester of your pregnancy including; all of the physical changes you can expect to see, how your baby is growing, what you can expect at prenatal appointments, and some of the to-do items to tackle this trimester.

Obstetric cholestasis is a rare complication during pregnancy caused by a reduced flow of bile down the bile ducts in the liver, which causes some bile to leak out into the bloodstream. This build-up of bile acids in the bloodstream can cause a persistent itch in the last trimester of pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. Like so many things, the symptoms go after you have your baby. Obstetric cholestasis is more common in twin pregnancies, although, we do not know the exact cause. Often when symptoms appear during pregnancy we tend to blame hormones. Oestrogen and progesterone hormones can affect the liver by slowing down the rate of bile passing out along the tiny bile ducts. Learn about some of the risks associated with obstetric cholestasis and some things you can do to relieve itching.

The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy will probably be the biggest adjustment period as you get used to the idea of being pregnant, make some lifestyle changes, and deal with all of the physical and emotional changes that are going on.  The first trimester is thought of as the most sensitive time during your pregnancy because this is when all of your baby’s organs and structures are being built. You may not see a whole lot going on outside during the first trimester but you will definitely be able to tell there is a whole lot going on internally, and emotionally.  Get an overview of everything you can expect during the first trimester of your pregnancy including; common symptoms like morning sickness, changes in hormones, your baby’s development, and how you can get some relief from some of the not so fun side effects of being pregnant.

It is really important to try and nail down your date of conception or “due date” as accurately as possible in the beginning of your pregnancy. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if your pregnancy was a surprise. The estimate of your baby’s age has a big impact on your prenatal care and your care provider’s recommends as you get closer to your due date. A big measurement of your baby’s health during your pregnancy is based on estimates of their size relative to your due date. Measuring the size of your baby in the womb is not an exact science. Unfortunately we have no way to measure weight or height with 100% accuracy before a baby is born. The most accurate methods we have usually combine an ultrasound with some calculations to come up with the size of your baby. This episode answers a questions about the accuracy of ultrasound measurements.

Once you see the positive result on your pregnancy test you are sure to have a crazy mix of emotions. Finding out you are expecting a baby can change your life in an instant. It can be overwhelming to think about the amount of information you need to consume and the things you need to do before your baby arrives. Do not stress out. If you just take it one step at a time and you will be totally prepared when your little one arrives. This episode brings you up to speed on everything you need to know as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Preeclampsia is essentially high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure can damage arteries, which can lead to serious complications. There has been some research on low PAPP-A levels and preeclampsia, and there is also evidence that suggests low dose aspirin during pregnancy can benefit expecting mothers who have preeclampsia. Aspirin is a blood thinner and can lower your blood pressure and low doses are sometimes prescribed for high blood pressure during pregnancy. There is a big difference between the safety of low dose and normal or high dose aspirin. This episode dives into the research on low dose aspirin and preeclampsia and discusses the pros and cons of taking aspirin to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Making informed decisions on whether or not to vaccinate your child involves weighing the risks of the disease the vaccine prevents with the risks of the vaccination. As if this isn’t enough of a challenge, there are often multiple manufacturers for each vaccine and each medication varies. This episode breaks down each of the vaccine preventable diseases and looks at the differences in the options for each vaccine. This includes the company that manufacturers each vaccine, when it was approved, and a link to the package insert. The package insert contains everything from the manufacturer, including results from clinical trials, possible side effects and adverse reactions, all ingredients, etc. Since aluminum has been raised as a big concern this episode also notes the aluminum content in each vaccine. This episode will help you to understand each disease targeted by vaccines and get the information you need to compare different brands to make an informed decision.

Rhinitis is irritation or inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. When this happens during pregnancy it is termed pregnancy rhinitis. The main symptoms are sneezing, nasal congestion or running nose. This is a common ailment during pregnancy and affects between 9-40% of expecting moms. Pregnancy Rhinitis can start in almost any gestational week, but is most common in the third trimester, and disappears shortly after you have your baby. If you are pregnant and suffering from a stuffy nose, you are not alone. This episode discusses the causes of a stuffy nose and pregnancy rhinitis and what you can do to safely treat it during pregnancy.

Vaccines are recommended from birth up through adulthood. When a vaccine is introduced into your system, you create antibodies against the disease, and if your body is ever exposed to that organism in the future, your body recognizes it and is able to fight it off. There are many different types of vaccines and additional ingredients that are added during processing or to improve the shelf life or safety of the vaccine. As more and more vaccines are recommended for children there has been growing concern over the safety of the vaccines individually and the recommendations for the number and timing of vaccines. Making a decision whether or not to vaccination your child is a complicated one and involves weighing the risks and benefits. This episode is an overview of the recommendations for vaccines from birth to age 2, a look at vaccination schedules, and some of the general concerns about vaccines.

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes your ligaments to relax and become loose. This is helpful for birth because it increases your range of movement and helps your baby get through your pelvis. For a small percentage of expecting mothers this can lead to the ligaments becoming too loose and their pelvis becoming unstable. The result can be an uncomfortable and painful condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain. Like many things that occur during pregnancy this tends to disappear shortly after the birth of your baby. This episode answers a few questions about symphysis pubis dysfunction (ad pelvic girdle pain), what the evidence is that it goes away after birth, recommended labor positions for the condition, and whether breastfeeding prolongs SPD.

Flu is short for influenza, which is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. In healthy adults the flu normally isn’t serious and symptoms subside in about a week. If you are very young, elderly, or have a weakened immune system you are at a much higher risk for complications. The inflammatory response your body has to the flu during pregnancy puts you at a higher risk for some complications. It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu vaccine during their pregnancy to protect them and give passive immunity to their baby. There are many flu vaccines available and it can be a challenge to weigh the risks and benefits to decide whether getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy is right for you. This episode dives into all of the pros and cons and considerations to think about to make an informed decision on whether you should get the flu vaccine during your pregnancy.

Arnica Montana is a flowering plant from Europe and has been used in homeopathic medicine for centuries to treat pain and swelling. Homeopathy, is based on the view that disease symptoms can be treated by minute doses of substances that produce similar symptoms when provided in larger doses to healthy people. There has also been some legislation by the Federal Trade Commission on marketing and labeling of homeopathic products. There are quite a few small studies on Arnica Montana to treat acute conditions like sore muscles and post-operative pain. This episode answers a question on whether there is any research on the use of Arnica Montana for post-partum pain, efficacy, risks or dosing pre or post delivery.

A vaccine is created by taking a weakened or killed form of a disease causing micro-organism that causes your body to produce antibodies against that organism and provide immunity without actually inducing the disease. Vaccines are a very controversial topic and this episode is an introduction to what vaccines are and gets into specifics on the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. In addition to different types of vaccines, there are many ingredients that can be included in vaccines to serve a particular function like increasing your immune response or as a byproduct of the processing. Tdap is one of two vaccines recommended during pregnancy that provides immunity for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Get the benefits and risks of getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy so you can make an informed decision on whether it is right for you.

Protein is an important part of your diet during your pregnancy for both you and your baby. It is recommended that you consume about 75 grams of protein every day while you are pregnant. This can be a challenge, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. An easy source of plant based protein is soy, but there are some reasons you may want to be cautious about what type of soy you are eating, and in what quantities. Another easy source of protein is a protein powder, but is it recommended? This episode answers a couple questions about whether it is safe to consume soy or protein shakes during your pregnancy.

The first year of your baby’s life goes by so fast and so much of your focus is on sleeping, breastfeeding, eating, and just adjusting to your new role as a parent who is responsible for another human. The transition from baby to toddler happens so quickly and suddenly you have a child who is walking and talking and your focus goes from not just making sure they are well taken care of and healthy, but also, how do you raise them to be smart, respectful, creative, confident, and happy individuals? I recently came across a podcast that is going to help you in your parenting journey. From the first episode I listened to I knew that I had to get in touch with the host and get her on the Pregnancy Podcast. Your Parenting Mojo is an amazing parenting resource for you to listen to and get a head start on parenting!   Featuring Jen Lumanlan who is mom to her two-year old daughter Carris, is working on her Masters in psychology with a focus on child development, and she is the host of the Your Parenting Mojo podcast.  Jen has outstanding research skills and each episode of her podcast is filled with evidence based information you can use on your parenting journey.

A home Doppler is a device that uses Doppler ultrasound waves to allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat during your pregnancy. These products are promoted as a device to help you bond with your baby and give you peace of mind. These can be especially reassuring if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if you previously experienced a miscarriage. The big question is whether a home Doppler is safe to use. While there have been no studies on humans there are some studies performed on animals that give us some insight into the safety of a Doppler ultrasound. This episode answers the question about whether a home Doppler is safe to use during your pregnancy.

Third trimester starts in week 28 and appointments with your care provider increase to every two weeks. The last month of your pregnancy you will be seeing your doctor or midwife weekly. Vaginal exams can be recommended during your pregnancy in the last few weeks leading up to your birth, and during your labor. The question is, are they really necessary and will you benefit from the results? Vaginal exams have become a routine, but questions about what the results show, the risks involved, and the psychological effects of the results have some expecting moms questioning whether they want to opt in to these procedures. Find out what is involved during a vaginal exam, how the results are interpreted, and what the results mean for you and your baby. This episode presents all of the research and evidence to help you make an informed decision about vaginal exams.

Ideally your baby is head down and facing your spine when you go into labor. The location of your placenta during pregnancy may have some influence on the position your baby is in at birth. An anterior placenta means that your placenta is on the front side of your uterus by your belly, this is less common that an anterior placenta which is located on the back of the uterus. This episode answers some questions about whether an anterior placenta makes a breech or sunny side up baby more likely, and whether it increases the chances of having back labor. Plus gets tips on how to manage and alleviate some fears about birth during your pregnancy.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role during your pregnancy. One of the most important things vitamin D does is help with the absorption of other important nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. The majority of expecting mothers are deficient in vitamin D. This increases your risk for preeclampsia, negative health outcomes for your child later in life, and may even increase your risk for a cesarean section. Your body gets vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, your diet, and supplements like your prenatal vitamin. Most prenatal vitamins contain far less vitamin D than research is showing is necessary for adequate levels required during pregnancy. Find out what the most current research says about vitamin D during pregnancy and how to make sure you have enough vitamin D to support you and your baby.

During your pregnancy estrogen, progesterone and prolactin are changing your breasts to prepare your body for producing milk and breastfeeding. One of the biggest changes is the growth of additional breast tissue. It is recommended to examine your breasts and your armpits for lumps just to be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary but chances are when you are pregnant you will have a lot of lumps where you didn’t before. We have been conditioned to associate a lump in our breast to cancer but another possibility during pregnancy is that it could be a lactating adenoma. This is a benign growth that will naturally disappear at the end of your pregnancy or when you have stopped breastfeeding. This episode answers a question about whether you should be worried about finding a lump in your breast during pregnancy.

In the United States, the average cost of a vaginal birth is $18,329 and the average cost for a cesarean section is $27,866.  Health insurance is important because it will help to cover some of these costs and minimize the amount you will need to spend on medical bills.  The first step is to find the right insurance coverage for pregnancy and birth.  This is going to get you off on the right foot to minimizing your costs and making sure you are covered.  Next, you should know how your insurance works so you aren't surprised by medical bills after your baby arrives.  If you already have health insurance that you are happy with this episode is going to help explain how health insurance works during your pregnancy and birth and how to understand what your cost is going to be. If you do not have health insurance or you are in the process of changing your insurance this episode will help you figure out how to choose the right plan.

A nuchal hand is one of several compound presentations where an extremity is alongside the presenting part of your baby at birth.  With a vertex baby, the presenting part is their head, and with a breech baby, it is their bottom. A nuchal hand means that their hand is up by their face when they are being born and this is the most common presentation irregularity.  Ideally, your baby retracts their arm and comes out headfirst.  A nuchal hand doesn't automatically mean a C-section, but it does have the possibility to bring up some complications. This episode answers several questions about a nuchal hand, how it affects your birth and whether there is anything you can do during pregnancy or labor to prevent it.

Circumcision can be a very controversial topic and a very confusing one. Circumcision is the removal of foreskin from a penis, and it is a permanent surgical procedure. The considerations in making a decision to circumcise your baby include your baby’s health, benefits and risks of the procedure, and religious and social considerations. From a medical standpoint, on one side the claimed benefits are decreased risks for sexually transmitted diseases, easier or better hygiene, decrease risks for urinary tract infections and penile cancer.  On the other side proponents against circumcision cite the risks for complications of the procedure and inflicting pain in your baby for an elective procedure. This episode is about the pros and cons, the research available, and all of the considerations to take into account when deciding whether to circumcise your baby. There is a lot of literature available on this topic and a lot of strong opinions on both sides of this debate. After listening to this episode you will have all of the information you need to weigh the risks and benefits and make the decision that is right for you and your baby.

The process you go through to create your birth plan, which includes educating yourself, and working with your care provider is really important to get the birth experience you want. The final step of creating your birth plan is writing it out. A written birth plan is going to serve as your blueprint for how you want your birth to unfold from start to finish. This episode answers a question about whether it is really necessary to write out a plan and hand a copy to your doctor or midwife.

No matter what type of birth you have, the most important thing after your baby is born is that you get skin to skin with your baby. Skin to skin means that your baby is not swaddled or clothed and their bare skin is placed belly down against your bare chest. Being skin to skin stabilizes your baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature, and reduces stress in both you and your baby. It also increases your interactions with your baby and increases the likelihood and length of breastfeeding. The benefits to both you and your baby are well documented.

It is common to have some discomfort in your vaginal area and perineum after having a baby. This can obviously come along with an episiotomy or a vaginal tear, but even without a tear you will probably be tender. Padsicles are a fantastic tool to help soothe your sore areas and are super quick and easy to make. Padsicles are postpartum healing pads that you can DIY at home. By adding a few ingredients to feminine pads and freezing them before you give birth you can be more comfortable once you are home with your baby. This episode answers a question about what recipe to use and gives you simple step-by-step instructions to make your own postpartum healing pads.

Choosing a pediatrician can be a stressful event, but it doesn’t have to be. You have two options when it comes to picking a doctor for your baby; a pediatrician or a family physician or general practitioner. The upside to a pediatrician is that they are specially trained in providing care for newborns, babies, and toddlers. A pediatrician is your trusted partner in your baby’s health. Together you ensure your baby is growing and developing on track and if there is any deviation from the norm you work together to figure out what is going on what is going on and how to treat it. A pediatrician will monitor your child’s growth and development and be there in the event your baby’s health is not optimal. This episode gives you tips to choose a pediatrician and lets you know what you can expect from your doctor visits with your new baby.

It has long been rumored that cabbage leaves are a remedy for breast engorgement and drying up your milk supply. It is thought that the phytoestrogen property of cabbage is what helps to draw the fluids into the cabbage leaf. Engorgement can be so uncomfortable when you are breastfeeding. This episode answers the question of what's up with cabbage leaves? Do they have magical properties or is it simply a popular placebo?   Huge thank you to Lori Isenstadt of the All About Breastfeeding Podcast for contributing to this episode!

Dental care during your pregnancy may not be the most glamorous topic but it is an important one. Your body does some wacky things when you are pregnant and this also applies to your mouth. There are some dental issues you may experience during your pregnancy and this episode talks about what those are, why they are important, and what you can do to prevent issues and keep your mouth healthy during your pregnancy. It can also be confusing as to whether routine things like cleanings and x-rays are okay, and some not routine procedures like cavity fillings or root canals. Find out what the recommendation is for dentist visits, cleanings, x-rays, medications, and dental procedures. Listen to this episode for everything you need to know to keep your beautiful smile healthy during your pregnancy.

There are a lot of rules about what you can and cannot eat during pregnancy. Sushi is on the list of foods to be cautious about and this episode breaks down all the info you need to know to decide whether you are comfortable eating sushi during your pregnancy. There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether it is safe to eat sushi. Your main concerns are parasites, bacteria, viruses, and mercury. This episode talks about what your risks are with eating raw fish during pregnancy and answers a question about whether it is safe to eat sushi when you are pregnant.

Whether this is your first pregnancy and you are planning on more children or this is your second or third time around there are a lot of things that will be different from the first time you were pregnant. This episode covers everything you can expect when you are pregnant with your second baby.  Your risks for certain complications can also change the second time around.  It can be a challenge to prepare your existing kids for their new role as big brother or sister.  This episode has a lot of tips on how to deal with pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding if this is not your first baby.

Fentanyl is an opiate which can decrease the intensity of contractions but will not numb the feeling completely like an epidural could. Opiates will cause mild to moderate sedation and tend to go to work very quickly but they do not last for an extended period of time. Fentanyl takes 3-5 minutes to be effective and will last anywhere from about 20-45 minutes. Any opiate does cross the placenta, and as with any medication there are potential side effects to you and your baby. This episode answers a question about using fentanyl during labor and the risks and benefits associated with the medication.

The infection caused by the Zika virus normally isn’t a big deal. The issue is not a risk to you, even if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the risk is that it can be passed to your baby and cause some pretty serious complications. If you live in an area where the virus is not reported and neither you or your partner have traveled to any Zika affected areas you should have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately the virus is spreading, and now it isn’t just being transmitted by mosquitos but it is also being transmitted sexually. This episode dives into what the Zika virus is, how you can get it, how it can affect your baby, and how you can best protect yourself from getting the virus.

There is a lot of evidence of the benefits of prenatal yoga, and there is research that shows in general yoga is safe to practice when you are pregnant. However, there have been concerns raised about Bikram yoga. Practicing yoga in a heated room has the potential to loosen your ligaments, which are already loose just from pregnancy, and increase your risks of overheating and dehydration. During pregnancy there is concern of an elevated core temperature causing neural tube defects, spontaneous abortion, and other abnormalities. This episode answers a question about prenatal yoga and what room temperatures are considered safe to practice yoga in during pregnancy.

Traveling can be a challenge even when you are not pregnant. Traveling can be a big part of our lives from taking a trip for work, to visiting family, to taking vacations. With a few exceptions traveling while pregnant is no different than traveling when you are not expecting. The key is planning ahead. Whether you are hopping in a car for a road trip, getting on a train, or flying to another country this episode goes through some tips to stay healthy and be as comfortable as possible while traveling when you are expecting.

A lot of expecting moms wonder if it is safe to dye their hair during pregnancy and looking for an answer often leaves you with mixed results. So which is it, can you dye your hair or not? The short answer is yes you can, but like everything pregnancy related, it isn’t exactly as simple as a yes or no question. Ideally during your pregnancy you want to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals. While there is not any solid research linking coloring your hair to negative effects to your baby there are some considerations you should take into account before coloring your hair. This episode answers the question of whether it is safe to dye your hair when you are pregnant and some things you can do to limit your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Your baby starts out with a lot of room to move around in the beginning of your pregnancy, and as they get bigger they have less room to move around. Ideally before birth your little one is positioned head-down, facing your back, with their chin tucked to their chest and the back of their head ready to enter your pelvis. Most babies settle into this position within weeks 32-36. In some cases a baby is not head down and is bottom first rather than head first, and this is referred to as breech. There is a procedure called an external cephalic version that may be able to assist your baby turn in the right position, so they are head down, before you go into labor. This episode is going to go into some causes of breech babies, what the complications of a breech vaginal birth can be, and all of the pros, cons, and research on the ECV procedure.

Being pregnant often comes along with stress and pressure from in-laws, parents, other family members, or friends to do thing the way they think is best.  The very first thing you should know is that you are running the show, even if it doesn’t feel that way at times. When people who are close to you try to assert their opinions on you they are coming from a good place.  You and your partner are in charge and you need to speak up and make your plans known.  Of course family is important and you do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so how you decide to tactfully bring up these conversations is going to be your call.  Bottom line, do not feel bad, and do not let anyone else make decisions for you or dictate how your pregnancy, birth, or newborn experience goes. This episode answers a question about how to deal with a difficult and stressful situation with family.

Caffeine is one of the very first things to be cautious with once you see that positive pregnancy test.  Caffeine is considered a psychoactive drug, meaning that it changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness. It is the most widely consumed drug in the world and is most commonly found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Trying to figure out whether you can have caffeine when you are pregnant can be confusing. Understanding how caffeine effects your body, and how it is processed will be help you to determine whether you are comfortable enjoying some caffeine when you are expecting.  Some common questions are: Can you consume caffeine during your pregnancy? Does caffeine affect your baby?  How much caffeine is okay when you are pregnant? This episode answers these questions, dives into all of the details on caffeine and pregnancy, and talks about what the research says about caffeine consumption when you are pregnant.

During pregnancy, or even before if you are trying to conceive, it is suggested you take a prenatal vitamin or supplement with folate or folic acid. Folate is water soluble, so it does not remain in your system for long, and this is why you need to constantly replenish your supply through your diet. Although folate deficiencies are rare, folate is really important when you are pregnant because it helps prevent neural tube defects. Folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably but they are not identical. This episode answers a question about the differences between folate and folic acid and which one is better.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/folicacid/   Thank you to Zahler for their support of this episode. Zahler makes a high quality prenatal vitamin that has the active form of folate, that I refer after all of the research I have read on folic acid, plus it has omega 3s and DHA. This is the prenatal vitamin I take and the one I recommend. Zahler was very generous and gave me a promo code I can share with you so you can save 25% off when you buy a month supply on Amazon. To order them today go to http://amzn.to/2nOuFVB and enter the promo code PREPOD25 when you checkout.

Alcohol is one of the very first things to go once you see that positive pregnancy test.  A lot of expecting moms have questions about alcohol. Trying to figure out guidelines for alcohol and pregnancy can be so confusing.  Can you drink any alcohol during your pregnancy?  Does it affect your baby?  How much is okay?  These are questions you may have asked your doctor or midwife and you usually get one of two answers.  You hear, absolutely no alcohol, in any quantity, or, it’s okay to enjoy a glass of wine from time to time with a meal.  When you drink alcohol it is absorbed through your stomach and small intestines and enters your blood stream. Once it is in your blood stream it goes to your heart, brain, muscles, and other tissues.  If you are pregnant, it is also going to your placenta and then gets passed to your baby through the umbilical cord. You already know that drinking high amounts of alcohol is a bad idea. What about an occasional drink? This episode is going to get into all of the details on alcohol and pregnancy, how it affects your baby, and what the research says about drinking when you are pregnant.

A pudendal nerve block is an injection of an anesthetic that works to block the pudednal nerve. This nerve goes into two branches, one on each side of your body, and carries sensation from your labia, clitoris, and perenium. Transvaginal refers to how this shot is administered, and it is given through your vagina. This procedure is done in the second stage of labor, just before your baby is born. This episode answers several questions relating to a pudendal nerve block including whether it is recommended, what the short and long term risks are, and whether it will affect the progression of labor or your baby.

A birth plan is your plan of how you envision your birth and what happens directly following the birth of your baby. A birth plan allows you to make choices. You get to choose where you want to have your baby, who you want to be there, what procedures are done to you, and what procedures are done to your baby. If you don’t make these choices someone else will make them for you. You know your body, your lifestyle, your preferences, and your priorities better than anyone. A birth plan is really more than a piece of paper you hand to your care provider. It is the process you go through to prepare for the birth experience you want. The importance of a birth plan has a lot more to do with the process of writing it than it does with the finished product. How your birth unfolds, and how you and your baby experience it, are a direct result of your planning ahead.

Shopping for baby gear can be overwhelming. Choosing the right crib can be especially intimidating because safety is a top priority. You have a lot of options when it comes to cribs, with many different styles and price ranges.  As if shopping for a crib isn’t confusing enough, you also have other options like a bassinet for the first few months. Deciding what sleeping arrangement is right for you can be a challenge. This episode answers a couple questions about choosing the right crib and whether you need a bassinet and has a great resource to check out before making a purchase.

The third stage of labor starts after your baby is born and ends with birthing the placenta. Even after your beautiful baby is born your uterus will continue to contract. These contractions are much more mild than the contractions you experience during birth. As your uterus begins to contract and shrink, your placenta will detach from your uterine wall. The blood vessels are then closed off, and the placenta is pushed out. You have some options as to what interventions are employed during this stage. This episode explains all of your choices during the third stage of labor and examines the research to give you all of the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Evening primrose oil comes from seeds of a wildflower that grows in the United States.  It is usually found in capsules or as an oil.  Some pregnant moms use evening primrose oil to help with cervical ripening, to attempt to induce labor. The research available on evening primrose oil sheds some light on whether this is a good method to induce labor naturally and what some of the side effects are.  This episode answers a question about what evening primrose oil does and whether you should take it.

Vitamin K and erythromycin are involved in two standard procedures that are done to your newborn shortly after birth. All babies are naturally born with low levels of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential to helping your baby's blood clot. The shot of vitamin K is designed to provide your baby with adequate levels of vitamin K to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Erythromycin eye ointment is an antibacterial medication to prevent eye infections that can cause permanent damage or even blindness in your baby. Find out what the risks are of these complications are and learn more about why vitamin K and erythromycin are administered. Like everything pregnancy and birth related you have choices. This episode gets into what the vitamin K and erythromycin procedures entail, why they are done, all of the risks and benefits, and your options.

Rupturing the membranes refers to breaking your water, which is also known as an amniotomy, and this is one type of induction. This procedure is thought to release prostaglandins and create a rise in oxytocin to speed up labor. An amniotomy is typically done only if the cervix is partially dilated and thinned and the baby's head is deep in the pelvis. A doctor or midwife ruptures your membranes by making a small opening in the amniotic sac with a thin plastic hook, which is very similar to a knitting needle. There are both benefits and risks with an induction. It can be really stressful if your care provider is recommending an induction when you are trying to avoid it. This episode answers a question about how to handle this tough situation, and discusses the pros and cons of your care provider rupturing your membranes.

If you want to have a natural birth that does not mean that you have to home birth. The majority of natural births take place in a hospital.  There is a lot you can do to set yourself up for success in navigating through the policies and procedures of a hospital to have an intervention free birth.  This episode gets into some challenges you may face in the hospital, how to overcome those obstacles, and how to set yourself up for a successful natural hospital birth.  Whether you are planning a birth with some interventions or planning to avoid them entirely, this episode has some great tips on how to distinguish between early and active labor, how to communicate with your care provider, and what you can do to prepare for the birth experience you want. Samantha Lee Wright is a childbirth educator and doula, and she is a pro on navigating a natural birth in a hospital. She is the host for the #1 essential oil podcast on iTunes and Stitcher, The Essential Oil Revolution, where she teaches on the various ways to use essential oils and other healthy living tips to help families take control of their own health.

There really is overwhelming evidence of the benefits to both delayed cord clamping and getting skin to skin immediately after birth. Delayed cord clamping increases your baby’s blood volume by about 20% from a transfer that takes place after they are born. This additional supply of blood supplies extra iron, which can help guard against anemia in the first year of life, and it is enriched with immunoglobulins and stem cells. Skin to skin contact stabilizes your baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature and reduces stress in both you and your baby. Your baby instinctively wants to breastfeed and being skin-to-skin with you will foster that. It also increases your interactions with your baby and increases the likelihood and length of breastfeeding. This weeks episodes answers a question about whether the umbilical cord is long enough to get skin to skin with your baby before the cord is cut.

A water birth is a birth in which a baby is born to a mother laboring in a tub of water. There are legends of women in different cultures laboring in water dating back quite a ways but there isn’t documentation of anyone actually giving birth in water until 1803 in France. Then it wasn’t until the 1980’s that the popularity of water births began growing in Western cultures, and today it is becoming increasingly popular. Proponents of water birth claim that it is beneficial in management of discomfort from contractions, that it promotes relaxation, and that it eases stress for your baby during birth. Critics of the practice raise concerns about the safety of water births and risks associated with respiratory issues for the baby and the risk of infection for both you and your baby. This episode digs deep into both the possible benefits and risks.

It easy to start thinking about how you are going to lose the baby weight before you even have your baby and there is so much pressure to get back to your pre-baby body. I hope you do not stress out about that, there are going to be a lot of changes after your little one arrives, and your focus needs to be on taking care of yourself during recovery and taking care of your new baby. Trying to figure out when to start working out after you have your baby can be tricky. You may also be wondering whether working out will affect breastfeeding and your milk production. This episode answers two questions about when to start working out and whether working out affects your milk production. This episode features Lori Isenstadt, of the All About Breastfeeding podcast.

A birth center is a middle ground between a home birth and a hospital. You get the benefit of a natural birth in a home-like setting, with some of the safety net that you would have in a hospital. Birth centers are generally based on midwife led care, focused on prenatal and postpartum care for low-risk women. The majority of birth centers are free standing entities, and more are popping up in hospitals with the same focus of natural birth but are fully integrated within the hospital system in the event resources or care from the hospital are needed. This episode covers what a birth center is, what you can expect during your prenatal care, how everything works during your labor and birth, and the research on the safety of birth centers.

The placenta grows wherever the embryo implants itself in the uterus. In the majority of pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus.  In some cases, the embryo implants itself in the lower portion of the uterus.  Low-lying placenta is defined as a placenta ending within 2 cm of the internal cervical opening but not covering it.  If the placenta grows over the cervix, it is called placenta previa.  As the uterus expands it can pull the placenta higher, and away from the cervix, which resolves the situation.  The later in pregnancy that placenta previa exists, the more likely it will be present at the time of delivery.   This episode answers some questions about placenta previa resolving itself, and the risks involved with a low-lying placenta in the early and late stages of pregnancy.

Group B streptococcus is a type of bacterial infection. This bacterium naturally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and is present in the vagina and/or rectum of about 25% of all healthy, adult women. Once you have this bacterium it does not mean you will always have it, and it can come and go. Most women who are colonized with group B strep do not experience any symptoms, and normally this is not a big deal. It can create some complications for you when you are pregnant and can cause some serious complications if it is passed to your baby. It has become standard practice to test all expecting mothers between weeks 35 to 37 for group B strep. This episode covers what is involved in the testing, how group B strep is treated, and how you can reduce the risks to your baby. This episode also explores some research on what you can do to decrease your risk for group b strep during pregnancy and prevent the possibility of ever becoming colonized.

In the past it was assumed once you had one cesarean section, every subsequent birth would also need to be via a cesarean section. A vaginal birth after cesarean is not recommended if you had a uterine rupture during a previous pregnancy or if you had a classical incision in a C-section. A uterine rupture can occur when your uterus tears long a previous scar from a C-section, and this requires an emergency C-section. Today VBAC is becoming more popular for women who had a previous C-section, and about 90% of women who have had a cesarean are a candidate for a VBAC and of women who plan for a VBAC, about 3 in 5 are successful. This episode answers a few questions about planning a VBAC and going past your due date, what the risks are, and how to increase your chances of success.

It was not too long ago in our history that all births took place at home.  Over the last century the number of women giving birth at home has sharply declined.  The decline in home births is due to many factors beyond the advancements we have made in medicine.  The laws of your country or state, the coverage of home birth by your insurance or health care, and social attitudes have all played a part in directing where you have your baby.  In recent years the rates of home birth have been increasing as more expecting parents are exploring this as an option.  The biggest benefit to a home birth is that you have the most control over your labor and your environment in a home setting.  Learn what you can expect during a home birth from the time you start your labor until your baby is born.  The safety of home birth is a controversial topic and this episode includes a lot of research on whether home birth is safe and what some of the risks are.

The umbilical cord has one vein, which is carrying oxygenated blood from the placenta to your baby, and two arteries that take deoxygenated blood from your baby back to the placenta. A single umbilical artery means that instead of two arteries carrying deoxygenated blood from your baby there is only one. This is the most common umbilical abnormality and occurs in about 1 percent of pregnancies with a single baby. It is much more common with twins or multiples and occurs in about 5 percent of those. This episode answers some questions about the risks involved with this diagnosis.

There is so much you can do to set up your labor room environment to be supportive of the birth experience you want. Your labor will progress best in an environment where you feel safe and relaxed. No matter where you are having your baby you could make some adjustments to your surroundings to create the environment that works best for you. This episode has some great tips to improve your birth environment, whether you are giving birth at your home, in a birth center, or a hospital. You want to set up the room to be your space.  If there is anything that would make a difference to you pack it in your hospital or birth center bag.  If anything about the environment is not working for you, ask if you can adjust it, remove it, or turn it off. The more comfortable you are in your surroundings the more relaxed and at ease you will be to focus on meeting your baby.

The glucose challenge screening is a preliminary screening test you take in the early part of your third trimester. This has become a standard test performed between 26-28 weeks. During the test, you are asked to drink a sweet liquid of glucose and then will have blood drawn one hour from having the drink, as blood glucose levels normally peak within one hour. This screening test evaluates how your body processes sugar and a high level in your blood may indicate your body is not processing sugar effectively. If the results of this screen are positive, meaning your body is not processing glucose effectively, you may have the Glucose Tolerance Test performed, which is used to diagnose gestational diabetes. This episode answers a few questions relating to the glucose screening test.

Natural birth is a birth without medical interventions, particularly anesthesia. It is not some hippie ideology that rejects the advances we have made in medicine. The picture a lot of expecting moms have when they think about natural birth is a mother having a baby in a bathtub at home. Natural birth does not have to be confined to your home, and many women do have a birth without any interventions in a hospital setting without chants going on and incense burning in the background. Natural birth is not just for hippies and this episode is really going to get into the science behind natural childbirth. By understanding the natural process of an uninterrupted birth you will be better able to understand how interventions can affect this process and why some women choose a natural birth.

Cesarean section uterine incisions can be closed either with a single layer or a double layer of sutures. In the 1990’s, the single-layer technique was touted as having fewer complications and became pretty widely accepted in the medical community, because short term, it seemed like the single layer technique was better. There have been questions raised about whether a single layer closure is linked to complications in the long term, specifically with a subsequent pregnancy. This episode answers the question as to whether a single or double layer suture is better in the short and long term and includes the available research on the two methods.

A cesarean section, also known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus. A C-section could be planned ahead of time if you have a complication that would make a vaginal delivery difficult or you have had a previous C-section and aren't considering vaginal birth after cesarean, commonly referred to as a VBAC. Often a cesarean is not planned and the circumstances change when you are in labor, which lead to a C-section. If you are planning on a C-section you should know what is involved and what you can expect. This episode will also give you some tips on options you may not know that you have, and some tips to get your recovery off to a good start. If a C-section is the furthest thing from how you envision your birth knowing about C-sections will have you prepared for anything.

The term epidural is basically used to encompass any type of anesthetic medication used for labor and birth.  There are actually three separate procedures that can be done that are often lumped under the umbrella term, “epidural”.  The three procedures are epidurals, spinals, and the combined spinal epidural.  Different techniques, medications and doses all have different results and risks, so it is really important to talk to your care provider about what their policy and practice is, so you know what options you have when it comes to medications, and make the best choice for you and your baby.  This episode explains what your options are for an epidural, what is involved in the procedure, how it will impact your labor, what the benefits and risks are, and the possible side effects.

Hospitals have become the go to place to give birth in many countries.  About 98% of all births in the United States are in hospitals, so if you live in the U.S. there is a good chance that is where you are planning to give birth.  Even if you are planning for a birth center or home birth knowing about your backup option is smart.  Birth is not an all or nothing decision where you are either having a baby in hospital with tons of interventions, or having a baby at home with no interventions and incense burning in the background.  There are an infinite number of options available to you to really prepare for and craft the birth experience you want.  The key to getting the birth experience you want is being educated.  Whether you are planning a cesarean section or will be having a natural labor you could do either in a hospital setting and this episode will help you get more familiar with what you expect in a hospital birth from the moment you arrive, through your labor and birth, until you are discharged and headed home with your new baby.

For most of our entire human history a mother in labor was free to move around and change positions to whatever was most comfortable and suited her best at the time.  It really wasn’t until we made labor and birth a highly medicalized process that women began laboring on their backs in a bed.  There are an infinite number of positions you can try during labor and there is no one size fits all.  Labor will likely start at home and you can utilize many different positions to keep labor progressing and be as comfortable as possible before you even get to the hospital or birth center.  No matter where you are giving birth, what your birth plan is, or what interventions you are electing to have, you have options.  This episode has a lot of different positions to try with the pros and cons of each, and what the research says about the best positions for both labor and birth.

Electronic fetal monitoring is probably a topic that you don’t think you need to know anything about.  Knowledge is power, and knowing how this works, what your options are, and how it can impact your labor, and even the outcome of how your baby is born is powerful.  Although electronic fetal monitoring sounds pretty uninteresting it can have a bigger impact on your labor than you think, and you may have some different choices about it depending on your risk level and how you and your little one are doing during labor.  During your labor and birth your doctor of midwife will be checking the heart rate of your baby.  This is monitored because your little one’s heart rate is thought of as the best way to check their well-being during labor.  The goal of using electronic fetal monitoring is to identify babies who are short on oxygen and then identify what the underlying cause is to correct it.  Monitoring heart rate can also alert your doctor or midwife in the event an emergency arises in which the baby needs to be born immediately either via cesarean section or through an assisted birth.

Should you see a Midwife or OBGYN?  Your care provider is the cornerstone of your prenatal care and choosing the right one can make a big difference on your birth experience.  This is your expert resource that you will be working with throughout your pregnancy to make some very important decisions.  You need to be comfortable with, and trust, your care provider.  Both a midwife and an OBGYN offer prenatal care, assist in labor and delivery, and are qualified to give postnatal care.  While they are similar, these are two different designations, and there are pros to each of them.  There are also some situations in which one would be more appropriate than the other.  This episode breaks it all down for you so you know the difference between a Midwife and an OBGYN, and know which one is the right choice for the pregnancy and birth you are planning for.

The majority of babies will get fed formula in the first year of their life and this episode has some great info on what your options are, what the ingredients are, and everything else you need to know to decide what formula is right for your little one.  Since the inception of formula, manufacturers have spent a pile of money and resources trying to mimic breastmilk as closely as possible.  All the ingredients that go into formula are in one way or another mimicking what is actually in breastmilk.  Infant formula today is the best we have ever had available and it is continuing to improve over time.  After breastmilk, formula is the next best thing.  When it comes to choosing an infant formula you have a lot of options.  Just walk down that aisle of your grocery store and you have floor to ceiling packages with brilliant marketing telling you that each formula is the best.  So which one is the absolute best?  I wish that were an easy answer, after listening to this episode you will have a much better idea of your options and be able to decide which one is right for your baby.

This episode really gets into all of the basics about bottle feeding.  There are a lot of different options for bottles, and this covers all of your options for different materials, sizes, shapes, and features.  Each design has pros and cons and we go through each of them so you will have a better idea of what type of bottle is right for your baby.  This episode covers everything from the very first step of warming up a bottle to cleaning everything after your baby is done with a meal.  Do not stress about introducing a bottle and bottle feeding your baby.  This episode includes all the details you need to know about when to introduce a bottle and the mechanics of bottle feeding your little one.  Introducing a bottle can add some challenges to breastfeeding but there are some excellent tips for you to make the two work together and keep you and your little one happy.

Tips for pumping breast milk and maximizing your supply, how to build up a serious stash of milk, and how to rock pumping at work.  Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and pumping will set you up for success when you are building up a stash of milk or pumping when you return to work.  Pumping will get easier and you will get better at it the longer you do it.  Part of the learning curve is going to be figuring out what works best for you, and finding ways to make pumping more productive and convenient will make it easier.  The easier it is, the more consistent you will be, and consistency is really the key to making it work.  Whether you are looking to stockpile your freezer with milk, continue pumping when you return to work after your maternity leave, or if you just want to be able to give your baby pumped milk from time to time this episode has some great tips for you to maximize your supply and make this task as easy as possible.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode31/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby when you cannot be there to breastfeed.  This could be so you can run errands for a couple hours, enjoy a night out with girlfriends, or because you will be returning back to work after your maternity leave is over.  Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold, and it is.  It is so valuable and amazing that it cannot be reproduced in a lab, only you can make it, and your milk is perfectly formulated for the needs of your baby.  Hooking your boobs up to a machine to pump milk is pretty strange, but the fact that you can give your baby your own breast milk from a bottle is awesome.  Pumping breast milk can really make a major difference for moms who need to be away from their baby during a short time and especially if you will be returning back to work at some point after the birth of your little one.  This episode is focused on all the fundamental things you need to know about pumping breast milk.   Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode30/   Thank you to Aeroflow for sponsoring this episode. Aeroflow is a company that helps you get a breast pump through your health insurance. There can be some hoops to jump through to get a breast pump through your insurance but Aeroflow does all of this for you and makes it so easy. All you need to do is fill out a form that takes just a minute and they will contact your health insurance company and work out all the details, then they will get in touch with you to help you choose the right breast pump. To get started on ordering your pump go to http://pregnancypodcast.com/breastpump/

There is a lot you can do to prepare for breastfeeding before you have your baby and some very simple steps you can take during your pregnancy.  The more prepared you are for breastfeeding, the better start you will have, and the more successful your breastfeeding relationship will be.  Don't wait until you are holding your baby in your arms to think about breastfeeding.  This episode features Lori Isenstadt of the All About Breastfeeding podcast.  Lori is a breastfeeding expert and explains everything you can do to prepare for breastfeeding now and get off to a great start once your baby arrives. Lori Isenstadt has many certifications in the maternity field.  She has worked as a childbirth educator, postpartum and birth doula, she has written several eBooks, and for the last 20 years has worked as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She is a pro on all things breastfeeding, she runs a private practice where she helps moms and babies with breastfeeding, and is the proud host of the All About Breastfeeding podcast.

Consumption of placenta by a mom after birth has been a taboo subject and has been gaining popularity in recent years.  We are going to really dive into the possible benefits and risks of this practice, discuss the scientific evidence available to back up the claims, and talk about your options for consuming it, from raw placenta smoothies to placenta encapsulation.  The thought of eating your placenta might gross you out at first but once you hear about some of the amazing benefits women claim it has you might be willing to consider it.  This is not another podcast solely focused on the all of the wonderful things placenta encapsulation does.  This is an examination of all of the pros, cons, evidence, studies, and all of your options.  After listening to this episode you will totally understand what placenta encapsulation is and have all of the information you could possibly need to decide if this is something you want to consider.

What cord blood is, how a cord blood bank works, how cord blood is used, and what conditions it can treat.  There are many reasons you may consider cord blood banking, and the decision to do it should be based on all of the pros and cons.  If you do decide to bank your baby’s cord blood you have options between public and private banks, and this episode gets into the pros and cons of each.  This is definitely a confusing topic and it can be a challenge to get all of the information you need to understand cord blood banking, and make an informed decision as to whether it is something you want to do.  There is also a lot of confusion about whether cord blood banking is compatible with delayed cord clamping and this episode gets into the details on how you can potentially do both.

Everything you need to know and take into consideration about delaying the clamping of your baby’s umbilical cord.  Your baby’s umbilical cord is their lifeline.  It is constantly delivering oxygen and nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide and waste.  Learn how the placenta and the umbilical cord work both during pregnancy and after birth, whether there are benefits of delayed cord clamping, and what your available options are.  If you do decide to delay the clamping of your baby’s umbilical cord, find out some great tips on how to approach this topic with your doctor or midwife.  Whether or not to delay cord clamping does not just apply to a vaginal birth for a full term baby.  The timing of clamping the cord is still very important if you have a baby preterm or if you have a cesarean section.

Have you thought much about maternity clothes?  Does the thought of not fitting into anything in your closet freak you out?  Maybe you are excited to dress up and show off your growing bump.  Expecting moms fall all over the spectrum on how they feel about maternity clothes.  On top of your emotions and feelings about growing, you may love shopping and have an unlimited budget, or you may not like going to the mall and not have much, if anything, to spend on maternity clothes.  The good news is that we are covering all the basic things you need to know about maternity clothes.  The goal is to feel comfortable and stylish no matter how you feel about fashion, and regardless of what your budget is.  In this episode we will get into how you can raid your closet (or a friend's closet) for pieces you can wear throughout your pregnancy, what are some must haves, and where to shop for great deals.

Exactly what you need to pack in your birth center or hospital bag to be prepared for labor, birth, and caring for your new baby.  This is a pretty big to do on your list when you are pregnant because of course you want to be prepared and make sure you have everything you need and that you are not forgetting anything when the big birth day arrives.  This episode goes into detail on everything you need to pack, whether you are planning on having your baby at a hospital or a birth center.  If you are planning on a home birth this episode will still be helpful for you because you will want to have a lot of these items on hand and easily accessible during and after your labor at home. Don’t over think this.  It is easy to get wrapped up and over do it.  To be perfectly honest, if you went into labor, and showed up to the birth center or a hospital with nothing you would fine.  I promise you it would not be the end of the world.  You would probably have to send your partner out to buy a car seat so you could take your baby home from the hospital or birth center, but otherwise you would surely survive.  With that being said, there are definitely some things you can pack in a bag during your pregnancy that will make your labor and birth experience more comfortable.  This episode breaks everything down by what you need to pack for mom, baby, and dad.  Don’t forget about dad, he needs some stuff too.  We will get into what items are must haves and some optional things you may want to consider too.  Don’t worry about writing all of this down.  I created a checklist for you to download with everything on it at http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode24  

A doula is a professional who has been trained in childbirth and who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother and their birth partner.  Having a doula can be an amazing help in creating the birth experience you want, and can drastically decrease your chances of requiring an intervention and a cesarean section.  This episode features Nathalie Saenz of the Dearest Doula podcast.  She has a passion for birth and explains everything you need to know about doulas from what they do to some great questions to ask when finding one that is the right fit for you.   Nathalie Saenz is a birth doula, and the creator and host of the Dearest Doula podcast, a free online resource for new and aspiring birth workers. She currently offers pregnancy and birth support in San Antonio, Texas.

Unfortunately, sometimes when your skin is stretching during birth it can tear.  It is pretty common for first time mothers to have some tearing during a vaginal delivery and of course there is also the possibility that you could have an episiotomy, which is a surgical incision.  The good news is that there are some things you can do leading up to, and during, your labor and delivery to prevent this.  I know all of this can sound scary but it shouldn’t be.  The benefits of a vaginal delivery far outweigh the downside of a tear or an episiotomy.  Keep in mind some women make it through a vaginal birth without any tearing so it is not unavoidable.  If you do end up with a tear or incision there is a lot you can do to make yourself more comfortable, give yourself some relief, and help your body heal afterwards.

There are a lot of rumors about activities you can do or certain foods to eat for inducing labor naturally.  Some of these methods have some science behind them and some of these remedies are just old wives tales that you can probably skip.  This episode gets into all of the remedies of inducing labor naturally to give you the information you need to know what works and what doesn’t.  Of course you want to wait until your baby is fully mature and your body is ready for labor but there are some things you can do at home that can help to naturally induce labor, and some are definitely worth trying, especially if your doctor or midwife is bringing up the possibility of a medical induction.

In a perfect world everything works like it is supposed to, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature and ready to make their entrance into the world, and you naturally go into labor.  As you probably know, everything doesn’t always go the way we plan and many women end up getting an induction to jump start labor.  The key is knowing when an induction may be medically necessary, and when it may be better to wait it out.  There are many reasons your doctor or midwife may suggest an induction and this episode really dives deep into the reasons an induction may be necessary, as well as some reasons it may be better to wait.  There are many ways your labor can be induced and we go through each method, how it works, what risks are involved, and what the benefits of each method are.  We get into the details on stripping and sweeping membranes, misoprostol (Cytotec), dinoprostone (Cervidil & Prepidil), synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), using a laminaria or balloon cathedar, and breaking your water.  You will definitely want to listen to this episode to get all the information you need to determine whether an induction is right for you, when is the best time to do it, and what methods you want to use.

Hypnobirthing is a practice that uses calming and relaxation techniques to create a calm, positive birth experience.  This is an amazing tool you need in your toolbox as a mom-to-be!  It can be applied during your pregnancy, labor, birth, and even in your parenting journey.  Hypnobirthing will be useful whether you’re planning a hospital, home, or midwife-led birth.  This episode features Suzy Ashworth of the Calm Birth School.  Suzy is a hypnobirthing expert and has helped teach thousands of women, all over the world, her unique method for creating a smooth birth experience.  Suzy explains everything involved with hypnobirthing, the science behind it, and how it can help you get the positive birth experience you want. Suzy Ashworth is a pregnancy coach, hypnotherapist, psychotherapist and a hypnotherapist, with two children and a growing bump. She has a passion for showing women exactly why they can and should believe in themselves, empowering them to create mind-blowing birth experiences. Making women feel confident and amazing is what she rocks at.

Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic “practice” contractions that many pregnant women experience during the second and the third trimesters.  This episode talks about what they are, what they feel like, what can trigger them, and how you can find some relief.  There are some key ways to distinguish between Braxton Hicks contractions and real contractions.  Knowing the signs of pre-term labor and labor and how to tell the difference between fake contractions and the real thing will you give you the confidence you need to decide when to call your doctor or midwife, when to go to the hospital or birth center, and when you just need to relax and wait it out.  Listen to this episode for everything you need to know about Braxton Hicks.

This episode covers everything you need to know about ultrasounds.  It explains what ultrasounds are and how they are used and gets into the details of ultrasound safety.  The scientific studies that have been done on their use, and what the World Health Organization and some other entities recommend about their use.  This is a great episode for anyone who is pregnant to listen to as you will most likely have at least one, if not multiple ultrasounds throughout your prenatal care.  This episode also may make you think twice about an elective ultrasound for 3D pictures or a 4D video of your little one.  An ultrasound exam is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to scan your abdomen and pelvic cavity, creating a picture, which is called a sonogram, of the baby and the placenta.

This episode focuses on invasive tests.  These are tests that come with some risks to you and your baby.  If you had a noninvasive screening test come back positive your care provider may offer you further testing to confirm and diagnose a condition.  The invasive tests include a CVS, amniocentesis and a cordocentesis.  This also covers your options for paternity testing.  There are lots of pros and cons to consider before opting into these tests and ultimately the decision is yours as to whether you want to take one.  Listen to this episode for everything you need to know about invasive tests and talk to your partner and your care provider and make sure you are educated so you can make an informed decision.

There are a battery of tests available to you when you are expecting and it is easy to feel like you are constantly waiting for results back to let you know everything is okay.  Don’t worry, that isn’t going to do you or your baby any good.  What you can do is learn about what the different testing options are and make informed decisions on what tests you want to take and whether you would like to avoid or decline any of them.  This episode is focused on the noninvasive tests including urine and blood tests, the non-stress test, genetic screening, biophysical profile, and glucose screening and testing.  We go into what each test is looking for and the risks and benefits.

You are probably thinking, Depression?  I won’t be depressed!  I am going to be so happy when my baby arrives, postpartum depression is not something I need to worry about.  Not exactly.  After the birth of your baby, your hormone levels drop quickly.  Remember those pesky hormones estrogen and progesterone that drive you crazy in the first trimester?  A major drop in these after birth leads to chemical changes in the brain that can trigger mood swings.  When you combine major drops in hormone levels with a lack of sleep, your body working to recover from labor and birth, and the stress of caring for a newborn you have the perfect storm to be bummed out.  From the baby blues to postpartum depression this episode breaks down everything you need to know.

There is so much attention on mom and baby during pregnancy that it is easy to forget about dad, who is so important, and plays such a huge role in pregnancy, birth, and parenting.  We will be talking about getting on the same page and communicating with your partner, going to appointments, what your partner may be going through during pregnancy and how you can deal with some of the changes, sex, and so much more about the role of dad during pregnancy, birth, and once the baby arrives.  This episode covers everything you need to know from finding out you are going to be a dad to bringing baby home.

We are continuing on the topic of bringing baby home and tackling some troubleshooting.  There are a lot of things that can come up with a newborn and the goal of this episode is to prepare you for it and teach you what you can do to solve some pesky problems you may come across.  Most of these issues are not serious, but as always, trust your gut.  If something doesn’t feel right, call your pediatrician.   Knowing what issues can come up with a newborn and how to troubleshoot them, or prevent them in the first place, will give you the tools you need to rock the first few days and weeks with your baby.  This episode discusses jaundice, breastfeeding, diaper rash, baby acne, cradle cap, sharp finger nails and scratching, colds, vomiting, fevers, gas, and colic.

Bringing baby home is exciting but it can also be a little nerve-racking when you are not sure what you can expect.  The first few days and weeks are a challenging adjustment period.  There is a lot you can do to make things easy on yourself.  Do not feel like you have to have a spotless house and be perfectly put together.  Ask for some help, especially from your partner and anyone coming over to visit and meet the baby.  Give yourself permission to take some time to figure things out and don’t feel like you have to have it all together from day one.  This episode covers everything you need to know when you bring baby home from the hospital or birth center so you can be confident when you start your parenting journey.

Breastfeeding is so important and one of the best things you can do for your baby.  There is no formula that comes close to mimicking breastmilk.  Your milk contains every vitamin, mineral, and nutritional element your baby needs.  Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger.  Nursing produces prolactin and oxytocin, which are hormones that foster a connection to your baby and help you recover from birth better.  You can do two key things to make sure you are successful with breastfeeding; learn and get help if you need it.  Listen to this episode of the Pregnancy Podcast to get the information you need to get breastfeeding off to a great start!

All the episodes we have done thus far have been leading up to the big day.  This is it.  We are talking about the day when you get to meet your little guy or girl.  We will be covering everything you can expect, some signs of labor, the different stages and how your labor progresses, procedures you can expect, and in general how everything happens.  Keep in mind that at the end of the day you get to meet your baby.  You may have specific plans for your labor and if you do your homework and are prepared you have a good chance of it going as planned.  Listen to this episode to learn everything you need to know about birth.

An intervention is any procedure performed by a care provider, usually a doctor or midwife to assist in the delivery of the baby.  Interventions include IVs, epidurals, fetal monitoring, assisted delivery (using forceps or a vent house suction cup), episiotomy, induction, augmentation, and cesarean.  By learning what each procedure entails and when and why it is performed you will be better able to make sound decisions as to whether or not you really need or want it.

Some people feel like they have been planning their whole life for baby and others may feel like they are flying by the seat of their pants trying to get everything together before the baby comes.  No matter which camp you are in let me tell you right now, don’t stress out.  Yes there are a lot of to dos and to buys before your baby comes but if you can get by on much less than you think.  Literally the only things you absolutely must have are a car seat and diapers.  You could live without anything else.  Of course there are a lot of things that make your life easier and baby’s life more comfortable but you do not need to get wrapped up in buying everything on a six page list of must have items.  In this episode we talk about maternity and paternity leave, health insurance for baby, car seats, diapers, the nursery, strollers, toiletries, clothes, toys, blankets, breast pumps, and bottles.

Would you run a marathon without any training?  No, of course not, that would be crazy.  Labor is a marathon.  It is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging workouts you will ever go through so why on earth would you go into it without any training?  This is why you need to take a birth class.  A birth class prepares you for what to expect, it prepares your partner, and even does some emergency preparation in the event something comes up that you are not expecting.  In labor things can move really quickly, if you aren’t familiar with different options or procedures you could be making hasty decisions.  If you are knowledgeable you will be able to make sound decisions because you came prepared.  Bottom line is taking a birth class and educating yourself increases the chances that you are going to get the birth experience you want.

Welcome to the third and last trimester!  The third trimester goes from weeks 28 until your baby’s birth.  Your pregnancy is measured in forty weeks, but some babies like to hang out in your belly a little longer and can go a week or two past their due date.  If you are in your third trimester, congratulations, you are in the home stretch until you get to meet your little guy or girl.  This trimester can be a bit challenging as your belly keeps growing and you have some new symptoms as a result of carrying around more weight and you may also find yourself anxious to have your baby and ready to be done being pregnant.  Keep in mind, you are almost at the finish line and when you get to meet your baby all of the hoopla that came along with being pregnant is 100% worth it, so hang in there!

Everything you can expect during weeks 13 to 27 of your pregnancy.  The second trimester is also known as the golden trimester.  For many women this is their favorite trimester and the period of their pregnancy that they enjoy the most.  You should overall be feeling better and have a lot more energy.  This trimester brings on a ton of physical changes.  These 15 weeks are also a major period of growth and development for your baby.  You will get to find out if you are having a boy or a girl and also be able to feel the baby kicking.  This episode gets into more specifics on the physical changes you can expect to see, changes to your sex drive, maternity clothes, Braxton Hicks contractions, stretch marks, and everything going on with baby.

Everything you can expect and what to do to thrive during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.  This will probably be the biggest adjustment period for you as you get used to the idea of being pregnant, make some lifestyle changes, and deal with all of the physical and emotional changes that are going on.  The first 12 weeks are also a major period of growth and development for your baby.  You may not see a whole lot going on outside during the first 12 weeks but you will definitely be able to tell there is a whole lot going on internally, and emotionally.  We get into more specifics on morning sickness, hormones, baby's development, common symptoms, and how you can get some relief from some of the not so fun side effects of being pregnant.

Prenatal care, what is it? We get into what it is and why it is way more than just showing up to your doctor’s appointments. You can expect to have somewhere around 14 appointments throughout your entire pregnancy.  So on 14 days you will see a doctor or a midwife, that’s it.  For the other 260 some days that you are pregnant it is just you and the baby.  You, as the final decision maker, are the biggest influence on your little one.

What the heck you are supposed to do and what changes you may need to make once you find out you are pregnant.  This brings you up to speed on everything you should know from the moment you see a positive result on a pregnancy test.  This episode covers everything from prenatal vitamins, health insurance, caffeine, fitness, to what you shouldn't eat and what activities to avoid during your pregnancy.

In this short episode you get a quick rundown of everything you can expect from Vanessa Merten and the Pregnancy Podcast.  The Pregnancy Podcast is 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.   http://pregnancypodcast.com