Pregnancy Podcast

Pregnancy Podcast

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

Episodes

Q&A: What to Know Before Buying a Home Doppler to Hear Your Baby’s Heartbeat

July 16, 2025 • 21 mins
Many expecting parents consider using a home Doppler to listen to their baby’s heartbeat between prenatal appointments. While this can seem like a simple way to ease anxiety and feel more connected to your baby, there are important considerations to keep in mind. This episode offers a closer look at how Dopplers work, the factors that can affect their accuracy, and what the research reveals about their safety. Explore the pote...
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Your Guide to Traveling While Pregnant

July 13, 2025 • 31 mins
Traveling during pregnancy can be completely safe and even enjoyable with the right preparation. Whether you are planning a road trip, boarding a plane, or heading out on a babymoon, this episode covers everything you need to know to stay healthy and comfortable while traveling. Learn about the best time to travel, what to expect from airline policies, and how to minimize swelling and reduce your risk of blood clots. Learn pra...
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Q&A: Should We Find Out the Sex of Our Baby?

June 25, 2025 • 19 mins
Although most parents choose to find out their baby’s sex before birth, it is always an option to wait and make it a surprise. Several factors can influence this decision. This episode responds to a listener who is torn between finding out and waiting and needs help navigating a disagreement with her partner. Hear the pros and cons of finding out early, learn about all of your options for discovering your baby’s sex, and explo...
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Labor Signs and the Start of Labor

June 22, 2025 • 21 mins
As you near the end of your pregnancy, the anticipation of labor can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. You may be wondering exactly when labor will begin and how you will know it is the real thing. While labor generally follows a predictable pattern, the signs, timing, and how you experience them can be different for everyone. This episode explores the signs that labor may be starting and how to distinguish between early ...
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Q&A: Deciding When to Share Your Pregnancy at Work

June 18, 2025 • 16 mins
Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also bring uncertainty about how it will impact your career. For many expecting moms, sharing the news with an employer can feel nerve-racking. Deciding when to make that announcement is a personal choice, and the right timing is different for everyone. In this episode, we talk about what to consider when deciding how and when to tell your employer you are pregnant. F...
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Pregnancy Crash Course for Dads and Partners

June 15, 2025 • 44 mins
Most of what people know about having a baby comes from movies or what they have heard from friends. That is not enough to prepare you for what lies ahead. Understanding the basics of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery can make a big difference in how well you support your partner. More importantly, it will help you feel more confident as you navigate pregnancy, labor, and life as a new parent. This episode is a crash c...
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Q&A: How to Deal with a Stuffy Nose During Pregnancy

June 11, 2025 • 18 mins
Many pregnancy symptoms are temporary and often brushed off as something you simply have to deal with until your baby arrives. However, even minor symptoms like a stuffy nose can significantly affect your overall quality of life. Understanding the root cause of pregnancy rhinitis and knowing what treatment options are available can make a big difference. In this episode, learn what causes pregnancy rhinitis, how it impacts you...
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A Simple Framework for Any Pregnancy or Birth Decision

June 8, 2025 • 27 mins
You will have numerous opportunities to opt in or out of interventions during your pregnancy, at birth, or with your newborn. You always have options regarding your prenatal care and birth, as long as you know what those options are. In an ideal world, every procedure would come with informed consent, providing you with all the necessary information to make a confident decision. However, in the real world, constraints like lim...
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Q&A: Is a Birth Plan Really Necessary?

June 4, 2025 • 18 mins
Is a birth plan really necessary, or is it just one more thing to stress about during pregnancy? In this episode, we answer a listener’s question about whether creating a birth plan is worth the time and effort. Some expecting parents feel it is pointless because birth rarely goes exactly as planned, and even some doctors and midwives may downplay its importance. Learn what a birth plan actually is, when it might not be needed...
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Fourth Trimester: How to Plan Ahead

June 1, 2025 • 50 mins
Your baby’s birth marks the beginning of a significant transition, not just for your newborn, but for you. The early postpartum weeks are often referred to as the fourth trimester, and while it is common to focus on preparing for birth, it is equally important to prepare for what comes after. Recovery can take longer than expected, and adjusting to life with a newborn brings emotional and physical challenges. In this episode, ...
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The CDC Changes Its Stance on the COVID-19 Vaccine

May 28, 2025 • 18 mins
Organizations like the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists play a significant role in shaping the recommendations your doctor or midwife gives you during pregnancy. When the CDC updates its guidance, it influences clinical care, insurance coverage, and how providers counsel patients. In this episode, we explore the recent decision to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for children and pregnant...
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Fourth Trimester: What to Expect

May 25, 2025 • 42 mins
During pregnancy, you focus on your health, your baby, and preparing for birth. What comes after birth is just as important, and often overlooked. Your body needs time to recover from nine months of pregnancy, labor, and the early demands of breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. Many postpartum changes are entirely normal, yet they are rarely discussed. In this episode, let’s change that. I will walk you through what to expe...
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Q&A: Are You Getting Enough DHA in Pregnancy?

May 21, 2025 • 23 mins
When it comes to supporting your baby’s brain development, few nutrients get as much attention as DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. In this episode, we answer a listener’s questions about omega-3s during pregnancy. Learn how much you need, where to get them, and whether a supplement is necessary. Get a breakdown of the difference between ALA, EPA, and DHA, and why the ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 is important. If you ...
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Third Trimester Overview: Preparing for Birth and the Final Stretch

May 18, 2025 • 56 mins
Week 28 until your baby’s birth, around 40 weeks, is the final stretch before you meet your baby. In this episode, learn everything you need to know to navigate the last months of pregnancy confidently. Your baby is undergoing critical developmental changes to prepare for life outside the womb. Meanwhile, your growing belly and added weight can bring new symptoms and physical challenges. You may feel a mix of excitement and im...
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Q&A: How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health

May 14, 2025 • 17 mins
Pregnancy can bring unexpected changes to your mouth, including swollen or bleeding gums, increased sensitivity, and shifts in your oral microbiome. This episode examines how hormones, changes in the immune system, and daily habits affect your oral health during pregnancy. Learn why symptoms like bleeding gums are common, what you can do to prevent gum disease, and why dental care is both safe and essential while you are expec...
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Second Trimester Overview: From Baby Kicks to Body Changes

May 11, 2025 • 43 mins
For many expecting moms, weeks 13 to 27 are often considered the most enjoyable part of pregnancy. In this episode, learn everything you need to know to navigate the second trimester confidently. Your belly will start to show, you may begin to feel your baby kicking, and many first-trimester symptoms, like morning sickness, begin to fade. You have likely settled into healthy routines, and with more stable moods and increased e...
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Q&A: Navigating Unwanted Advice, Opinions, and Input

May 7, 2025 • 20 mins
This episode explores why people feel compelled to offer advice, how to filter helpful information from noise, and strategies to set boundaries without creating conflict. Get tips to kindly and assertively respond to strangers, coworkers, or close family or friends. Learn about the emotional toll of constant input, how to avoid second-guessing yourself, and how to strengthen your confidence in your decisions. If you feel press...
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First Trimester Overview: Adjusting to Pregnancy and Early Changes

May 4, 2025 • 46 mins
The first trimester is the most significant adjustment period of your pregnancy. This episode covers everything you need to know to navigate the first trimester confidently. Learn how your baby is growing and developing vital organs and structures. Hear about common physical and emotional symptoms in the first trimester. Find out what you can expect at your upcoming prenatal appointments and key to-do items you should tackle t...
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Q&A: Managing Your Fear of Labor Pain

April 30, 2025 • 23 mins
Fear of pain during labor is very common, especially as your due date approaches. Whether you are planning an unmedicated birth or know you want an epidural, this episode will help you better understand how to manage labor pain with confidence. Learn how factors like your mindset, support system, and birth environment can shape your experience. In addition to exploring pain management options, this episode covers a wide range ...
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Pregnancy Basics: What to Know from the Start

April 27, 2025 • 53 mins
Seeing a positive pregnancy test can bring a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, nerves, and maybe a little overwhelm. Finding out you are pregnant instantly changes your world. It can feel daunting to think about everything you need to learn and do. This episode walks you through the essential first steps after discovering you are expecting, from building healthy habits and choosing a care provider to understanding early prena...
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