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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

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

39:47

Drinks to Be Mindful of During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/20

Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, and water is always the best beverage. In reality, some of your daily fluids will come from other liquids. The obvious drinks to be cautious about during pregnancy and while breastfeeding are coffee and alcohol. Other beverages come with risks or downsides, like tea, soft drinks, juice, and kombucha. This episode examines the concerns over why you should be mindful about particular beverages to understand the benefits and risks and make informed

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21:12

Q&A: Hair Removal in Pregnancy and Before Birth

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/16

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to thicker, faster-growing hair. While this may be a welcome change for the hair on your head, it can be less appreciated when new hair appears in unexpected places. This episode reviews the safety of common hair removal methods during pregnancy, including shaving, waxing, laser treatments, and hair removal creams. Find out how increased skin sensitivity can affect your options. Plus, considerations on whether you should shave or wax before giving birth.

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37:34

Food Safety During Pregnancy, Beyond the Do Not Eat List

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/13

Your health and your baby’s health are top priorities. Some foods carry risks during pregnancy, and it’s important to know what to avoid and how to make informed choices. It’s easy to find long lists of foods you shouldn’t eat, but cutting these items out of your diet can be challenging, especially if they’re things you enjoy or eat regularly. Rather than simply telling you to avoid certain foods, this episode unpacks the reasons behind the recommendations so you can better understand the risks

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21:43

Q&A: How to Manage Fatigue During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Feeling exhausted during pregnancy is common, but it can still be frustrating and challenging to manage. This episode explores why fatigue happens during pregnancy and how hormonal changes, physical demands, sleep disruptions, and emotional stress play a role. Learn to tell when tiredness is normal and when you should bring it up with your doctor. Hear about easy interventions and tools to combat fatigue. Plus, get practical tips to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed with the mental and emotional

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44:53

Probiotics and Gut Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/06

Your gut does much more than digest food, it is a key player in your immune system, mood regulation, and overall health, especially during pregnancy. Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. Maintaining a healthy balance between them is key to keeping everything functioning properly. Hear about the research on how your gut microbiome can affect common pregnancy symptoms like constipation and risks for complications like GBS and preeclampsia. Learn about the evidence

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16:25

Q&A: How to Tell If It’s Braxton Hicks or Real Labor

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/04/02

If you are pregnant with your first baby, there are a lot of unknowns about what labor feels like. Many expecting moms will experience Braxton Hicks contractions. These can not only be uncomfortable, but they may trick you into thinking you are going into labor. Learn what Braxton Hicks contractions are and why they happen. Find out the key differences to tell Braxton Hicks apart from true labor. Get tips on how to manage and alleviate Braxton Hicks. We also cover when to call your doctor or midwife

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17:42

Q&A: Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant?

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/26

Explore the research on hair dye exposure during pregnancy and get a breakdown of what the evidence really says about risks to your baby. From chemical ingredients to timing, we’ll walk through ways you can minimize exposure and still keep up a self-care routine that helps you feel confident and like yourself. Get tips on how to talk to your stylist and what options might reduce risks and exposure. Whether coloring your hair is part of your regular routine or something you are considering, this

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47:23

How Age Affects Pregnancy: Facts, Myths, and What...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/23

From a biological perspective, there’s a limited window for getting pregnant, spanning from reproductive age through menopause. While that offers many years of opportunity, there’s never a perfect time to have a baby. You might find yourself expecting earlier than planned, or life may lead you to parenthood later than you imagined. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, age can influence many aspects of pregnancy, like fertility, potential risks, and even emotional or financial readiness. Many

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20:58

Q&A: Tips to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Your...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/19

Breastfeeding can feel intimidating, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. While it’s a natural process, it doesn’t always come easily. With the right education, preparation, and support, you can set yourself up for success. In this episode, we address a listener’s concerns about feeling uneasy about breastfeeding, worries about milk supply, and what she can do to prepare in advance. There are simple yet effective steps you can take before your baby arrives to feel confident and

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45:07

The Evidence on Nutrition and Trending Diets During...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/16

Whatever your long-term health or weight goals, your top priority during pregnancy is keeping yourself and your baby healthy. Nutrition plays a key role, but with so many diets and opinions, it can be overwhelming to know what’s best. While research provides insights, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet during pregnancy. This episode explores the evidence on trending diets, whether they are safe to continue or start while pregnant, and their potential risks and benefits. Learn more about

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26:40

Q&A: What Actually Works to Prevent Tearing During...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/12

During the second (pushing) stage of labor, your perineum stretches as your baby is born. More than half of first-time mothers experience some degree of tearing during vaginal birth. The good news is that you can educate yourself so you understand both how to prevent tearing and how to promote healing if it happens. Find out what evidence-based strategies can reduce your risk of tearing. This episode examines the research on everything from perineal massage to breathing techniques and labor

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45:46

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Baby Name

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/09

A name is something your child will carry with them for life. It is a reflection of identity, culture, and sometimes family history. With endless options, pressures from family and friends, and trends that come and go, how do you pick the right one? This episode walks you through everything you should consider when choosing a name and provides tips to help you find the perfect fit, from brainstorming to narrowing down your list to the perfect name. Whether you have had a baby name picked out since

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27:00

Q&A: Should You Worry About Sleeping on Your Back

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/05

Sleep is essential for your health, especially during pregnancy, but the changes that come with pregnancy can make quality rest more challenging. To add to the difficulty, certain sleep positions are often recommended—but how important are they? In this episode, we answer a listener's question about whether she should be concerned about sleeping on her back. You'll learn what the research says about sleep position during pregnancy, the potential risks and benefits of different positions, and

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39:16

Optimizing Your Birth Environment for a Better Labor...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/03/02

Oxytocin is the key hormone that drives labor, and the fewer stress hormones released during birth, the better your labor can progress. Creating a calm, safe, and supportive birth environment can help optimize oxytocin production and make labor more efficient and comfortable. No matter where you plan to give birth—at home, in a birth center, or a hospital—you can make adjustments to your surroundings to create a space that supports you. In this episode, we explore the evidence on how your

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29:03

Q&A: Sorting Through Conflicting Advice on Pregnancy...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/26

Exercise during pregnancy is evidence-based to reduce the risk of certain complications, support healthy weight gain, alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, and improve mental well-being. Despite these well-documented benefits, confusion remains about which exercises are safe and which should be avoided. Guidelines from organizations like ACOG tend to be broad and overly cautious, which may not always align with your fitness level or lifestyle. While prioritizing safety is important, finding a

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37:50

How to Prevent and Treat UTIs During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/23

Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, including hormone changes and how your urinary system functions. These changes can increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy. A UTI can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications if left untreated. The good news is that they are highly treatable. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about UTIs during pregnancy, from symptoms and testing to prevention and

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23:17

Q&A: Should You Avoid Eating During Labor

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/19

Eating during labor is a topic with conflicting advice. In this episode, we respond to a listener whose doctor advised against eating during labor, while her doula encouraged her to pack snacks in her hospital bag. Explore the reasoning behind restrictions on eating during labor and the official recommendations from medical organizations. Learn whether the evidence supports restricting food during labor and the latest research on how food can impact labor outcomes. If you decide to eat during labor,

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38:29

Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/16

Cord blood banking is a complex and often confusing topic. Advertisements for cord blood banking are everywhere when you are pregnant. Is it really biological insurance that can protect your family or an unnecessary expense? Take a step away from the marketing claims and explore the evidence on cord blood banking so you can make an informed decision for your baby. Learn how cord blood stem cells are used, what conditions they can treat, and the differences between public and private cord blood

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18:09

Q&A: Strategies to Feel Less Overwhelmed During...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/12

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also feel incredibly overwhelming. Today’s episode is inspired by a message from a listener struggling with the mental and emotional load of preparing for their baby’s arrival. If you feel overwhelmed, know you’re not alone. Between making important decisions and tackling a never-ending to-do list, it is easy to feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time to get it done. In this episode, we will explore why pregnancy can feel so overwhelming and

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35:16

What Every Pregnant Mom Needs to Know About Group B...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/02/09

Group B strep (GBS), short for group B streptococcus, is a type of bacterium that naturally resides in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and rectum of many pregnant women. GBS is typically harmless and causes no symptoms. During pregnancy, it can pose serious risks if passed to a newborn during birth, potentially leading to life-threatening infections. Due to these risks, routine GBS testing is recommended for all pregnant women. If you test positive, there are established guidelines to protect

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195 results

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