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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

41:10

The Research on Stress During Pregnancy and How to...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/11/09

We all experience some level of stress in daily life. Pregnancy can be a period of additional stress as you are experiencing many physical changes and symptoms, and are mentally preparing for birth and a new baby. In a sense, everything you expose yourself to during pregnancy can also affect your baby, and stress is not an exception. Physiological changes that occur when you are stressed can affect your developing baby, and high levels of stress may increase the risk of certain complications. The

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18:57

Q&A: Why Do Birthmarks Happen?

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/11/05

Birthmarks are one of those little mysteries that many babies are born with. Some are tiny and faint, while others are more noticeable and change over time. In this episode, we explore why birthmarks happen, the different types you might see, and what they can tell you about how your baby's skin develops. From pigmented spots to vascular marks like hemangiomas and port-wine stains, you'll learn what causes them, why some fade and others don't, and when it's worth mentioning them to your

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28:30

Focusing on What Matters Most in Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/11/02

Finding out you are pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel like a lot. There are endless choices to make, and many of them involve gathering information, weighing options, or seeking expert advice. From choosing your care provider to planning for your baby, it is easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions at once. This episode will help you cut through the noise, tune into your priorities, and focus on what really matters most during your pregnancy. Full

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29:36

Q&A: Should Your Baby Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine at...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/29

One of the first decisions you will make as a new parent is whether to vaccinate your newborn against hepatitis B. The first dose of this vaccine is recommended within 24 hours of birth, and most babies receive it before leaving the hospital. Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects your liver. It can become chronic and, over time, lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer. Although the vaccine is effective, many parents have questions about safety, the timing of administration, and

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42:50

Understanding Your Options for Fetal Heart Rate...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/26

Your doctor or midwife monitors the fetal heart rate of your baby to assess their well-being and how well they are tolerating labor. They primarily use electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), which is the most common obstetric procedure during labor. EFM This allows your doctor or midwife to recognize signs of low oxygen and respond quickly if intervention is needed. While electronic fetal monitoring can identify emergencies, research shows that continuous monitoring does not necessarily improve outcomes

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20:24

Q&A: The Science (and Myths) of the Line on Your Belly

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/22

You may notice a dark line running down the center of your belly during pregnancy. This is known as the linea nigra. What causes it to appear? Does it mean something about your baby? And will it really fade after birth? This episode answers several listener questions and explores the science behind this mysterious line, what influences how dark it gets, and whether there’s anything you can do to prevent it. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/line/ Thank you

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40:19

Are Vaginal Exams Really Necessary? What the Evidence...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/19

A vaginal exam is a procedure that may be offered to you in the weeks leading up to your due date or during labor. These exams have become routine, but questions have been raised about whether they are truly necessary, how useful the results really are, and whether the evidence supports their widespread use. This episode explores what happens during a vaginal exam, what the results can and cannot tell you, and the research on the potential benefits and risks to consider. The goal is not to promote

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25:51

Q&A: More Questions About Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/15

There is an in-depth episode on the Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter analgesic for pain relief and an antipyretic, which reduces fever. Acetaminophen is also known by the brand names Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Panadol. That episode covers the recently raised concerns about prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder. If you haven’t listened to that one yet, it provides

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51:51

Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Risks and...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/12

The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. In most healthy adults, flu symptoms are typically mild and resolve within about a week. However, during pregnancy, the body's heightened inflammatory response can increase the risk of complications. To reduce these risks and provide passive immunity to babies, healthcare professionals recommend that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine during flu season. Deciding whether to get vaccinated during pregnancy can be a challenging task, as

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37:47

The Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/10/05

Acetaminophen, best known by the brand name Tylenol, is an ingredient in over 600 over-the-counter medicines and has long been considered the safest choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Recently, it made headlines after President Trump publicly spoke out against taking Tylenol during pregnancy and raised concerns about possible links to autism. The recent controversy has sparked debate between the medical community and governmental health agencies, and left expecting parents with

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44:51

Non-Medical Pain Management Options for Labor

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/28

Labor can be intense, but you have many alternatives to cope with pain beyond the medical options your doctor or midwife offers. You can use non-medical pain management strategies on their own if you plan to avoid medical interventions, or alongside tools like an epidural. This episode explores a range of non-medical pain relief techniques, including TENS units, breathing exercises, massage, acupressure, hydrotherapy, movement, and upright labor positions. Hear about the research on the risks,

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19:13

Q&A: Tips for When Prenatal Appointments Feel Rushed

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/24

You only get a limited amount of time with your doctor or midwife during prenatal care, and a lot needs to be covered over nine months. This episode answers a listener’s question about feeling rushed at appointments and leaving with unanswered questions. Learn what a typical prenatal care schedule looks like, why visits often feel hurried, and how you can make the most of the time you have with your provider. Hear practical strategies to prepare in advance, ask effective questions, and advocate for

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37:25

Medical Pain Management Options for Labor

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/21

Labor involves hard work, and pain is part of the process. The good news is that you have many options to manage pain, as long as you know what those options are. This episode covers a wide range of medical pain relief options, including epidurals, nitrous oxide, IV medications, nerve blocks, and local anesthetics. Hear about the research on the risks, benefits, and effectiveness of each method so you can make informed decisions about which strategies are right for you and your baby. Full article

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37:37

Understanding Natural Birth and How to Prepare for an...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/14

Unmedicated birth can offer many benefits, but it also involves real challenges that need preparation, planning, and support. In this episode, you’ll discover why some parents choose an unmedicated birth and what a physiologic birth without interventions looks like. Discover practical strategies to help you prepare for an unmedicated labor, if that’s the route you choose, and learn about the most common mistakes parents make when preparing for this approach. Whether you are curious about an

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21:20

Q&A: Is It Safe to Get a Manicure or Pedicure While...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/10

Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a relaxing way to treat yourself, but many people wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. This episode looks at the potential concerns about nail polish chemicals, like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, and reviews research on how much of these ingredients the body might absorb. Learn about gel polish, tips to reduce your exposure, what to consider about foot and leg massages during a pedicure, and how to lower the risk of infection. By the end of this

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34:02

Reframe Your Perspective on Labor Pain

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/07

Labor and birth are powerful, life-changing experiences, and pain is often one of the biggest concerns for expecting parents. In this episode, we reframe your perspective on labor pain by exploring why childbirth is challenging, how evolution has equipped us with adaptations, and what actually happens during each stage of labor. Learn the role of hormones, your baby’s contribution to the birth process, and the limitations of pain research. Also learn about the many factors that can influence your

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19:21

Q&A: What the Evidence Reveals About Pregnancy Dreams

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Vivid, emotional, and sometimes unsettling dreams are a common experience during pregnancy. This episode explores how sleep cycles function and why we dream. Learn why dreams may feel more intense during pregnancy, why you may recall more dreams, and the role stress and emotions can play in shaping them. Discover what research reveals about dreaming during pregnancy and practical strategies to calm your mind, help you fall back asleep, and enjoy more restful nights. Full article and resources for

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42:19

Understanding Your Options and Choosing the Right...

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/08/31

More than 75% of babies will get infant formula in the first year. Choosing a formula can feel overwhelming, with countless brands, ingredients, and claims competing for your attention. Find out how formulas differ in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and what role additives like DHA, probiotics, and nucleotides play. Learn how to identify allergies and sensitivities, and determine if your baby requires a specialized formula. Plus, shopping tips on how to read labels without getting lost in

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16:56

Q&A: Noise Exposure in Pregnancy and Concert Safety

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/08/27

Pregnancy can easily cause you to second-guess the safety of everything, and it can be a bit of a balancing act to ensure you and your baby are safe while still enjoying many activities. For one listener, the question came up about whether loud music and noise exposure are safe during pregnancy. In this episode, you’ll learn how babies hear in the womb, review the research on noise exposure, and hear what health organizations recommend. We’ll also look at the factors that influence risk and

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44:53

Complete Guide to Bottle Feeding

Pregnancy Podcast ·

2025/08/24

This episode is your complete guide to bottle feeding. Learn how bottle sizes and nipple flows work and how to choose the right bottles for your baby. Explore safe ways to warm milk and simple and effective routines for cleaning and sterilizing. Get practical tips to make feeding easier, reduce gas and spit-up, and avoid common pitfalls. Plus, if you are still breastfeeding, learn how you can introduce a bottle without disrupting your breastfeeding relationship. Full article and resources for this

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185 results

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