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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 c...

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 p...

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...

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 neurodevelopme...

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 vacc...

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 de...

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, acupr...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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 fo...

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 pro...

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 cal...

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 r...

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 h...

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 intr...

Pregnancy-specific seatbelt adjusters are marketed as safer alternatives to a traditional seatbelt, with compelling claims that they reduce risks to both the mother and the baby. In this episode, we examine the evidence on car crashes during pregnancy, the proven benefits of seatbelt use, and the real-world challenges of proper seatbelt positioning during pregnancy. You will learn what major safet...

Breast milk truly is liquid gold. Your body makes the perfect food for your baby, and pumping lets you give them that milk even when you are not there. Whether you plan to pump occasionally, pump at work after maternity leave, or build a freezer stash, this episode will walk you through how to make pumping easier, more efficient, and less stressful. We'll cover choosing and using a pump, building...

Deciding to start a family is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you want to do everything possible to improve your chances of conceiving. In this episode, you will learn how long it typically takes to conceive, how to identify your fertile window, and the best ways to track and confirm ovulation. While there are no magic shortcuts, focusing on the basics can make a meaningful differ...

Although your newborn is hard-wired to breastfeed, breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally or go perfectly from the start. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and your baby navigate your nursing relationship. Many challenges can arise in the first few days and even months into your breastfeeding journey. The more you know about potential speed bumps, the better prep...

This episode answers a listener's question about how to know when the time is right to have a baby. Whether you are thinking about your first child or adding to your family, the decision can feel overwhelming. We explore the emotional side of this choice, what medical organizations recommend about pregnancy timing, birth spacing, and how lifestyle, age, fertility, finances, and family dynamics can...

Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally. For most, it takes time, practice, and support. Despite strong evidence in favor of breastfeeding, many parents supplement or switch to formula within the first year. Preparing yourself with foundational knowledge can make a big difference in reaching your breastfeeding goals. This episode covers the essential information you need to get starte...

Retinol is a vitamin A compound and one of the most effective ingredients in skincare. But with powerful results come potential side effects, especially during pregnancy. In this episode, we dive into the science behind retinoids, how they work, and why some forms may be risky if you are expecting. We break down the differences between oral and topical vitamin A compounds, review what the research...

If you went into labor and arrived at the hospital or birth center with absolutely nothing packed, it would not be the end of the world. Sure, your partner might need to make a quick trip to buy a car seat so you can bring your baby home, but you would survive. That said, having a well-packed birth bag can make your labor, birth, and postpartum experience much more comfortable. This episode guides...

This episode explores how various sources of heat exposure can impact your core temperature and your baby during pregnancy. Get evidence-based information on everything from hot weather and physical activity to hot tubs, saunas, and heating pads. This episode breaks down the nuance in the research to go beyond the typical conservative advice to avoid everything. Learn how to stay cool, protect you...