Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Sterling discusses cervical exams during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing patient consent and comfort. Learn about why these exams are performed, how to make them more comfortable, and get a brief introduction to membrane sweeping as a potential labor-inducing procedure.

• Your Right to Consent
• Purpose of Cervical Exams
• Bishop Score Explained
• Making Exams More Comfortable
• Introduction to Membrane Sweeping

Connect With Us:

Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com

Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast

Email your questions to [email protected]

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down everything you need to know about gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy. From test procedures to understanding results, this guide helps expectant parents navigate this important aspect of prenatal care with confidence and clarity.

• One-Step vs. Two-Step Screening
• Test Preparation & What to Expect
• Understanding Results
• Alternative Testing Options

Dr. Sterling emphasizes that abnormal results don't mean you've "failed" a test, and that the majority of people who have an abnormal one-hour test will not be diagnosed with gestational diabetes after the three-hour test. For those who are diagnosed, 70% can manage with diet and exercise changes alone.

Connect With Us:

Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com

Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast

Email your questions to [email protected]

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling walks you through everything you need to know about the second trimester anatomy ultrasound—what it is, what to expect during your appointment, and how to make sense of the findings. Whether you’re wondering why your bladder needs to be full, what a “low-lying placenta” means, or why you might be asked to come back for another scan, this episode is packed with clarity and reassurance.

From understanding how the ultrasound works to breaking down common findings (like EIFs and choroid plexus cysts), Dr. Sterling gives you the facts—without the fear.

Key Moments

• What the anatomy ultrasound actually looks for
• What happens during the appointment
• Common reasons you might be asked to come back
• Findings that sound scary but usually aren’t
• What "limited by maternal habitus" actually means

Connect With Us

Join the Sterling Parents community: www.sterlingparents.com

Follow us on Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast

Send your questions to: [email protected]

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling explores the fascinating world of fetal movement during pregnancy—when it begins, how it feels, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. Whether you're experiencing those first subtle flutters or wondering about movement patterns, this episode provides clarity and reassurance about this exciting milestone.

• Early Movement Detection
• What Movement Feels Like
• Timing Differences
• Monitoring Movement

Connect With Us

• Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com
• Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Email your questions to [email protected]

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down the complex world of genetic screening and testing in pregnancy. From understanding the difference between screening and diagnostic tests to navigating the various options available at different stages, this guide helps expectant parents make informed decisions about their prenatal care journey.

- Screening vs. diagnostic testing explained

- First trimester screening options

- Cell-free DNA testing benefits

- Second trimester screening approaches

- Special considerations for twin pregnancies

- Making informed decisions

• Join the Waitlist: sterlingparents.com
• Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Advanced Maternal Age Class
• The Libido & Orgasm Lab
• The Complete VBAC Guide

In this insider's guide to first trimester care, Dr. Sterling pulls back the curtain on what really happens at your early prenatal appointments. From transvaginal ultrasounds to weight discussions, genetic screening options to aspirin recommendations, she provides a comprehensive roadmap while sharing practical tips most providers don't tell you.

• First appointment expectations
• Weight discussions and recommendations
• Physical exams and testing explained
• Genetic screening conversations
• Aspirin recommendations for preeclampsia
• Insider tips for navigating care

• Join the Waitlist: sterlingparents.com
• Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Submit questions: [email protected]
• Advanced Maternal Age Class

In this episode, Dr. Sterling addresses one of pregnancy's most challenging emotions: fear of loss. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she offers a groundbreaking approach to managing anxiety while making decisions about sharing pregnancy news, using home dopplers, and building essential parenting skills.

"Emotions aren't good or bad - they're pieces of information and data that our body and brain are sending us." - Dr. Sterling

"I would rather honor my boundaries and have you be upset with me than to betray myself." - Dr. Sterling

Connect With Us

• Join Sterling Parents Membership
• Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Submit questions: [email protected]

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down pregnancy guidelines with a refreshing, evidence-based approach centered on personal wellness. Moving beyond rigid rules, she explains the science behind common recommendations while emphasizing the importance of individual decision-making and self-compassion. Get ready for the do's and don'ts of food safety guidelines, caffeine and alcohol, beauty product safety, exercise recommendations and more.

Connect With Us

• Join Sterling Parents Membership
• Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Submit questions: [email protected]

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down exactly what you need to know in those first crucial weeks after seeing those two pink lines. From calculating your due date to choosing the right provider, this episode offers evidence-based guidance for starting your pregnancy journey.

00:00 - Series introduction and app announcement 03:15 - Calculating your due date accurately 08:30 - When to schedule first appointments 15:45 - Choosing your healthcare provider 22:30 - Prenatal vitamin essentials 28:15 - Managing early pregnancy emotions

Dr. Sterling breaks down:

• Why 8-10 weeks is standard for first appointments
• Exceptions for earlier care
• NICU levels and hospital selection
• Practice styles and their pros/cons
• Prenatal vitamin components
• Early pregnancy emotional changes

Connect With Us

• Join Sterling Parents Membership
• Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
• Submit questions: [email protected]

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sterling welcomes Dr. Cassidy Freitas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in maternal mental health. Using her powerful "car metaphor," Dr. Cassidy breaks down how to develop a new relationship with anxiety during the reproductive years and beyond, offering practical tools for managing anxious thoughts without trying to eliminate them completely.

"Anxiety is like a backseat passenger in your car - it has important data to share, but it shouldn't be in the driver's seat." - Dr. Cassidy

"We can only avoid these parts of ourselves for so long until they get louder and louder to the point where we can't ignore them anymore." - Dr. Cassidy

• Follow Dr. Cassidy: @drcassidy and check out drcassidymft.com
• Join Sterling Parents: sterlingparents.com
• Submit questions: [email protected]