This Power Replay episode brings back a candid and heartfelt discussion where I share my personal perspective on the term “pregnant people.” It’s a short but powerful conversation about identity, inclusion, and why language matters in the world of pregnancy and birth.

You’ll hear how I navigate using terms like “pregnant woman” and “pregnant person,” and how my experiences as a Black woman and as a parent have shaped my approach. This episode is all about honoring diverse identities while still seeing and affirming yourself.

Whether you’ve never thought much about this topic or it’s something that sparks strong feelings for you, I hope you’ll listen with an open heart.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Send me a message through my website at drnicolerankins.com/contact or DM me on Instagram @drnicolerankins.

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This episode is a power replay and one you don’t want to miss!

We’re revisiting one of the most insightful and important topics I've covered: physiologic birth. I was inspired to do this episode by Certified Nurse Midwife Gianna Fay, who raised a critical question - how do we define and support physiologic birth, especially in a hospital setting?

As an OB/GYN, I wasn’t taught much about this, and I had to dig in and learn myself. In this episode, I break down what physiologic birth really means, what disrupts it, why it’s beneficial, and how YOU can be supported in having one.

You’ll learn:

• How normal physiologic birth is defined
• Which factors can disrupt the process (and how many of them are routine in hospitals)
• What benefits physiologic birth can offer to both you and your baby
• Why hospital protocols often contradict best practices
• The truth about pushing techniques, fetal monitoring, labor positions, and more
• How you can advocate for yourself and demand change in a system slow to evolve
• 
  

Whether you're planning a physiologic birth or not, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to make the best decisions for your birth experience.

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You deserve a beautiful pregnancy and birth!

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This week’s episode is a Power Replay of one of the most important messages you need to hear..

We often hear the phrase, “just be happy to have a healthy baby.” But that mindset overlooks something deeply important - your birth experience matters too. In this short but powerful episode, I share why it's not only okay to have birth wishes beyond physical health, it's necessary.

Birth is a rare and transformational event. Of course you want a healthy baby. But you also deserve to be listened to, respected, and treated with compassion throughout the process. Your emotional well-being and how you’re treated during labor and delivery are just as vital as your physical health.

Let this episode be a reminder: the bare minimum is physical health. You deserve so much more.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Ready to stay informed and empowered? Join my email list for updates, resources, and support at drnicolerankins.com/email

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This week’s episode is a Power Replay and we’re diving into one of the most fascinating parts of pregnancy that often doesn’t get enough attention - the placenta! Yep, it’s an organ, and it's your baby’s lifeline throughout pregnancy. This episode is packed with essential info every expecting parent should know.

You'll learn all about what the placenta does, where it forms, and how it supports your baby’s growth and development. I also break down common (but thankfully rare) complications like placenta abruption, placenta previa, and placenta accreta, including who’s at risk and why they matter.

We also explore some of the more debated practices—placenta encapsulation and lotus birth. Curious about eating your placenta or leaving it attached to your baby? I’ve got you covered with the facts and what to think about before making your decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the placenta is and how it functions
• How and why placental issues occur
• What makes conditions like placenta accreta so serious
• The real deal on placenta encapsulation
• Why some parents choose lotus birth and whether it's beneficial
• 
  

Whether you're preparing for your first birth or brushing up your knowledge, this episode will leave you more informed and empowered about this incredible organ.

🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to join my email list for more empowering pregnancy content at drnicolerankins.com/email

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This episode is a power replay and it's one worth tuning into if you've ever wondered: Is it okay to drink coffee while I'm pregnant?

Join me as we dive into what the research says (and doesn't say) about caffeine during pregnancy. We'll talk about why the data is mixed, what a “safe” amount of caffeine looks like, and how things like brewing method and even your body’s metabolism affect caffeine's impact. I’ll also share what I did during my own pregnancies and how to be mindful about your caffeine intake without stressing too much.

Plus, I point you to a helpful resource from the Center for Science in the Public Interest that gives you the caffeine content of your favorite drinks (Starbucks lovers, take note!).

Whether you're newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or even breastfeeding, this episode is packed with the practical info you need to enjoy your daily cup (or two) with peace of mind.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a replay or a new episode!

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This week's episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with essential info every expecting parent should hear.

Amniotic fluid might not be something you think about every day, but let me tell you, it plays a huge role in your baby’s health. Whether it’s too little or too much, the amount of amniotic fluid matters. And understanding it can help you feel more confident and informed as you navigate your pregnancy journey.

In this replay, I’m breaking it all down for you:

• What exactly is amniotic fluid and why it's so important
• What it's made of and how it's created
• How we measure it (and why those measurements matter)
• What happens when there’s too little (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios)
• What causes these conditions and how we manage them
• 
  

I'll also share personal insights from my own pregnancies—yes, I had polyhydramnios myself—and what that experience was like.

Whether you're preparing for birth or just want to deepen your understanding, this episode is a must-listen.

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This episode is a Power Replay you’ll definitely want to hear! If you’re pregnant and wondering whether it’s really a big deal to sleep on your back — or why your sleep feels so off in general — this short episode has the answers.

Tune in as I dive into:

• How your sleep changes across each trimester
• Why back sleeping is discouraged (and what the real risks are)
• What “supine hypotensive syndrome” means for you and your baby
• Easy strategies to help you get better rest (including why chamomile tea might not be your friend!)
• 
  

And if you ever wake up on your back and panic? Don’t! I explain why it’s not something to stress about and what to do instead.

Get the reassurance and tips you need to sleep better during pregnancy.

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This week’s episode is a power replay of a listener favorite all about... your due date! Yep, that little date carries a whole lot of weight. From test scheduling to birth decisions, your due date impacts nearly everything during pregnancy, which is why it’s so important to get it right.

But here’s the truth: only about 4% of babies are actually born on their due date. In this updated episode, I explain why I actually hate the term “due date” and what I think we should be doing instead. You’ll learn how due dates are determined, why accuracy matters so much, what a suboptimally dated pregnancy means, and what your real options are if you go past your due date.

We also talk about the risks of late-term and post-term pregnancies, and why informed, individualized decision-making is the most empowering approach.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your due date is so much more than just a countdown
• The most accurate way to determine your due date (hint: it's all about timing)
• What happens if your pregnancy goes beyond 40 or even 42 weeks
• Why due dates shouldn’t be treated like expiration dates
• What stillbirth risk actually looks like — and how it changes week by week
• Your options if you go past your due date and how to make the best choice for you
• 
  

✨ Ready to stay informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey? Join my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email for exclusive updates, discounts, and more expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.

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It’s Power Replay time! In this quick and fun storytime episode, I’m sharing how I found out I was pregnant with both of my sweet girls and let’s just say, all of my OB/GYN training went right out the window both times!

You’ll hear the unexpected twists and honest moments from my own journey to motherhood, including how I nearly scheduled surgery before realizing I was pregnant and how I completely missed the signs the second time around. Yes, even OB/GYNs can be totally surprised by a positive test!

Plus, I share a few tips about pregnancy tests and early signs that might surprise you too.

If you’ve got your own “I didn’t know I was pregnant” story, I’d love to hear it! DM me on Instagram @drnicolerankins or email me through my website.

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This episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with gems to guide you through your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey with confidence and grace.

With nearly 15 years of experience as an OBGYN and thousands of births under my belt, I know firsthand that while birth is unpredictable, you can absolutely be prepared. In this replay, I’m sharing 11 powerful, must-know tips that will help you be calm, confident, and empowered—no matter what your birth looks like or where it happens.

From building a support system and preparing for the unexpected, to taking care of yourself and bonding with your baby before they’re even born, these tips are relevant whether it’s your first baby or your fifth. Trust me, you’ll want to take notes.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to make the most of every prenatal care visit
• The importance of attending all your checkups and being prepared for them
• What a strong support system looks like and why it matters
• How to have better communication with your birth partner
• Sweet ways to bond with your baby during pregnancy
• Why self-care is necessary, not selfish
• Tools for managing the stress that comes with this transformational time

If you want to feel more grounded, informed, and in control during this journey, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward a beautiful experience.

👉🏽 Be sure to sign up for my email list for more pregnancy and birth tips at drnicolerankins.com/email

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