Dr. Melka returns to Healthful Woman to discuss C-sections. In this episode, she covers the reasons why an obstetrician may recommend a planned C-section, choosing an induction date, and what patients can expect during the labor and delivery.

Dr. Bender explains the complex answer to a common patient question: what is your rate of cesarean delivery? Learn more about why cesarean delivery rates are higher than in the past, the importance of choosing an obstetrician you trust, and more.

Dr. Melka explains teaching hospitals and resident education: what they are, what they do, and what patients need to know. At a teaching hospital, unlike a community hospital, patients will interact with residents and fellows receiving ongoing training after earning their MDs. Dr. Melka explains why this experience can be beneficial for doctors and patients alike.

Dr. Emily Oster and Dr. Fox review their predictions about Covid-19 from the pilot episode of Healthful Woman. They review how things have changed, the unknowns that remain, and the mistakes and successes we’ve seen in the past two years.

Dr. Emily Oster, an economist and expert in pregnancy who has authored data-driven parenting books including Expecting Better and Cribsheet, meets virtually with Dr. Fox to discuss what parents can expect in regards to the COVID-19 virus. How are the virus and social distancing impacting pregnancy, delivery, and young children? Learn more about the rapidly developing situation.

Dr. Jen Lam-Rachlin returns to the podcast to discuss polyhydramnios, or high fluid during a pregnancy. Dr. Lam-Rachlin explains that this is a very frequent diagnosis, and one that can be difficult to make because of imprecise fluid measurement. She and Dr. Fox also review some concerns that may be related to polyhydramnios.

Dr. Alicia Ferriere joins the podcast to discuss physical and pelvic therapy during and after pregnancy. She explains how pelvic physical therapy can focus on helping patients return to sports or exercises that they love as well as some common issues she sees in patients. Connect with Alicia online at fortifypt.com or on Instagram, @fortify_pt.

In part two of this episode, Dr. Kelly Zafman and Dr. Fox continue their discussion of antepartum testing. Dr. Zafman explains nonstress tests, which compares a baby’s heart rate with contractions. She also reviews the biophysical profile, or BPP, as well as a modified biophysical profile.

Dr. Kelly Zafman joins Dr. Fox to discuss her research on antepartum fetal testing. In part one, they discuss how antepartum testing helps determine the risk of stillbirth and kick counts, or tracking a baby’s movement to gauge the health of the pregnancy.

Dr. Fox and guest Dr. Shari Gelber discuss vaccines in pregnancy. Covid-19 brought vaccines to the forefront of conversations, but Dr. Fox and Dr. Gelber agree that vaccines of all sorts have long been studied and proven to be safe during pregnancy. They discuss considerations including clinical trials, different forms of vaccine technology, and more.