Pregnancy Matters

In this episode of Pregnancy Matters, Dr. Laura Brubaker is joined by Dr. Flor Munoz, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, and Dr. Carrie Eppes, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, to discuss vaccines during pregnancy. They explain why certain vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, how vaccination can help protect both you and your baby, and how antibodies passed during pregnancy can provide protection during a baby's first months of life. The conversation covers flu, Tdap, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines, including when they are recommended and what we know about their safety during pregnancy. The experts also address common questions and concerns about vaccination and share guidance on finding reliable information and talking with your healthcare provider so you can make informed decisions for you and your baby. Resources: Vaccine Guide for Pregnancy — High Risk Pregnancy Information

In this episode of Pregnancy Matters, Dr. Jenny Mei is joined by maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist Dr. Judette Louis to discuss pregnancy after age 35, sometimes referred to as advanced maternal age. What does turning 35 actually mean for pregnancy? Drs. Mei and Louis discuss why age is just one factor in pregnancy and why every pregnancy is different. They explore how fertility and certain pregnancy considerations can change with age, what genetic screening and testing options are available, and how care can be tailored to each person's individual health and pregnancy. They also share practical guidance for planning and supporting a healthy pregnancy and offer an important reminder: many people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

What happens if your water breaks too early in pregnancy? In this episode of Pregnancy Matters, host Dr. Hillary Hosier is joined by maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Sarah Osmundson to discuss preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) after viability. They explain what PPROM is, the symptoms to watch for, how it's diagnosed, and what treatment and monitoring may look like in the hospital. They also discuss the factors that guide decisions about continuing the pregnancy versus delivery, potential risks for both the pregnant person and baby, and ways families can prepare for what can be an unexpected and emotional experience. Whether you've been diagnosed with PPROM, are supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand this pregnancy complication, this episode provides expert, evidence-based guidance to help you navigate the journey with confidence. For additional resources, visit highriskpregnancyinfo.org and check out our PPROM fact sheet linked here.

In this episode of Pregnancy Matters from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, host Dr. Alex Juusela is joined by maternal-fetal medicine specialists Dr. Emily Miller and Dr. Adam Lewkowitz for an important conversation about perinatal mental health. Together, they discuss perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including depression, anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis, which affect up to 1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum people and are highly treatable. The discussion explores why mental health is a foundational part of pregnancy care, the potential risks of untreated mental health conditions for both parent and fetus, and why medication adjustments during pregnancy may sometimes be necessary without meaning treatment has failed. They also discuss the importance of not stopping medications abruptly, shared decision-making with healthcare professionals, psychotherapy, postpartum planning and support, breastfeeding considerations, and reducing stigma around seeking help. Additional resources: Postpartum Support International National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7): 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

In this Pregnancy Matters episode from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, host Dr. Anna Staniczenko talks with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Maisa Feghali and certified diabetes care and education specialist/registered dietitian Disha Gandhi about gestational diabetes (GDM). They explain how GDM is typically diagnosed after 20 weeks, why placental hormones increase insulin resistance, and why it can occur even with a healthy lifestyle. The discussion covers what happens after diagnosis, including checking blood sugars four times daily, weekly review for trends, nutrition strategies (balanced meals, adequate carbohydrates, and adding protein), and when medications may be needed, with insulin as a preferred option. They review risks of uncontrolled blood sugar for baby and mother, pregnancy monitoring (ultrasound and possible non-stress tests), and emphasize GDM is common, manageable, and not a personal failure.

High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions during pregnancy, but not all high blood pressure is the same. In this episode of Pregnancy Matters, we break down the differences between chronic hypertension and preeclampsia, and why understanding these conditions is so important for your health and your pregnancy. Dr. Karen Gibbins and Dr. Alisse Hauspurg, maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists, explain what these diagnoses mean, how they can affect both the pregnant person and the fetus, and what to watch for during pregnancy and after delivery. This episode will help you feel more informed, confident, and supported if you or someone you love is navigating high blood pressure in pregnancy. For more trusted, patient-centered resources, visit highriskpregnancyinfo.org. You can also learn more about preeclampsia through this trused SMFM resource: Preeclampsia — High Risk Pregnancy Information

Genetic testing in pregnancy can feel overwhelming. What's the difference between screening and diagnostic testing? What is cell-free DNA? Do you have to do any of these tests? And what happens if a result comes back abnormal? In this episode of Pregnancy Matters, host Dr. Anna Staniczenko is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Kuller, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and clinical geneticist at Duke University, to walk through the basics of genetic testing in pregnancy. Together, they explain: The difference between screening tests and diagnostic tests What carrier screening looks for before or during pregnancy How non-invasive prenatal screening (cell-free DNA) works What CVS and amniocentesis can tell you that blood tests cannot How accurate these tests are and what "false positive" or "low fetal fraction" really mean What happens next if a result is abnormal How to decide which tests (if any) are right for you Most importantly, this episode emphasizes that genetic testing is about information and choice. Every family is different, and there is no one "right" path—only what feels right for you. For additional resources, visit HighRiskPregnancyInfo.org, and check out the fact sheet on cell-free DNA testing. Subscribe to Pregnancy Matters wherever you listen to podcasts to stay up to date with expert, evidence-based information about high-risk pregnancy.

Hearing the words "high-risk pregnancy" can feel scary, but it doesn't always mean something is wrong. In this episode, Dr. Ravi Chokshi is joined by maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Jaimey Pauli to explain what a high-risk pregnancy really means, why someone might be referred to an MFM, and what MFMs do to support you and your care team. They discuss common reasons for referral (including medical conditions, pregnancy complications, and ultrasound findings), what to expect at your first MFM visit, and how MFMs often work alongside your regular OB-GYN or midwife. To learn more, visit SMFM's patient education website at HighRiskPregnancyInfo.org.