Pregnancy Pearls

As we wrap up the month of October which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge all those who have carried and lost a life. Check out this episode to learn not only about coping with pregnancy and infant loss but how to prepare for your next pregnancy after a loss. This is a topic we don’t talk about enough. Know that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Download the episode now, and feel free to join in the conversation by sharing your comments on the #pregnancypearls social media platforms or via email.

During the last episode, we discussed how having too little amniotic fluid can affect your pregnancy. Well this week, we’re going to discuss what happens if you actually have TOO MUCH amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios, or having too much amniotic fluid, can be caused by issues with your baby’s digestive tract, uncontrolled medical conditions, or could be something just incidentally found. Check out this episode to learn about what your provider looks for to see if this condition is an issue for your baby and how it is managed. Download and listen now!

During pregnancy, amniotic fluid, aka the fluid surrounding your unborn baby, plays an important role. But what does it mean when your baby doesn’t have enough of it? Check out this episode where we discuss the purpose of amniotic fluid, learn about the causes of low amniotic fluid, and talk about how pregnancies with low fluid are managed. You’ll also learn more about how low amniotic fluid can mean different things for twins. Download and listen now!

Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s projected to be a pretty rough season. For protection, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot. Additionally, a new RSV vaccination is also recommended DURING pregnancy for the first time. Check out the latest podcast episode to learn more about this vaccine, how it can affect your unborn baby and another RSV vaccination option if you are unsure about getting the vaccine during pregnancy. This one is informative and much needed info if you’re pregnant. So, download and listen now!

New Podcast Episode Alert: Postpartum Planning

Hey, friends! Our latest podcast episode is out, and this time we tackle the topic of postpartum planning. While pregnancy can be tough, it is only the beginning. The postpartum period can be a challenging time as you adjust to your new body and take care of your newborn. Additionally, lingering conditions from pregnancy can arise in the weeks that follow. Tune in to this episode to discover the changes that occur in the first six weeks after pregnancy and how to prepare for life beyond the six-week postpartum course. Trust me, this is one episode you don't want to miss! Download and listen now!

This summer, we saw record weather temperatures across the country. Just when you thought we were done with the summer, this September, we're still experiencing heat waves! But did you know that extremely hot temperatures do more than just make people feel uncomfortable?! Yep, for pregnant women, ongoing hot weather means increased risks of bad things in pregnancy, like preterm labor and even heat strokes. Check out this week's episode to find out more about how heat can affect pregnancies and ways to keep you and your baby safe.

In light of recent viral social media coverage, this week Dr. Plenty kicked off the Season 4 premier discussing the importance of self-advocacy. The recent headline about decapitation during the birthing process is, unfortunately, not a unique story. And it doesn't matter whether you deliver at home, in a birthing center, or in a major hospital system, complications can happen. To reduce your risk, check out this episode as Dr. Plenty breaks down key factors in the Ross/Taylor vs. Dr. Julian/Southwest Regional Medical Center lawsuit and also gives her advice on how to get prepared for pregnancy, questions to ask during pregnancy, and how to advocate for yourself during labor and delivery. This is a "must-listen"! Subscribe, download, and listen now.

So many people are having kids later in life now for various reasons, such as waiting until your career is established, waiting for #MrRight, or just because you want to.  Because of this, you might look up and find yourself beyond the of age 40 years old.  But that’s ok.  Tune in to this episode to learn how pregnancies during your post 30 years can be different than having kids younger.  If you’re approaching this age group and desire to have kids, you’ll also learn how to be as prepared as possible to decrease your risk of complications.  This is the season finale, and it’s a good one! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June promotes awareness of several different diseases and health causes, and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.  Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition that causes your body's immune cells to break down the substances that cause your muscles to function. Because of this, people with disease have generalized weakness, drooping eyelids, issues with chewing and swallowing, and sometimes pain and trouble breathing. Check out this episode to learn more about MG and how it affects pregnancy.  You'll also learn about treatment of MG in pregnancy and how treatment of some diseases specific to pregnancy are altered. If you're into learning, this is a good one! Make sure to download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Plenty discusses “back labor”.  Back labor is severe labor pain caused by the position of the baby’s head.  Check out this episode to learn more about the typical position of your baby’s head as it moves through the birth canal and also head positions that cause more pain in labor.  You’ll also hear cases and questions related to how back labor is managed and if it causes risks with future pregnancies.  Download and listen now.  And, share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.