Q&A: What to Know Before Buying a Home Doppler to Hear Your Baby’s Heartbeat
Many expecting parents consider using a home Doppler to listen to their baby’s heartbeat between prenatal appointments. While this can seem like a simple way to ease anxiety and feel more connected to your baby, there are important considerations to keep in mind. This episode offers a closer look at how Dopplers work, the factors that can affect their accuracy, and what the research reveals about their safety. Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a Doppler at home, including why some healthcare providers may advise caution. If you decide to purchase a home Doppler, hear tips for shopping for a device and using a home Doppler more responsibly. Thank you to our sponsor Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. Save 20% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD20. You can always see the details and the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin here. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
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Your Guide to Traveling While Pregnant
Traveling during pregnancy can be completely safe and even enjoyable with the right preparation. Whether you are planning a road trip, boarding a plane, or heading out on a babymoon, this episode covers everything you need to know to stay healthy and comfortable while traveling. Learn about the best time to travel, what to expect from airline policies, and how to minimize swelling and reduce your risk of blood clots. Learn practical tips for packing, dressing, and planning. Plus, find out how to safely navigate airport security, support your immune system, and prepare for the unexpected so your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. Save 20% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD20. You can always see the details and the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin here. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
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Q&A: Should We Find Out the Sex of Our Baby?
Although most parents choose to find out their baby’s sex before birth, it is always an option to wait and make it a surprise. Several factors can influence this decision. This episode responds to a listener who is torn between finding out and waiting and needs help navigating a disagreement with her partner. Hear the pros and cons of finding out early, learn about all of your options for discovering your baby’s sex, and explore how to handle the emotions and logistics that come with making this choice during pregnancy. Thank you to our sponsor 20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
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Labor Signs and the Start of Labor
As you near the end of your pregnancy, the anticipation of labor can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. You may be wondering exactly when labor will begin and how you will know it is the real thing. While labor generally follows a predictable pattern, the signs, timing, and how you experience them can be different for everyone. This episode explores the signs that labor may be starting and how to distinguish between early labor and false alarms. Learn what you should do when early labor begins, and when to contact your doctor or midwife. Thank you to our sponsors The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that features a mechanical rocking mechanism to gently rock your baby’s crib or stroller to promote better sleep on the go. Plus it has a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and sweet lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker. The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is available at Walmart. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
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Q&A: Deciding When to Share Your Pregnancy at Work
Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also bring uncertainty about how it will impact your career. For many expecting moms, sharing the news with an employer can feel nerve-racking. Deciding when to make that announcement is a personal choice, and the right timing is different for everyone. In this episode, we talk about what to consider when deciding how and when to tell your employer you are pregnant. From general timing guidelines and legal rights to workplace dynamics and career implications, we cover everything you need to feel more confident. Whether you are in a demanding role, managing symptoms, or simply unsure how to start the conversation, this episode offers practical guidance to help you navigate the process. Thank you to our sponsor New parents love the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App because it offers the support they need during those early days at home. The First Week Survival Guide has everything from safe sleeping practices to why your baby cries and how to address it, plus tips for feeding, diapering, and swaddling. The Pathways.org Baby Milestones App continues to support you and your baby through the toddler years with personalized guidance based on your baby’s birth date. You can even get a head start by adding your due date now. You’ll get expert-backed tips and video-based activities that can help your baby meet key developmental milestones. The best part? It’s completely free—no paywalls, no subscriptions, ever. Download the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App and get expert-backed support from day one: Apple Store Google Play Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
A resource to support expecting moms (and partners, too!) with evidence-based information to navigate the awesome adventure of pregnancy, birth, and being a new parent. Vanessa Merten provides evidence based info that goes way beyond the typical “pregnancy instruction manual”. Every episode is designed to give you all of the evidence, research, pros, cons, risks, and benefits – all so you decide what the best option is for YOU and feel confident about your decisions during your pregnancy and beyond. The show covers everything from pregnancy to caring for a newborn. Topics include prenatal care, labor, natural birth, hospital birth, cesarean birth, preparing for your baby, breastfeeding, postpartum, and caring for a new baby. This is your evidence-based resource to help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and your baby.
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