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Pregnancy Podcast

The Pregnancy Podcast provides information that goes way beyond the typical “pregnancy instruction manual” by sharing research-backed, evidence-based information. Vanessa Merten designs every episode to give you all the evidence, research, pros, cons, risks, and benefits. You will have all of the knowledge you need to decide the best options for you and feel confident about your decisions during your pregnancy and beyond. This podcast covers everything from trying to conceive, pregnancy, prenatal care, labor, birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, newborns, and being a new parent.
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Now displaying: 2024
Common Misconceptions about Pregnancy and Birth 0
Dec 22, 2024
There are a lot of misconceptions about pregnancy and birth. These ideas get perpetuated in movies and television, amplified by news outlets and social media, and reinforced by well-meaning friends and family. Over time, these myths transform into widely accepted assumptions that can mislead expecting parents. From the realities of morning sickness to debunking myths about due dates, natural births, and caffeine consumption, get the evidence that clears up these untruths.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US! Plus, save an additional 10% with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. The Pregnancy Survival Kit includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. The amazing products from 8 Sheep are made with safe ingredients for you and your baby during pregnancy. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
 
VTech is the most trusted choice for baby monitors and North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor has every feature you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and have peace of mind that they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon.
 
Treat yourself or surprise your loved ones this holiday season with gifts that illuminate them with Fount Society's clean, luxurious skincare and body care. During pregnancy, you are more cautious about the ingredients in your skincare. The Fount Society body butter feels amazing, leaving my skin super hydrated all day. Plus, it is free of fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, so you get to nourish your skin without the toxins. Visit Fount Society, your one-stop shop for every skincare lover on your list, and use code PREGNANCYPOD to get an exclusive 30% off!
 
 
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.
Q&A: Exploring the Risks and Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation 0
Dec 18, 2024
This episode dives into the research on placenta encapsulation and whether it lives up to the claims of preventing postpartum depression. Explore the evidence on its potential benefits and risks and understand why medical opinions remain divided on this practice. If you’re considering placenta encapsulation but encountering skepticism from your doctor, midwife, or partner, you’ll get practical advice to navigate these conversations, address concerns, and make an informed decision that feels right for you.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsor
 
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. That’s a $48 value for FREE! Just one daily scoop provides whole-body benefits like gut, immune, and stress support. AG1 sources bioavailable ingredients that actually work with your body. Plus, their formula has all non-GMO ingredients and contains no added sugar. With AG1, I know I am filling any nutrient gaps and supporting my gut for healthy digestion.
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
 
 
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.
Troubleshooting the Early Weeks with Your Baby 0
Dec 15, 2024
Welcoming a newborn comes with its share of surprises, and this episode aims to help you navigate and troubleshoot some common challenges. While most of these issues are not serious, trusting your instincts is essential. Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician if something doesn't feel right. This episode explores the research on topics like jaundice, diaper rashes, baby acne, cradle cap, scratching, colds, fevers, gas, vomiting, and colic. Thankfully, there are many effective remedies and strategies to manage these concerns. While these may not be the most glamorous topics, understanding them will better equip you to navigate caring for your newborn.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. The Phyto-Retinol Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is a plant-based alternative to retinol that is safe during pregnancy. This serum contains 2.5% bakuchiol, which has been proven in clinical studies to be just as effective as retinol but much gentler on the skin. The Phyto-Retinol Serum helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase new skin cell turnover, reduce and tighten pores, and results in firmer, smoother skin. You can try it risk-free for three months!
 
The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could 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.
 
Looking for a way to share baby photos and stay connected to family who are far away? I've got the perfect gift for you! Skylight Frame is the touchscreen digital photo frame your whole family will love. Skylight has over a million happy customers and thousands of 5-star reviews. They are confident you will love this frame and offer free 120-day returns. And now, as a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $20 off your purchase of a Skylight Frame when you go to SkylightFrame.com/PREGNANCYPOD.
 
 
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.
Happy Mother's Day 0
May 12, 2024

Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you are expecting your first baby, already have kids, or listen to this podcast because you help support new moms, I hope you feel celebrated today. I want to thank you for being a part of this podcast and for the honor of allowing me to be with you on your journey to motherhood. To celebrate Mother’s Day, you can get 50% off Pregnancy Podcast Premium through Sunday, May 19th, with the code MOM50. https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium 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. https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium SAVE 50% through 5/19/24 with the code MOM50.

Benefits and Risks of Vitamin K for Newborns 0
Apr 14, 2024
Newborns naturally have low levels of vitamin K at birth. The danger of low vitamin K levels is the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This is a rare but severe complication. You can decrease the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding by giving your baby a vitamin K shot shortly after birth. Administering vitamin K to newborns is standard in the United States and many other countries. As with any intervention, there are pros and cons to consider. This episode examines the evidence on the efficacy and safety of the vitamin K shot so you can make an informed choice for your baby.
 
 
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. In April 2024 you can save 20% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD20. Plus email your order number and mailing address to vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com to get a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here.
 
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Each serving of AG1 delivers your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and more. It’s a powerful, healthy habit that’s also powerfully simple. 
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
 
 
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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