Info

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.
RSS Feed
Pregnancy Podcast
2025
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2024
December
May
April


2015
September


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: November, 2025
Nov 27, 2025

Gratitude is something most of us feel instinctively, but does science actually back up the benefits? This episode explores the research on gratitude, including how it affects emotional well-being, relationships, stress, and even physical health. Hear about studies focused specifically on practicing gratitude during pregnancy and simple, evidence-based ways to build gratitude into your daily routine. Whether pregnancy has been smooth or challenging, gratitude can be a powerful tool to help you feel more grounded and supported.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/gratitude/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter 

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 23, 2025

How the immune system works, how it shifts during pregnancy, and what those changes mean for staying healthy. Learn why the most effective way to support your immune system begins with the core foundations of your health. The episode also examines the evidence on popular immune-support supplements and remedies, including vitamins, probiotics, antioxidants, echinacea, elderberry, and medicinal mushrooms. Plus, how to make sense of all the options so you can determine which supplements may be worth considering and when it makes sense to talk with your doctor or midwife about targeted support.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/immunesystem/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It’s made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In the month of November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb

You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Plus, you can now find the Zahler prenatal +DHA and the Mighty Mini Prenatal at your local Sprouts.

Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes is a podcast with a collection of bedtime stories designed to help your little one relax and create calming, mindful moments of connection at bedtime. There are no ads, no interruptions, and each episode is fifteen minutes or less. It's time to discover a better bedtime. Subscribe to Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes wherever you listen to podcasts: https://www.byuradio.org/wink-bedtime-stories

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, natural pregnancy products. From skin care to preventing stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you are not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10%: https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, plus tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 16, 2025

Some fluctuations in blood pressure during preganncy are expected, but hypertensive disorders are one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. This includes chronic or gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP, and eclampsia. High blood pressure during pregnancy can place significant stress on your heart and kidneys leading to heart and kidney disease and stroke. It also increases the risk of preterm birth, placental abruption, and cesarean. Plus, it can reduce blood flow to the placenta and limit the oxygen and nutrients available to your baby.

Most pregnancy-related conditions resolve after birth, but the risk from hypertensive disorders does not end there. Mothers can develop dangerous symptoms in the days and weeks after birth, even if their blood pressure was normal throughout pregnancy. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical attention right away can be life-saving.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/hypertension/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It’s made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that gently rocks your baby’s stroller or crib to help them sleep peacefully anywhere. With three adjustable motion levels, you can choose the perfect calming rhythm for your baby. It also includes a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the V-Hush Stroller Rocker. Save 20% with code VTPODCAST20 and check it out at https://pregnancypodcast.com/strollerrocker

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, natural pregnancy products. From skin care to treating stretch marks, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. If you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who get the Pregnancy Podcast newsletter: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full archive access, and the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 12, 2025

You probably know that taking a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy is important, but there’s more to it than just that simple advice. I’ve received a lot of questions recently, including: When should you start taking a prenatal vitamin? Is a prenatal really that different from a multivitamin? What can you do if you have trouble swallowing pills or experience nausea? And how long should you continue taking one after having your baby? Tune in to this episode to get answers to these essential questions and more, and ensure you and your baby are getting the right nutrients at the right time.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitaminquestions/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It’s made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In the month of November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb

You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 9, 2025

We all experience some level of stress in daily life. Pregnancy can be a period of additional stress as you are experiencing many physical changes and symptoms, and are mentally preparing for birth and a new baby. In a sense, everything you expose yourself to during pregnancy can also affect your baby, and stress is not an exception. Physiological changes that occur when you are stressed can affect your developing baby, and high levels of stress may increase the risk of certain complications. The extent to which you and your baby are affected depends on your stress response and your ability to turn it off. The good news is that by understanding your stress response and learning evidence-based ways to manage it, you can reduce negative effects and support both your well-being and your baby’s healthy development.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/stress/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Get a 20% discount on select products with the code VTPODCAST20. VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today’s modern parents. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The VTech Smart HD Plus is designed for families who want flexibility and peace of mind both at home and on the go. The Smart HD Plus offers high-definition video on a 5.5” parent unit and smartphone, with no monthly fees. Plus it has strong night vision for peace of mind, HD video clarity, and easy and secure smartphone access. Save 20% on the VTech Smart HD Plus with the code VTPODCAST at PregnancyPodcast.com/HDPlus. https://pregnancypodcast.com/hdplus

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you feel the product has not worked for you, or if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 5, 2025

Birthmarks are one of those little mysteries that many babies are born with. Some are tiny and faint, while others are more noticeable and change over time. In this episode, we explore why birthmarks happen, the different types you might see, and what they can tell you about how your baby’s skin develops. From pigmented spots to vascular marks like hemangiomas and port-wine stains, you’ll learn what causes them, why some fade and others don’t, and when it’s worth mentioning them to your pediatrician.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/birthmark/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

The True Belly Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is specially formulated with clinically proven ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to effectively prevent stretch marks. Like all 8 Sheep products, the True Belly Serum comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel the serum has not worked for you, or if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Save 10% off 8 Sheep Organics at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Nov 2, 2025

Finding out you are pregnant is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel like a lot. There are endless choices to make, and many of them involve gathering information, weighing options, or seeking expert advice. From choosing your care provider to planning for your baby, it is easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions at once. This episode will help you cut through the noise, tune into your priorities, and focus on what really matters most during your pregnancy.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/focus/


Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond in formulating their Prenatal +DHA. It’s made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron. Plus, it includes essential nutrients like omega-3s that you will not find in most other prenatal vitamins. In the month of November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you feel the product has not worked for you, or if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/


Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

1