Pregnancy Podcast

The vast majority of births in the United States occur in a hospital. A hospital birth offers around-the-clock staffing, a wide range of pain management options, and surgical capacity. Plus, a hospital has an on-site NICU if your baby needs additional care. Hospitals also have policies, routines, and a care model that shape your experience. Whether you have already decided on a hospital birth, are weighing your venue options, or want a backup plan, this episode will prepare you for what to expect. Learn what makes a hospital birth distinct, who provides care, what happens from arrival through discharge, the interventions available, and the evidence on outcomes.
Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/hospital/

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 May 2026, save 40% with the code PREPODS40 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
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 has a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and lullabies. Learn more at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vtech
8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like 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. 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

There is so much focus during pregnancy on the physical side and on getting ready for your baby's arrival. Your body is changing, you are preparing for birth, and there is a long list of things to learn about feeding, sleep, and caring for a newborn. All of that matters. What gets less attention is the mental and emotional shift that comes with becoming a mother. This episode walks through ten ways to mentally prepare for motherhood. Hear what the research tells us about how your brain adapts during pregnancy and why bonding does not always happen at first sight. Learn what to expect for your relationship with your partner and how to navigate the harder emotions that come with becoming a mom. Whether this is your first baby or you are growing your family, mentally preparing for motherhood is one of the most valuable things you can do before your baby arrives.
Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/motherhood/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:
The VTech RM6756 Video Baby Monitor has color night vision, a 5.5-inch HD color LCD screen, and ultra-wide 135-degree viewing, with free live remote access and no subscription fees. It also features a touch adaptive night light, two-way talk-back, and built-in soothing sounds and lullabies. Save $10 at Target May 10 through May 16 only, at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vtech
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 May 2026, save 40% with the code PREPODS40 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/
8 Sheep Organics makes natural, handcrafted pregnancy products with clinically proven ingredients for common symptoms like stretch marks, insomnia, restless legs, and leg cramps. Every product comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. Save 10% 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

Prenatal testing in the second half of pregnancy is a different conversation than the testing offered earlier. Many of these tests produce results in real time, and many can directly affect your birth plan. As a result, decisions at this stage can feel heavier, both because you are closer to birth and because the consequences of these results land more immediately. This episode is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to prenatal testing in the second half of pregnancy. We walk through gestational diabetes screening, group B strep testing, fetal well-being tests, and growth ultrasounds. We also cover what to do when test results prompt additional evaluation and what is unique about partner involvement when results arrive in real time.
Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/prenataltestingthirdtrimester/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:
VTech is the #1 baby monitor brand in North America and trusted by millions of families. The VTech RM7968-2 Video Baby Monitor has 4K video, a 7-inch HD parent unit, and 360-degree pan, tilt, and zoom to follow every move. It also includes enhanced night vision, a soothing adaptive night light, two-way talk, and free remote access through your phone or tablet. Save $20 at Target May 3-9, 2026. Check it out at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vtech
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. Zahler always has an exclusive promo code running for Pregnancy Podcast listeners. You can find the current code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/
The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes four clean, natural, pregnancy-safe products to help with common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks, insomnia, restless legs, and leg cramps. Every 8 Sheep product comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. If you are not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they'll get you a refund. No questions asked. Get $30 off with free shipping, plus save an additional 10% 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

Prenatal testing starts the moment you find out you are pregnant and continues throughout your entire pregnancy. Some tests screen for conditions you may have. Others look at your baby's development and genetics. These tests are valuable tools, however they can also be a source of real anxiety and confusion. There are a lot of different tests, a lot of different names, and a lot of information to navigate.
As a result, this episode is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to every test offered in the first half of pregnancy. We walk through every test you may be offered through your anatomy ultrasound, what each one can tell you, how accurate it is, and how to make informed decisions. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of your options. In addition, you will feel confident having these conversations with your doctor or midwife. A companion episode covers prenatal testing in the second half of pregnancy.
Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/prenataltesting/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:
VTech is the number one baby monitor brand in North America, trusted by millions of families. The VTech VM5266 Video Baby Monitor has a 5-inch color LCD screen with remote pan, tilt, and zoom, and a sound-activated soothing feature that turns on the night light or projection when your baby stirs. It also has a touch-adaptive night light, two-way talk-back, built-in soothing sounds and lullabies, and up to 1,000 feet of range. Check it out at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vtech
8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like 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. 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

About one in three pregnant women experiences constipation, and it becomes even more common after birth. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and a source of real frustration when you are already dealing with so much else. The good news is that there are many safe, evidence-based ways to find relief. This episode walks through why constipation happens during pregnancy, what research supports for relief, and how to navigate everything from fiber and hydration to probiotics, magnesium, and over-the-counter medications. Learn which foods have the strongest evidence for getting things moving, what doctors recommend as the laxative of choice during pregnancy, and how to manage the particular challenges of constipation after birth.
Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/constipation/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:
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 the 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 common pregnancy symptoms like 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. 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