Pregnancy Podcast
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.
Q&A: Is Gratitude the Key to a Happier Pregnancy?
Guide to Navigating the Holidays During Pregnancy
Q&A: The Golden Hour and Maximizing Time with Your Baby After Birth
Navigate the Administrative Side of Parenting Like a Pro
Q&A: Are Plastic Baby Bottles Safe? Are There Better Alternatives?
Reducing Birth Costs with Health Insurance and Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Q&A: Are 3D Ultrasounds Safe and Worth It?
Building a Bond and Connecting with Your Baby During Pregnancy
Q&A: Common Questions About Prenatal Vitamins
COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy: Risks, Benefits, and Research
Q&A: Navigating the Emotional and Physical Challenges of Morning Sickness
Protecting Your Baby From RSV, Maternal Vaccine vs. Infant Monoclonal Antibodies
Q&A: Should Family Get Vaccinated Before Visiting Your Newborn?
Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy: Research on Safety and Effectiveness
Q&A: Is It Possible to "Pop" Something While Bending Over During Pregnancy?
Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Risks and Benefits
Q&A: What is the Best Baby Formula?
The Truth About Protein in Pregnancy and Supplementing with Protein Powder
Q&A: The Evidence on Choline and How to Prepare for Precipitous Labor
Navigating Pregnancy Nutrition on a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
Exciting Update! More Episodes are Coming to the Podcast!
Navigating Labor and Birth: Your Roadmap from Start to Finish
Your Pregnancy Timeline
Expert Tips to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby
Navigating Weaning: How to Stop Breastfeeding Without Stress or Anxiety
Top 5 Reasons Moms Stop Breastfeeding Early
The Key to Maintaining and Increasing Milk Supply
Guide to Breast Changes During Pregnancy and Lactation
Evidence-Based Methods to Prevent and Relieve Back Pain
Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
How Much Caffeine Is Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Effective Treatments for Constipation During Pregnancy
The Top Reasons Birth Plans Fail
Your Partner’s Role in Supporting You in Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
Preventing and Treating Bug Bites During Pregnancy
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety to Go into Birth with Confidence
Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Baby
Tips to Advocate for Yourself with Your Doctor or Midwife
Happy Mother's Day
5 Tips to Maximize Every Prenatal Appointment
Choosing (or Changing) Your Doctor or Midwife
10 Steps to Craft Your Birth Plan
Pros and Cons of Erythromycin Eye Ointment for Your Newborn
Benefits and Risks of Vitamin K for Newborns
Options To Make a Cesarean More Mom- And Baby-Friendly
What to Expect in a Cesarean Birth
Optimal Labor Positions for a Shorter and Easier Birth
Your Options for the Third Stage of Labor
Can Eating Dates Naturally Induce Labor and Shorten Duration?
Prenatal Yoga, Recommendations and What to Avoid
Strength Training and Lifting Weights During Pregnancy
Cardio Exercise During Pregnancy (Running, Walking, Swimming, and more)
Exercise During Pregnancy, Recommendations and What to Avoid
Fourth Trimester Planning Ahead
Fourth Trimester What to Expect
Third Trimester Overview
Second Trimester Overview
First Trimester Overview
Getting Sick During Pregnancy (Colds, Flu, and COVID-19)
Preventing and Treating Fevers During Pregnancy
Boosting Your Immune System During Pregnancy
Supporting Your Immune System During Pregnancy
Crafting a Positive Body Image During Pregnancy and Motherhood
Placenta Encapsulation: The Evidence on the Risks and Benefits
Troubleshooting Sleep Issues During Pregnancy and as a New Parent
Evidence-Based Tips to Improve Your Sleep
Pain Management Options for Labor
Birth Interventions Overview
Hydration and Drinking Water
Understanding Your Care Team from Pregnancy to Postpartum
Your Guide to Prenatal Testing
Guide to Pregnancy Safe Skin Care
Do You Really Need a Doula?
Getting Your Dog Ready for Your New Baby
Guide to Bottle Feeding and Infant Formula
Success Strategies for Pumping Breastmilk and Building a Stash
Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding Issues
Mastering the Basics of Breastfeeding
Five Essential Questions to Navigate Procedures & Interventions
Navigate Your Prenatal Care with Confidence
Ensuring Optimal Vitamin D Levels for You and Your Baby
Benefits of Water During Pregnancy (Pools, Hot Tubs, Baths, and Float Tanks)
Labor Signs and the Start of Labor
Pregnancy Crash Course for Dads and Partners
Nutrition and the Evidence on Popular Diets During Pregnancy
Protecting Your Mental Health (Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression)
Guide to Sun Exposure and Tanning During Pregnancy
Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy