Pregnancy Podcast
Pregnancy Podcast

Pregnancy Podcast

Vanessa Merten

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

Understanding Ultrasound During Pregnancy: Safety, Accuracy, and Your Options
MAR 29, 2026
Understanding Ultrasound During Pregnancy: Safety, Accuracy, and Your Options
Ultrasound during pregnancy is one of the most common tools your care provider uses to monitor your baby's health and development. Whether it is your first scan in the early weeks or the anatomy scan in your second trimester, ultrasounds provide valuable information about how your baby is growing. However, many expecting parents have questions about how many ultrasounds are necessary, how accurate the measurements are, and whether there are any risks. This episode walks you through what to expect at each stage of pregnancy, from the first-trimester scan to third-trimester growth checks. Hear about the research on ultrasound safety, what professional medical organizations recommend, and how accurate ultrasounds are for estimating your baby's size. Plus, 3D and 4D ultrasounds, home Dopplers, and what happens when an ultrasound reveals something unexpected. If you want to feel informed and confident heading into your next ultrasound appointment, this episode will help you get there. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/ultrasound/ 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 March 2026, save 30% with the code PREPODHA30 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp Plus, if you email your order number and mailing address to [email protected], Zahler will send you a free silicone baby bib! You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ The True Belly Serum from 8 Sheep Organics contains 85% centella asiatica extract, a clinically studied ingredient shown to help prevent stretch marks in up to 89% of pregnant women. All 8 Sheep products come 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
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48 MIN
Navigating Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
MAR 22, 2026
Navigating Morning Sickness During Pregnancy
Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, affecting up to 80% of expectant mothers. Despite the name, it can occur at any time of day and range from mild nausea to severe vomiting. Explore the science behind its causes, including groundbreaking research on the hormone GDF15. Review a full range of evidence-based remedies, from dietary changes and supplements to acupressure and prescription medications. Plus, this episode discusses hyperemesis gravidarum, how morning sickness impacts your quality of life, what research suggests about a possible protective effect, and how partners can assist. Whether you're struggling with nausea, seeking relief, or simply want to understand why this happens, this episode has you covered. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/morningsickness/ 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, bioavailable iron, and essential nutrients like omega-3s. In March 2026, save 30% with the code PREPODHA30 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp Plus, if you email your order number and mailing address to [email protected], Zahler will send you a free silicone baby bib! You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ 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 flexibility and peace of mind at home and on the go. Save 20% on the VTech Smart HD Plus with the code VTPODCAST at https://pregnancypodcast.com/hdplus From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. Every product comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. 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, 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 tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com
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51 MIN
Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect
MAR 15, 2026
Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect
Vaginal tears are one of the most common parts of birth that expecting mothers are not prepared for. More than half of women experience some degree of tearing during a vaginal birth, and rates are even higher for first-time moms. The good news is that there are evidence-based strategies to reduce your risk. This episode covers what tearing is, what the different degrees mean, and what factors increase your risk. Learn about perineal massage, warm compresses, labor positions, and other research-backed methods. If you experience a tear or an episiotomy, there is a lot you can do to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable. Whether you are planning your first birth or preparing for another, understanding your options puts you in a better position to prevent tearing and recover well if it happens. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vaginaltears/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron and essential nutrients like omega-3s. In the month of March 2026, save 30% with the code PREPODHA30 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp Plus, if you email your order number and mailing address to [email protected], Zahler will send you a free silicone baby bib! You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps. With a large 7" screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the Advanced HQ Max at https://pregnancypodcast.com/hqmax/ 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. 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 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
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49 MIN
Body Image During Pregnancy and After Birth
MAR 8, 2026
Body Image During Pregnancy and After Birth
Your body goes through a greater physical transformation during pregnancy than at any other time in your life. While growing a baby is an incredible feat, not everyone feels positive about the changes that come with it. Research shows that body dissatisfaction is common during and after pregnancy, and it can range from occasional negative thoughts to more serious struggles with body dysmorphia or disordered eating. This episode explores the research on body image during pregnancy and postpartum, what shapes it, and evidence-based strategies to help you build a healthier relationship with your body as it grows, changes, and recovers. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/bodyimage/ 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 March 2026, save 30% with the code PREPODHA30 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp Plus, email your order # and mailing address to [email protected], and Zahler will send you a free silicone baby bib! You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/ 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 VM901 Baby Monitor makes monitoring effortless whether you're at home or away. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the VTech VM901 Baby Monitor at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vm901 8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 8 Sheep has you covered. Every product comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. Try it completely risk-free for 100 days. 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, 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 tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com
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38 MIN
The Science Behind Eating Dates to Prepare for Labor
FEB 22, 2026
The Science Behind Eating Dates to Prepare for Labor
Can eating a specific fruit in your final weeks of pregnancy actually change how your labor goes? Multiple studies have examined whether eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy affects cervical dilation, labor length, and intervention rates. This episode breaks down the research, explains the theory behind why dates may have these effects, and provides the practical details you need to decide whether it is worth trying. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/dates/ 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
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21 MIN