SMFM's Podcast Series

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce notable changes in protein recommendations, dietary patterns, and overall messaging, but how do these updates translate to pregnancy care? In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Cara Dolin and registered dietitian Hillary Hart to explore what these new guidelines mean for obstetric clinicians. Together, they break down key updates, highlight areas of alignment (and misalignment) with current pregnancy nutrition evidence, and offer practical strategies for counseling patients in real-world clinical settings. This discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized care, critical evaluation of guidelines, and actionable nutrition principles that support both maternal and fetal health. Listeners will learn: Key updates in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and their relevance to pregnancy Evidence-based nutrition principles that remain essential for maternal and fetal health How to approach counseling on protein intake, fats, and ultra-processed foods Practical ways to support patients facing barriers such as food insecurity Simple, high-impact nutrition strategies clinicians can incorporate into routine visits For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. Additional Resources: 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (pregnancy & lactation section still recommended for use) Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report Harvard Healthy Eating Plate American Diabetes Association – Patient Education Library SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units. After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: Describe the role of OB hospitalists in modern obstetric care. Explain the rationale and goals of the SMFM/SOGH strategic partnership. Recognize common challenges and best practices in collaboration between MFMs and OB hospitalists. Identify anticipated short-term and long-term outcomes of the partnership for hospital-based obstetric care. For more educational resources from SMFM visit education.smfm.org.

Description: In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin. The conversation reviews key updates to the USPSTF recommendations, how the checklist supports systematic identification of eligible patients, and practical strategies for implementation in diverse practice settings. The episode also explores the companion process-based quality metric aimed at improving aspirin initiation by 16 weeks and helping practices measure adherence and equity in care. Resources: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Updated checklists for preeclampsia risk-factor screening to guide recommendations for prophylactic low-dose aspirin - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Society for Maternal Fetal-Medicine Special Statement: Prophylactic low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention—quality metric and opportunities for quality improvement - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discussion focuses on how a standardized postpartum checklist can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality by ensuring consistent patient education, supporting home blood pressure monitoring, promoting timely follow-up, and improving transitions to ongoing care. The episode also explores practical implementation strategies, systems-level considerations, and the associated quality metric designed to help practices measure adherence and impact. A link to the checklist and quality metric is included in the show notes and is available on the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/331-society-for-maternal-fetal-medicine-special-statement-checklist/ Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of the SMFM Cardiovascular Symptom Checklist, to discuss a concise, one-page tool designed to guide systematic triage of cardiovascular symptoms in pregnant and postpartum patients. The conversation highlights how structured symptom assessment can help distinguish physiologic findings from those warranting further evaluation, reduce missed diagnoses, and promote consistency across care settings. This episode is intended for maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and obstetric clinicians involved in outpatient care, phone triage, urgent care, and emergency settings. A link to the checklist can be found below and is available on the SMFM website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for triage and work-up of persons with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and postpartum - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."