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 ...
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Firsttimemom Podcasts
1
A Practical Guide to Creating Your Birth Plan
36:34
36:34
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A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and what happens immediately after your baby's birth. A birth plan is much more than a piece of paper you hand to your care provider. It is the process you go through to prepare for your desired birth experience. This process will lay the foundation for preparing you for scenarios …
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It is completely normal to feel nervous about giving birth, especially with so many unknowns about how labor will unfold. Research shows that fear of birth can affect your experience, but you are not powerless against it. In this episode, you will learn how to identify what is driving your anxiety, filter out unhelpful influences, and use simple, e…
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51
Q&A: Worried About Pooping During Labor?
16:27
16:27
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16:27
There are many things that can happen during pregnancy and birth that might feel embarrassing in other settings, but are normal parts of having a baby. The possibility of pooping during labor is one of these topics. This episode addresses a listener's questions about how common this really is and why it occurs. You will learn whether there's anythi…
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1
Getting Sick During Pregnancy and Finding Safe Relief
53:01
53:01
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53:01
Getting sick can feel especially tough when you're pregnant. Unfortunately, during pregnancy, you're more vulnerable to illnesses like colds, the flu, and COVID-19. This episode helps you understand what kind of illness you might have, how to treat your symptoms safely, and when to reach out to your doctor or midwife. Learn how these viruses spread…
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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-b…
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1
Supporting and Boosting Your Immune System During Pregnancy
56:01
56:01
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56:01
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, antio…
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1
Hypertension and the Hidden Risk Beyond Your Blood Pressure Checks
33:07
33:07
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33:07
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 …
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1
Q&A: Common Questions About Prenatal Vitamins
18:59
18:59
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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 e…
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1
The Research on Stress During Pregnancy and How to Manage It
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41:10
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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 …
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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…
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1
Focusing on What Matters Most in Pregnancy
28:30
28:30
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28:30
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 …
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1
Q&A: Should Your Baby Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth?
29:36
29:36
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29:36
One of the first decisions you will make as a new parent is whether to vaccinate your newborn against hepatitis B. The first dose of this vaccine is recommended within 24 hours of birth, and most babies receive it before leaving the hospital. Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects your liver. It can become chronic and, over time, lea…
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1
Understanding Your Options for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
42:50
42:50
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Your doctor or midwife monitors the fetal heart rate of your baby to assess their well-being and how well they are tolerating labor. They primarily use electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), which is the most common obstetric procedure during labor. EFM This allows your doctor or midwife to recognize signs of low oxygen and respond quickly if intervent…
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1
Q&A: The Science (and Myths) of the Line on Your Belly
20:24
20:24
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20:24
You may notice a dark line running down the center of your belly during pregnancy. This is known as the linea nigra. What causes it to appear? Does it mean something about your baby? And will it really fade after birth? This episode answers several listener questions and explores the science behind this mysterious line, what influences how dark it …
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Are Vaginal Exams Really Necessary? What the Evidence Says
40:19
40:19
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40:19
A vaginal exam is a procedure that may be offered to you in the weeks leading up to your due date or during labor. These exams have become routine, but questions have been raised about whether they are truly necessary, how useful the results really are, and whether the evidence supports their widespread use. This episode explores what happens durin…
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Q&A: More Questions About Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in Pregnancy
25:51
25:51
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25:51
There is an in-depth episode on the Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter analgesic for pain relief and an antipyretic, which reduces fever. Acetaminophen is also known by the brand names Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Panadol. That episode covers the recently raised concerns a…
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Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Risks and Benefits
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The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. In most healthy adults, flu symptoms are typically mild and resolve within about a week. However, during pregnancy, the body's heightened inflammatory response can increase the risk of complications. To reduce these risks and provide passive immunity to babies, healthcare professionals …
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The Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy
37:47
37:47
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37:47
Acetaminophen, best known by the brand name Tylenol, is an ingredient in over 600 over-the-counter medicines and has long been considered the safest choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Recently, it made headlines after President Trump publicly spoke out against taking Tylenol during pregnancy and raised concerns about possible link…
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Non-Medical Pain Management Options for Labor
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44:51
Labor can be intense, but you have many alternatives to cope with pain beyond the medical options your doctor or midwife offers. You can use non-medical pain management strategies on their own if you plan to avoid medical interventions, or alongside tools like an epidural. This episode explores a range of non-medical pain relief techniques, includi…
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Q&A: Tips for When Prenatal Appointments Feel Rushed
19:13
19:13
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19:13
You only get a limited amount of time with your doctor or midwife during prenatal care, and a lot needs to be covered over nine months. This episode answers a listener's question about feeling rushed at appointments and leaving with unanswered questions. Learn what a typical prenatal care schedule looks like, why visits often feel hurried, and how …
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1
Medical Pain Management Options for Labor
37:25
37:25
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37:25
Labor involves hard work, and pain is part of the process. The good news is that you have many options to manage pain, as long as you know what those options are. This episode covers a wide range of medical pain relief options, including epidurals, nitrous oxide, IV medications, nerve blocks, and local anesthetics. Hear about the research on the ri…
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1
Understanding Natural Birth and How to Prepare for an Unmedicated Birth
37:37
37:37
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37:37
Unmedicated birth can offer many benefits, but it also involves real challenges that need preparation, planning, and support. In this episode, you'll discover why some parents choose an unmedicated birth and what a physiologic birth without interventions looks like. Discover practical strategies to help you prepare for an unmedicated labor, if that…
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1
Q&A: Is It Safe to Get a Manicure or Pedicure While Pregnant?
21:20
21:20
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21:20
Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a relaxing way to treat yourself, but many people wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. This episode looks at the potential concerns about nail polish chemicals, like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, and reviews research on how much of these ingredients the body might absorb. Learn about gel polish, tips …
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Labor and birth are powerful, life-changing experiences, and pain is often one of the biggest concerns for expecting parents. In this episode, we reframe your perspective on labor pain by exploring why childbirth is challenging, how evolution has equipped us with adaptations, and what actually happens during each stage of labor. Learn the role of h…
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1
Q&A: What the Evidence Reveals About Pregnancy Dreams
19:21
19:21
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19:21
Vivid, emotional, and sometimes unsettling dreams are a common experience during pregnancy. This episode explores how sleep cycles function and why we dream. Learn why dreams may feel more intense during pregnancy, why you may recall more dreams, and the role stress and emotions can play in shaping them. Discover what research reveals about dreamin…
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