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.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 19/10/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to Pregnancy Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
There is no related content for this show.
Just Found Out You're Pregnant? Pregnancy Basics for a Healthy Start
Season 12 · Episode 39
Sunday, October 18, 2026 • Duration 40:17
You just saw a positive pregnancy test, and suddenly everyone has advice. Cut out coffee. Never eat sushi. Stay out of hot tubs. Some of that advice is backed by solid research, and some of it is far more cautious than the evidence supports. In this episode, you will learn when your prenatal care starts, what to truly avoid, and where the rules have more nuance. You will also learn the healthy habits worth building now, from prenatal vitamins to sleep, exercise, and support.
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. 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. Try it 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, 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
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
Heartburn During Pregnancy and How to Treat It Safely
Season 12 · Episode 38
Sunday, October 11, 2026 • Duration 45:14
It is late, you are finally lying down, and the burning starts again. Heartburn during pregnancy affects roughly 4 in 10 expecting mothers, and the advice is all over the place. Some of it is folklore. Some of it points to medications that were pulled from shelves years ago. In this episode, you will learn why pregnancy makes heartburn so much worse, which simple changes actually have research behind them, how the medication options compare on safety, and the one type of pain that is not heartburn at all.
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. Available at Target. 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. Try it 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/
AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple scoop. It is one of the easiest things you can do to support your body as you rebuild your routine this month. When you first subscribe to AG1, you will get a free AG1 Welcome Kit, a free bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, and a free AG1 Flavor Sampler with your first order. Unlock your AG1 starter kit at
Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy and What the Research Shows About Safety (2026-27 Flu Season)
Season 12 · Episode 37
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • Duration 39:07
Your provider offers you a flu shot, and you are not sure what to do. You have heard it protects your baby. You have also heard it barely worked last year and that the guidance keeps changing. Both have some truth to them, and you have choices beyond just opting in or opting out. In this episode, you will learn what the research shows about the flu shot during pregnancy, how safe it is, how well it works, when to get it, and which shot to ask for.
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. Available at Target. 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. Try it 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/
AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple scoop. It is one of the easiest things you can do to support your body as you rebuild your routine this month. When you first subscribe to AG1, you will get a free AG1 Welcome Kit, a free bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, and a free AG1 Flavor Sampler with your first order. Unlock your AG1 starter kit at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast
Evidence-Based Solutions for Pregnancy Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Season 12 · Episode 36
Sunday, September 27, 2026 • Duration 51:40
If you are lying awake at night, you are in good company. Pregnancy insomnia and other sleep problems affect the majority of expecting mothers, from heartburn and leg cramps to a racing mind at 3 a.m. Then your baby arrives, and sleep gets disrupted in a whole new way. In this episode, you will learn what drives the most common pregnancy sleep problems, what the research says helps, and which remedies and medications have evidence behind them. You will also learn what to expect from sleep with a newborn, a common feeding myth, and one safety step every exhausted parent should know.
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 September 2026, save 35% with the code PRENATAL35 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
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. Try it 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, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more:
Evidence-Based Tips on How to Sleep Better During Pregnancy
Season 12 · Episode 35
Sunday, September 20, 2026 • Duration 38:46
Sleep during pregnancy is one of the most powerful tools you have for your health and your baby's health, yet it is often one of the first things to slip. Your body is working harder than ever, and a long list of pregnancy changes can get in the way of a good night's rest. The good news is that you have more control over your sleep than you might think. In this episode, you will find out how sleep actually works and what the research says about poor sleep in pregnancy. You will also walk away with simple, evidence-based tools to help you sleep better tonight, and habits that will serve you well on your adventure into parenthood.
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 September 2026, save 35% with the code PRENATAL35 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
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. Try it 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
How Your Birth Environment Affects Labor
Season 12 · Episode 34
Sunday, September 13, 2026 • Duration 34:07
The room where you give birth has more influence over your labor than you might expect. Oxytocin is the key hormone driving labor, and stress hormones can interfere with it. So a birth environment that feels calm, safe, and private can help labor progress more efficiently and comfortably. The good news is that you have options no matter where you plan to give birth. Whether that is at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital room, small adjustments to lighting, sound, scent, and privacy add up. This episode covers the research on how your birth environment affects labor and birth, plus practical ways to make your birth space feel like yours.
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 September 2026, save 35% with the code PRENATAL35 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
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. 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. Try it 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
Is Pregnancy Brain Real? What the Research Says About Memory and Brain Fog
Season 12 · Episode 33
Sunday, September 6, 2026 • Duration 33:28
You walk into a room and cannot remember why. A word you use every day disappears mid-sentence. You read the same paragraph three times, and none of it sticks. Pregnancy brain is one of the most talked-about symptoms of pregnancy and one of the least understood. This episode covers what researchers actually find when they test memory and thinking during pregnancy. Learn why this feels more dramatic than what researchers can actually measure, and how long it lasts. Importantly, find out why pregnancy brain looks less like a decline and more like an upgrade. Plus, practical strategies that target what pregnancy brain affects.
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 September 2026, save 35% with the code PRENATAL35 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/
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. Available at Target. 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. Try it 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
Your Guide to Weaning and How to Stop Breastfeeding Without Stress
Season 12 · Episode 32
Sunday, August 23, 2026 • Duration 44:17
Most breastfeeding resources are full of information on why you should keep going, and very short on practical help for when you are ready to stop. If you have gone looking for guidance on weaning, you have probably found long lists of reasons not to quit and anxiety-inducing articles about everything that can go wrong. Breastfeeding is amazing, but every mom will reach a point when she is ready to stop. When you reach that point, you should have access to evidence-based, judgment-free support. This episode is here to take the anxiety out of stopping breastfeeding. We cover when to wean, how to do it gradually and comfortably, how to lower your risk of complications, and how to handle the emotions that can come with closing this chapter. Plus, I will share the slightly ridiculous trick I used with both of my babies that made weaning so much easier.
AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple scoop. It is one of the easiest things you can do to support your body as you rebuild your routine this month. When you first subscribe to AG1, you will get a free AG1 Welcome Kit, a free bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, and a free AG1 Flavor Sampler with your first order. Unlock your AG1 starter kit at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast
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. Try it 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/
Top 5 Reasons Moms Stop Breastfeeding Early
Season 12 · Episode 31
Sunday, August 16, 2026 • Duration 27:20
New mothers go into breastfeeding with the best intentions. Unfortunately, many run into issues that make breastfeeding feel difficult or even impossible. By six months, fewer than one in three babies is still exclusively breastfed. Researchers across many countries have examined why mothers supplement with formula or wean before their baby's first birthday, and the same themes come up again and again. This episode walks through the top five reasons moms stop breastfeeding early and, more importantly, what you can do to avoid these issues so you can reach your own breastfeeding goals.
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. Available at Target. 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. Try it 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, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter
How to Increase Your Milk Supply and Keep It Up
Season 12 · Episode 30
Sunday, August 9, 2026 • Duration 36:09
Milk supply is the number one reason mothers stop breastfeeding early or reach for formula. The good news is that most of what protects and builds your milk supply comes down to a few simple things you can control. This episode breaks down how milk production actually works, how to gauge your supply accurately, and why so many mothers worry they are not making enough when they truly are. You will learn practical ways to establish breastfeeding in the first days and weeks, and find out how to increase your supply if you need to. We also dig into the evidence on galactagogues, the foods, herbs, and medications marketed to boost supply, so you know what the research really shows. Plus, we cover oversupply and the substances that can decrease how much milk you make.
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. Try it 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, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
