Pregnancy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Pregnancy Podcast

Vanessa Merten

Kids & Family

Frequency: 1 episode/38d. Total Eps: 107

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 rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

No recent rankings available

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

See all

https://pregnancypodcast.com/week
156 shares
https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium
122 shares
https://pregnancypodcast.com
121 shares

http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb
28 shares
https://amzn.to/4qgc7Jp
24 shares

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1630421307?pt=125172057&ct=The%20Pregnancy%20Podcast&mt=8
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all

RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 78%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Hypertension and the Hidden Risk Beyond Your Blood Pressure Checks

Season 11 · Episode 84

Sunday, November 16, 2025 • Duration 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 leading to heart and kidney disease and stroke. It also increases the risk of preterm birth, placental abruption, and cesarean. Plus, it can reduce blood flow to the placenta and limit the oxygen and nutrients available to your baby.

Most pregnancy-related conditions resolve after birth, but the risk from hypertensive disorders does not end there. Mothers can develop dangerous symptoms in the days and weeks after birth, even if their blood pressure was normal throughout pregnancy. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical attention right away can be life-saving.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/hypertension/

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 November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

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 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 stretch marks, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. 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 get the Pregnancy Podcast newsletter: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

Upgrade to Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full archive access, and 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: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Read moreCollapse

Q&A: Common Questions About Prenatal Vitamins

Season 11 · Episode 83

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 • Duration 18:59

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 experience nausea? And how long should you continue taking one after having your baby? Tune in to this episode to get answers to these essential questions and more, and ensure you and your baby are getting the right nutrients at the right time.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitaminquestions/

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 November 2025, save 35% with the code PREPOD35 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb

You can always see the current promo code at: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

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:

Flu Vaccine in Pregnancy: Evidence-Based Risks and Benefits

Season 11 · Episode 74

Sunday, October 12, 2025 • Duration 51:51

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 recommend that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine during flu season. Deciding whether to get vaccinated during pregnancy can be a challenging task, as it involves weighing all of the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, you have choices regarding the type of flu vaccine and the timing of administration. This episode reviews the research and considerations for making an informed decision about the flu vaccine during pregnancy.

This episode is up to date for the 2025-26 flu season.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/fluvaccine/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that features a mechanical rocking mechanism to gently rock your baby's crib or stroller to promote better sleep on the go. Plus it has a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and sweet lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker. Check out the Stroller Rocker and save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 at https://pregnancypodcast.com/strollerrocker

The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. All 8 Sheep products come with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel they have 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. For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US. Plus, save an additional 10% off at

Fourth Trimester Planning Ahead

Season 10 · Episode 5

Sunday, February 4, 2024 • Duration 46:35

The most significant adjustment period is the first three months after your baby is born. In reality, recovering from birth takes longer for many new parents. You are healing and navigating how to care for yourself and a tiny human. This is a big transition from pregnancy and an even more significant transition from pre-pregnancy. Your baby is transitioning from being inside your belly to being out in the world, which is a huge adjustment. Planning will be key in setting you up for an ideal postpartum period. Learn how to plan for your postpartum period to be as comfortable as possible and tips to promote healing and make life easier as you navigate caring for a new baby. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In February 2024 you can save 40% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD40. Plus, email your order number to vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com to get a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here. VTech is North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand and the most trusted choice for baby monitors. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is everything you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon. Dental.com's AI Smart Scan is absolutely free, super easy to use, and provides essential information about oral health during pregnancy. Did you know your oral health also plays a vital role in your baby's well-being? Maintaining good oral health can prevent you from passing the harmful bacteria that cause cavities to your newborn. That's right, it could mean the difference between your child having a lifetime of battling decay vs. no decay at all. Your baby deserves the best, and so do you. Visit and try the Smart Scan today. It's a little effort with a whole lot of reward. Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Fourth Trimester What to Expect

Season 10 · Episode 4

Sunday, January 28, 2024 • Duration 45:33

During pregnancy, you focus on your health, baby, and planning for birth. Many expecting moms often overlook what happens after birth and what they may experience postpartum. Your body needs time to recover after nine months of pregnancy, giving birth, and establishing breastfeeding. Many things happen after you have your baby that no one talks to you about beforehand. Let's normalize talking about the regular changes you go through after birth. Rather than wondering if what you are experiencing is normal, I want you to know what to expect. Plus, know the warning signs you can keep an eye out for to make sure you are recovering well after birth. Thank you to our sponsors The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby, so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon. 20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. 40% off your first Hungryroot delivery and free veggies for life. Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They've got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Third Trimester Overview

Season 10 · Episode 3

Sunday, January 21, 2024 • Duration 41:34

Week 28 until your baby's birth, around 40 weeks, is the last stretch until you meet your baby. This episode covers everything you need to know to navigate the third trimester. Your baby undergoes many changes this trimester to prepare for life outside your womb. This trimester can be challenging as your belly keeps growing, and you have some new symptoms resulting from carrying more weight. You may also find yourself anxious to have your baby and ready to be done being pregnant. You are almost at the finish line. Learn what to expect at your prenatal appointments this trimester. Find out what to-do items you should work on. Plus, get tips on your partner's role and how they can support you. Thank you to our sponsors VTech is North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand and the most trusted choice for baby monitors. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is everything you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon. 20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 8 free photo prints delivered each month https://family-album.onelink.me/cf5z/4bw47bik. The FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child's age, no third-party ads, and 8 photo prints every month--all for free! and get 1 free month of premium subscription with additional features. Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Second Trimester Overview

Season 10 · Episode 2

Sunday, January 14, 2024 • Duration 36:48

Weeks 13 to 27 of your pregnancy tend to be the favorite period for many expecting moms. This episode covers everything you need to know to navigate the second trimester. Your belly will start showing, and you can feel your baby kicking. By this point, morning sickness should be subsiding. You have adjusted to many lifestyle changes to have a healthy pregnancy. Your moods and emotions should be evening out; overall, you should feel like you have more energy. After all of the last trimester's internal changes, the second trimester brings many physical changes. Learn what to expect at your second-trimester prenatal appointments. Find out what to-do items you should work on this trimester. Plus, get tips on your partner's role and how they can support you. Thank you to our sponsors Dental.com's AI Smart Scan is absolutely free, super easy to use, and provides essential information about oral health during pregnancy. Did you know your oral health also plays a vital role in your baby's well-being? Maintaining good oral health can prevent you from passing the harmful bacteria that cause cavities to your newborn. That's right, it could mean the difference between your child having a lifetime of battling decay vs. no decay at all. Your baby deserves the best, and so do you. Visit dental.com and try the Smart Scan today. It's a little effort with a whole lot of reward. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby, so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon. 20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

First Trimester Overview

Season 10 · Episode 1

Sunday, January 7, 2024 • Duration 44:15

The first 12 weeks of your pregnancy are the most significant adjustment period. This episode covers everything you need to know to navigate the first trimester. Your baby is building organs and structures. You will experience some physical and emotional symptoms of pregnancy. Understanding common first-trimester symptoms can help you cope with some of the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. Learn what to expect at your first few prenatal appointments. Find out what to-do items you should work on this trimester. Plus, get tips on your partner's role and how they can support you. Thank you to our sponsors VTech is North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand and the most trusted choice for baby monitors. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is everything you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon. 20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size. 40% off your first Hungryroot delivery and free veggies for life. Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They've got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Getting Sick During Pregnancy (Colds, Flu, and COVID-19)

Season 9 · Episode 45

Sunday, December 24, 2023 • Duration 41:27

Pregnancy affects every system in your body, including your immune system. It is so important to take care of your health when you are expecting. Even when you take precautions to avoid getting sick, you can get a cold, flu, or COVID-19 at some point over the nine months of your pregnancy. Being sick is never fun and can be especially challenging when pregnant. Learn how to treat symptoms safely to return to feeling healthy faster. This episode examines the evidence of non-pharmacological treatments for cold or flu symptoms and the safety of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy.   This podcast is not intended as medical advice. You should discuss any symptoms with your doctor or midwife and talk to them about taking any medications, including over-the-counter medicines.  Thank you to our sponsors The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 8 free photo prints delivered each month https://family-album.onelink.me/cf5z/4bw47bik. The FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child's age, no third-party ads, and 8 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app and get 1 free month of premium subscription with additional features. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Preventing and Treating Fevers During Pregnancy

Season 9 · Episode 44

Sunday, December 17, 2023 • Duration 29:27

A fever is part of your body's immune response as a natural defense against infection. The risks and benefits of fever during pregnancy differ from those of someone who is not pregnant. Running a fever during your pregnancy can be scary. Studies have linked maternal fevers to complications like autism, neural tube defects, oral clefts, and congenital heart defects. The best way to alleviate any fears or unknowns is to educate yourself about what temperature constitutes a fever, when to call your doctor or midwife, and what to do if you get a fever during your pregnancy. Over the years, attitudes towards the use of medications like acetaminophen have evolved. While doctors have long considered this safe, more recent research raises questions about taking this over-the-counter medication during pregnancy. Thank you to our sponsors 10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. There are actually ingredients that are clinically proven to work to prevent stretch marks. The True Belly Serum by 8 Sheep Organics is the best product for pregnant moms. This serum contains clinically proven ingredients and is specially formulated with pregnancy-safe ingredients to help prevent stretch marks. You can try the True Belly Serum risk-free for 100 days with the 8 Sheep 100-day happiness guarantee. VTech is North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand and the most trusted choice for baby monitors. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is everything you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and ensure they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon. Dreamland Baby makes the most amazing weighted sleep sacks and swaddles to help your baby sleep better. Dreamland Baby's gently weighted sleep products give babies the sensation of being hugged. When your baby wears the sleep sack, they can calm down, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. Go to and enter my code PREGNANCYPODCAST at checkout to receive 20% off sitewide + free shipping. This offer is for new and existing customers! Read the that accompany this episode. Join to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the .

Pregnancy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Pregnancy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Amazon2

Apple1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Amazon2

Apple1