Pregnancy Podcast

Vanessa Merten 766 - How Your Birth Environment Affects Labor

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.

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Episodes

13 Sep 2026

06 Sep 2026

23 Aug 2026

16 Aug 2026

09 Aug 2026

02 Aug 2026

26 Jul 2026

19 Jul 2026

12 Jul 2026

05 Jul 2026

21 Jun 2026

14 Jun 2026

07 Jun 2026

24 May 2026

17 May 2026

10 May 2026

03 May 2026

26 Apr 2026

19 Apr 2026

12 Apr 2026

05 Apr 2026

29 Mar 2026

22 Mar 2026

15 Mar 2026

08 Mar 2026

22 Feb 2026

15 Feb 2026

08 Feb 2026

01 Feb 2026

25 Jan 2026

18 Jan 2026

11 Jan 2026

07 Jan 2026

04 Jan 2026

21 Dec 2025

14 Dec 2025

10 Dec 2025

07 Dec 2025

27 Nov 2025

23 Nov 2025

16 Nov 2025

12 Nov 2025

09 Nov 2025

05 Nov 2025

02 Nov 2025

29 Oct 2025

26 Oct 2025

22 Oct 2025

19 Oct 2025

15 Oct 2025

Pregnancy Podcast

Episodes

How Your Birth Environment Affects Labor

Is Pregnancy Brain Real? What the Research Says About Memory and Brain Fog

Your Guide to Weaning and How to Stop Breastfeeding Without Stress

Top 5 Reasons Moms Stop Breastfeeding Early

How to Increase Your Milk Supply and Keep It Up

How Your Breasts Change During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Why Swelling Happens During Pregnancy and How to Find Relief

How to Prevent and Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy

How Much Pregnancy Weight Gain Is Healthy and What Actually Matters

Sun Safety During Pregnancy (Sunscreen, Tanning, and Protecting Your Skin)

Your Partner's Role in Supporting You in Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum

The Truth About Vitamin D in Pregnancy (Most Moms Don't Get Enough)

Home Birth: The Evidence on Safety

Birth Center: Exploring Your Options

Hospital Birth: What to Expect

10 Tips to Mentally Prepare for Motherhood

Prenatal Testing in the Second Half of Pregnancy

Prenatal Testing in the First Half of Pregnancy

How to Relieve Constipation During and After Pregnancy

Gentle Cesarean and Evidence-Based Options for a Family-Centered Birth

What to Expect in a Cesarean Birth

Understanding Ultrasound During Pregnancy: Safety, Accuracy, and Your Options

Navigating Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect

Body Image During Pregnancy and After Birth

The Science Behind Eating Dates to Prepare for Labor

What Every New Mom Should Know About Postpartum Mood Changes

Lifting Weights and Strength Training During Pregnancy

Prenatal Yoga: Benefits, Safety Research, and Pose Modifications

Cardio Exercise During Pregnancy (Running, Walking, Swimming, and more)

What the Evidence Says About Exercise During Pregnancy

Making Sense of Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy

What You Need to Know About Recent Vaccine Schedule Changes

How Accurate is Your Due Date?

A Practical Guide to Creating Your Birth Plan

Going into Birth with Confidence

Q&A: Worried About Pooping During Labor?

Getting Sick During Pregnancy and Finding Safe Relief

The Science of Gratitude in Pregnancy

Supporting and Boosting Your Immune System During Pregnancy

Hypertension and the Hidden Risk Beyond Your Blood Pressure Checks

Q&A: Common Questions About Prenatal Vitamins

The Research on Stress During Pregnancy and How to Manage It

Q&A: Why Do Birthmarks Happen?

Focusing on What Matters Most in Pregnancy

Q&A: Should Your Baby Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth?

Understanding Your Options for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

Q&A: The Science (and Myths) of the Line on Your Belly

Are Vaginal Exams Really Necessary? What the Evidence Says

Q&A: More Questions About Tylenol (Acetaminophen) in Pregnancy