Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

Every day we take our prenatal vitamins to ensure our babies are getting all the nutrients they need. However, more than 80% of pregnant women are still deficient in Vitamin D, which benefits the body in many ways including disease prevention and proper growth. Who's at risk for this deficiency? How do you know if you're deficient and what can you do to boost your levels? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're pregnant, you may have already experienced little bouts of forgetfulness. It's called "pregnancy brain". But what actually causes it? What does it feel like? And what are five practical steps you can take to help prevent it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re giving birth naturally, or planning for an epidural, it’s all starts with having a birth plan. What elements should you include in your plan? How many pages should it be? How should you present it to your healthcare provider? Making these decisions in advance will help you create the best birth experience possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frequent trips to the bathroom? You're not alone. But, what if your ability to control your bladder after pregnancy was greatly reduced? It happens to many women and unfortunately it's just not discussed enough to embarrassment and misinformation. Today, we're breaking down those barriers and taking an honest look on how pregnancy and labor and delivery can impact urinary incontinence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know your blood type? When you're pregnant, the Rh factor in your blood type is important because it could conflict with the baby's blood type. What determines a baby's blood type and Rh factor? At what point during your pregnancy can their blood type be determined? And how will your pregnancy change if your baby's blood is incompatible with your own? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy changes you, both physically and emotionally. So, it only makes sense that sex would be impacted by pregnancy as well. What changes can you expect during the various trimesters? How can you overcome body issues and retain your intimacy? Plus, what are the positions that typically work best when pregnant? Disclaimer: This is an open and honest discussion about sex. As such, we have rated this episode as having "adult content". Please listen with discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your water breaks. What do you do now? It's not always as dramatic as the movies make it out to be, but you should still be prepared. What can your amniotic fluid tell you about your baby? Why are babies usually delivered shortly after a mother's water breaks? And what does T.A.C.O. have to do with it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You had a cesarean with your first baby, and now you're pregnant again. Should you plan for another operation or go for a vaginal birth after cesarean, also known as a VBAC? What are some of the risks associated with having a repeat c-section? What makes you a good candidate for a VBAC? We'll give you the facts to help you determine which option is best for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many reasons you may need to have a fetal non-stress test, or NST, during your pregnancy. Perhaps your baby isn't moving as much as before or perhaps you have a high-risk pregnancy. So, how are these tests performed, and are there any risks to mom and baby? Also, what typically happens if the results are abnormal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is usually a happy, healthy event. But some moms-to-be may experience complications or chronic conditions that threaten their well-being or that of their baby. What does it mean to have a high-risk pregnancy? What are the common risk factors? And what type of care can you expect to receive if this happens to you and your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body is changing — growing belly, growing breasts — so your wardrobe is bound to change. So, how do you adapt to all these changes without breaking the bank? What are some essential pieces you can use during and after pregnancy? Do you have to buy everything new? What about buying gently used clothing from second hand stores or borrowing from friends? Plus, we'll discuss the benefits of renting maternity clothes that perfectly fit you during each trimester! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where should you birth your baby? If a hospital doesn't feel right but home birth is also out of your comfort zone, then you may want to consider a birthing center. So, what exactly is a birthing center and what type of care can you expect to receive? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnant women usually experience symptoms such an extreme fatigue, body aches, and nausea. You may also be on your feet all day at work or at home running around as you care for your other children. Bottom line: the world isn't going to stop simply because you're pregnant. What can you do to pamper yourself a bit so you can enjoy the experience more? We've got some great ideas to help relieve stress and improve your physical and emotional well being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regardless of how you deliver your baby, you will need to rely on a team of health care providers to help you along the way. This new series explores the various options available to you- starting with a birth doula. What is the doula's role during your childbirth experience? What qualities should you look for in a doula? And where should you start looking for a doula? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Losing a baby- no matter how early in pregnancy- is very real and so is the grief that comes with it. Today we'll hear three women discuss their personal experiences when it comes to miscarriage and stillbirth. How were they able to cope with this loss? What was the reaction from family and friends? And what type of resources did they find most helpful? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnant women will experience at least one food craving or aversions during their pregnancy. So, what causes us to have these dramatic feelings toward certain foods? Will they continue throughout your pregnancy? How do you "tame" these intense feelings? Plus, what in the world are pica cravings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When pregnant, your body may have a more difficult time processing sugar. This condition is known as gestational diabetes and may require a significant change in diet and exercise in order to ensure the health of you and your baby. How are pregnant women tested for gestational diabetes? How do you test your blood sugar? Plus, recommendations for lowering your sugar intake and burning excess sugar through exercise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you may need to forego you favorite drink while you're expecting, you shouldn't have to miss out completely. Introducing the "mocktail" which combines great ingredients and garnishes for the perfect non-alcoholic drink during your pregnancy. Today we're putting some of these recipes to the test by making them right in our studio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The placenta is an amazing organ providing nourishment to your baby throughout your pregnancy. But did you know your placenta can provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs after childbirth? What are some of the benefits of consuming your placenta and are these benefits well documented? Are there any known risks or side effects? Plus, how is the placenta prepared and the importance of the herbs added during the encapsulation process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By now, you've probably heard that breast is best. But why? Why is breast milk considered the perfect food for your little one? What are the health benefits short term and long term? And how can it improve the bond your partner has with the baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices