Pregnancy Pearls

Episoder

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  Managing Medication During Pregnancy 13.08.2026 42min

  When you’re pregnant, should you keep taking your regular medications—or stop them until you talk to your doctor? The answer could be more important than you think. On this episode of *Pregnancy Pearls*, Dr. Nicole Plenty welcomes Dr. Andrea Palmer for an essential conversation about **medication management before and during pregnancy**. From blood pressure medications and antidepressants to prescriptions you may have taken safely for years, pregnancy can change the conversation. Dr. Plenty and Dr. Palmer explain why medication planning should ideally begin **before conception**, why abruptly stopping a prescription can sometimes create more risk, and how your OB-GYN, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers can work together to determine the safest treatment plan for you and your baby. They also discuss managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and mental health during pregnancy, medications that may need to be changed, and the importance of keeping an accurate list of your prescriptions, medical conditions, and health history. Most importantly, this episode is about **advocacy**. Ask questions. Tell every provider you see that you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Understand why you're taking a medication. And never assume that stopping a medication on your own is automatically the safest choice. **Pregnancy Pearl:** Before you stop, start, or change a medication during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider. Safe medication management is a partnership between you and your care team. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.
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  Mental Health and Pregnancy 06.08.2026 27min

  As Dr. Nicole Plenty returns to the podcast, she acknowledges what so many families are feeling—life has become increasingly stressful. From rising healthcare costs and political uncertainty to the everyday pressures of pregnancy and parenting, anxiety can feel overwhelming. That's why she's kicking off the new season with an important discussion on protecting your mental health before, during, and after pregnancy. Joining Dr. Plenty is licensed professional counselor Stacy Kador, who shares practical guidance on recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, they discuss how families can create true "safe spaces" for honest conversations, the critical role partners play in providing emotional support, and why checking in on both mothers and children is more important than ever. The conversation also tackles one of the most difficult decisions many expectant mothers face: whether to continue treatment for anxiety or depression during pregnancy. Responding to a heartfelt listener email, Dr. Plenty and Stacey explain why caring for a mother's mental health is also caring for her baby's health, offering reassurance that treatment decisions should be made alongside trusted medical and mental health professionals—not out of fear or guilt. Whether you're expecting your first child, growing your family, or supporting someone through pregnancy, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based advice to help you recognize when it's time to ask for help—and reminds you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion Media app. Follow, rate, comment, and share!
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  Pregnancy Pearls is back! 03.08.2026 1min

  🎉 Join board-certified OB/GYN **Dr. Nicole Plenty** as she returns with all-new episodes dedicated to helping you navigate pregnancy, women's health, and motherhood with trusted, evidence-based information. In this special trailer, Dr. Plenty shares what listeners can expect in the new season while highlighting the importance of preventive care before, during, and after pregnancy. She discusses essential health screenings, staying hydrated, recommended vaccines during pregnancy—including flu, Tdap, and RSV—and why taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your growing family. Have a question you've seen on social media or a pregnancy topic you'd like covered? Dr. Plenty invites listeners to send in their questions and real-life cases, making Pregnancy Pearls an interactive resource for expecting parents everywhere. Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or supporting someone on their journey, tune in every Thursday for practical advice, expert insight, and compassionate guidance you can trust. Find more shows like this on the **Mean Ole Lion Media app**. Follow, rate, comment, and share!
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  Placental Encapsulation 20.06.2024 32min

  Placental encapsulation involves the process of steaming, dehydrating, and grinding the placenta into a power that is then filled into capsules. Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about this topic. Check out this episode of the podcast to learn the pros and cons of placental encapsulation (based on my honest opinion). Then, you can make your decision own decision! Download and listen now!
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  Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis 13.06.2024 27min

  On this week’s episode of the podcast, we got a little scholarly and learned about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). You’re probably wondering what that is, right? Well, it’s a type of chronic liver disease that is rare but is diagnosed most often in women during their reproductive years. Check out this episode to learn more about PSC, how it affects pregnancy, and how it’s managed. Download and listen now! And let your friends know, too.
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  Having a baby after age 40 09.06.2024 31min

  A lot of us now have higher educational and career aspirations, and that’s a great thing! So, it’s not uncommon to see people waiting until their 40s or even 50s to have children. Although age should not limit the desire to have children, there are some health considerations that should be discussed prior to conceiving. Check out this episode for the pros and cons to having babies after age 40yo and what you can do to prepare. Download and listen now!
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  Why is my baby so small? 31.05.2024 31min

  The growth of your baby during the pregnancy is a predictor about how healthy your baby really is. But why do some babies have poor fetal growth rates and some don't? Check out this episode where we explore reasons for fetal growth restriction (aka small babies during pregnancy), what high risk physicians look for when evaluating it, and how it is managed. You'll also learn about prognosis and why some babies need to be delivered early. Download and listen now!
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  Maternal Mental Health Mattees 17.05.2024 32min

  May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unfortunately, 1:5 adults in the U.S. suffering from mental health issues, and during and after pregnancy is not an exception to this statistic. Actually, the physical impact of pregnancy compounded by lack of sleep and demands of a newborn exacerbate these diagnoses. Check out this episode of the podcast to learn about mental health issues, how they are addressed in pregnancy, and what you can do for loved ones suffering from them. Download and listen now!
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  Just Be Honest 10.05.2024 30min

  In this episode, we have a little heart to heart. Some of us are making excuses for not following provider recommendations, calling it self advocacy. Asking questions, getting a second opinion, and even transferring your care are all things you SHOULD do when you feel you are not getting the answers or attention that you need. But it’s really important to follow through on recommendations. And if you don’t, be upfront and honest about not doing so and why. Check out this episode to learn tips for effective communication with your provider and the importance of being compliant. EVERYONE can benefit from this episode. Download and listen now!!
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  So you just got discharged… now what? 03.05.2024 47min

  Most of prenatal care is spent trying to make sure you make it safely through pregnancy (as it should). And once you get to the delivery date, most exhale. Then you realize that you actually have to take the baby home, which will be a whole new world. Check out this episode to learn things to do to prepare for discharge and how to handle your “new” home life once you get home with your little one. You’ll also learn things to watch out for that should prompt you to go back to the hospital. This one is a MUST LISTEN!! Subscribe and download now!
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  You are what you eat! 26.04.2024 40min

  On this week’s podcast episode, all your questions about what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy were answered. More importantly, during this episode, you’ll learn WHY certain foods are safe and why some should be avoided. Download and listen now to learn more. And don’t forget to share it with your friends!
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  Babies Make You Live Longer 12.04.2024 29min

  Several of you have asked if having babies later in life can cause issues with your health. Pregnancy, regardless of the age, can take a toll on the body. But there are studies that show some benefit of having babies later in life… and on average, that means living longer! Check out this episode where we discuss how babies keep you living longer. I also jump straight into your questions related to being of a mature age and having kids. Download and listen now!
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  Amniocentesis 04.04.2024 29min

  On last week's podcast episode, we chatted about Down syndrome, which sparked several questions about the amniocentesis procedure. So we discussed it at length during this week's podcast episode. An amniocentesis is a procedure that entails removal of amniotic fluid through introduction of a sterile needle into the uterine cavity, typically under ultrasound guidance. If you've been offered an amniocentesis during your pregnancy, want to learn about reasons they are done, or want to know more about what happens during and after the procedure, this is the episode for you. Download and listen now!
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  itle: Free Birth 22.03.2024 40min

  Home births for low risk patients under the care of a qualified and certified healthcare provider is a safe and comfortable way for many patients to deliver. But post-covid, there's now a rise in free birth deliveries, which excludes delivery by a healthcare provider. But is it safe? Check out this episode where I compare free birth deliveries without a midwife or physician to traditional home birth deliveries. We'll also chat about why some women are considering free births over being delivered by providers. This is a good conversation that needs to be had. Download and check out the episode now!
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  What you’re afraid to ask your provider… ask Dr. Plenty 14.03.2024 28min

  This week, we dropped another #AskDrPlenty episode. This time, the focus was on all those questions you’re too embarrassed to ask your provider . From random odors during sex to how to talk to your partner about STDs, all your questions were answered! Make sure to check out this episode to be apart of the girl talk. And if you have personal questions, send those in as well!
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  Bell’s Palsy & Pregnancy 07.03.2024 25min

  Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but there are several things that can happen during pregnancy. One diagnosis that is more than twice as likely to occur during pregnancy that we don’t talk about enough is Bell’s Palsy. Bell’s Palsy can mimic a stroke but is actually a paralysis of the facial nerve (or the main number that controls muscles in the face). Check out this episode to learn why pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to have Bell’s Palsy, the prognosis in pregnancy vs being diagnosed outside of pregnancy, and how it’s treated. If you’re expecting or want to learn more, download and listen now!
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  So Now Embryos Have Rights? 01.03.2024 30min

  With the recent ruling of the Alabama Supreme Court giving frozen embryos the same rights as children, many of you were in a state of either shock or panic, which prompted several questions. Check out this episode of the podcast where I answer your questions regarding the ruling and give my personal and professional take on it and other bigger implications to come. We also discussed some considerations if you currently have frozen embryos and/or are considering IVF in the future. You don't want to miss this episode. Download and listen now!
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  Superfetation: Is this a real thing? 22.02.2024 29min

  So recently, there was a viral story about a woman who was pregnant with one baby and then found out she was pregnant again. So, is this a real thing? Superfetation happens when a person is already pregnant and then gets pregnant again. Yep, you read it right. But how could this be, right? Well, in this podcast episode, we're going to talk about superfetation, how it's more common in animals and how difficult it is to confirm in humans. We'll also talk about why it's more likely for patients with IVF pregnancies. Download and listen to the episode now!
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  Getting Pregnant is Hard AF 15.02.2024 33min

  Although you might hear about folks "accidentally" getting pregnant, getting pregnant is actually pretty hard! And if you're struggling with infertility or questioning whether you have an issue with your fertility, trying to have a baby can feel like a full time job. Thousands of women just like you are trying to conceive as we speak. So, if you've been trying for a while, you are not alone. Join in on the conversation by checking out this episode where you will learn more about ovulation and the optimal time to have intercourse. We'll also discuss things you should avoid to increase your chances of conceiving and when you should seek help from a fertility specialist if you haven't been successful in getting pregnant. If you're planning to get pregnant, actively trying to get pregnant, or just seeking more information, this episode is a great start. Download and listen now!
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  Hemorrhage 08.02.2024 41min

  Hemorrhage, or significant bleeding, can occur at any time during or within the weeks after pregnancy. Despite advances in healthcare, it still remains the most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. Check out this episode to learn about who’s at highest risk for having a hemorrhage, causes of hemorrhage, and how it’s treated. You’ll also learn what steps you should take at home if you start bleeding. Download and listen to the episode now to learn more!