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In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our Diabetes Technology Series with a discussion of insulin formulations and practical considerations for insulin therapy in pregnancy. Dr. Rachel Harrison joins Drs. Linda Barbour and Celeste Durnwald to explore basal, rapid-acting, and concentrated insulins, including how to individualize treatment based on glucose patterns, changing insulin requirements, medication access, and patients' daily routines. The discussion also highlights multidisciplinary care, shared decision-making, and strategies for adjusting insulin therapy and minimizing hypoglycemia during the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Additional Resources:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38870526/  Full Transcript

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our Diabetes Technology Series with a practical discussion on remote glucose monitoring in pregnancy. Dr. Heidi Leftwich is joined by Dr. Karin Fox and Dr. Amy Valent to explore how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and other remote monitoring tools are changing diabetes management in maternal-fetal medicine. The conversation covers how clinicians can use glucose trends to guide treatment decisions, identify patients who may benefit from closer remote follow-up, and use CGM data to support patient engagement and timely medication adjustments. The speakers also discuss strategies for managing large volumes of glucose data, setting expectations with patients, and developing effective team-based workflows. The episode then turns to the operational side of remote monitoring, including documentation, coding and billing considerations, integration into clinical workflows, and practical approaches for implementing remote glucose monitoring within an MFM practice. Resources:  https://events.medscapelive.org/website/93785/ Insulin Management for Gestational and Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy Application of continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery technologies for pregnant women with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes: an international consensus statement Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes Management During Pregnancy

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we kick off our Diabetes Technology Series with a practical discussion on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in pregnancy. Dr. Irina Cassimatis is joined by Dr. Camille Powe and Dr. Ashley Battarbee to explore how CGM data can inform diabetes management across different patient populations, including those with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Through case-based scenarios, the conversation covers key CGM metrics and pregnancy-specific targets, interpreting glucose patterns, addressing discrepancies between CGM and finger-stick readings, and using CGM data to guide insulin adjustments. The speakers also share practical strategies for incorporating CGM into MFM practice, including patient education, clinical workflows, team-based data review, and approaches to avoiding data overload. Whether your practice is already using CGM or considering broader implementation, this episode offers practical insights for integrating this evolving technology into the care of patients with diabetes in pregnancy. Additional Resources:  SMFM CGM Billing/Coding document - https://www.smfm.org/news/ambulatory-continuous-glucose-monitoring Diabetes Technology. Deciphered. | PANTHER Program

In this SMFM Podcast episode, Dr. Kecia Gaither and Dr. Ahize Eke discuss SMFM's updated statement on acetaminophen use during pregnancy. They examine concerns about possible associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, review the limitations of the available evidence, and explain why acetaminophen remains a first-line treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. The episode also offers practical guidance for counseling patients who may be concerned about acetaminophen use based on recent headlines or information online.  Resource:  Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Statement: Acetaminophen use during pregnancy - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Click here to access the full transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison is joined by Dr. Minhazur Sarker to discuss one of the most common challenges in academic medicine: turning research into a completed manuscript. Despite the time and effort invested in research, a significant portion of work presented at conferences never reaches publication, limiting its impact on clinical care and future studies. Dr. Sarker shares an innovative, practical approach to overcoming this barrier through the "gamification" of manuscript writing. By breaking the writing process into smaller, trackable steps, this method helps reduce overwhelm, improve accountability, and support steady progress toward completion. Together, they explore key barriers to manuscript completion, strategies for developing strong research questions, and practical ways mentors and trainees can work together to move projects from presentation to publication. This episode offers actionable insights for maternal-fetal medicine fellows, trainees, and practicing clinicians looking to enhance research productivity and successfully disseminate their work. Resources:  Approaching the Blank Document

The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce notable changes in protein recommendations, dietary patterns, and overall messaging, but how do these updates translate to pregnancy care? In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Cara Dolin and registered dietitian Hillary Hart to explore what these new guidelines mean for obstetric clinicians. Together, they break down key updates, highlight areas of alignment (and misalignment) with current pregnancy nutrition evidence, and offer practical strategies for counseling patients in real-world clinical settings. This discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized care, critical evaluation of guidelines, and actionable nutrition principles that support both maternal and fetal health. Listeners will learn: Key updates in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and their relevance to pregnancy Evidence-based nutrition principles that remain essential for maternal and fetal health How to approach counseling on protein intake, fats, and ultra-processed foods Practical ways to support patients facing barriers such as food insecurity Simple, high-impact nutrition strategies clinicians can incorporate into routine visits For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. Additional Resources: 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (pregnancy & lactation section still recommended for use)  Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report   Harvard Healthy Eating Plate   American Diabetes Association – Patient Education Library SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units.  After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: Describe the role of OB hospitalists in modern obstetric care. Explain the rationale and goals of the SMFM/SOGH strategic partnership. Recognize common challenges and best practices in collaboration between MFMs and OB hospitalists. Identify anticipated short-term and long-term outcomes of the partnership for hospital-based obstetric care. For more educational resources from SMFM visit education.smfm.org.

Description:  In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin. The conversation reviews key updates to the USPSTF recommendations, how the checklist supports systematic identification of eligible patients, and practical strategies for implementation in diverse practice settings. The episode also explores the companion process-based quality metric aimed at improving aspirin initiation by 16 weeks and helping practices measure adherence and equity in care. Resources:  Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Updated checklists for preeclampsia risk-factor screening to guide recommendations for prophylactic low-dose aspirin - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Society for Maternal Fetal-Medicine Special Statement: Prophylactic low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention—quality metric and opportunities for quality improvement - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discussion focuses on how a standardized postpartum checklist can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality by ensuring consistent patient education, supporting home blood pressure monitoring, promoting timely follow-up, and improving transitions to ongoing care. The episode also explores practical implementation strategies, systems-level considerations, and the associated quality metric designed to help practices measure adherence and impact. A link to the checklist and quality metric is included in the show notes and is available on the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/331-society-for-maternal-fetal-medicine-special-statement-checklist/   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of the SMFM Cardiovascular Symptom Checklist, to discuss a concise, one-page tool designed to guide systematic triage of cardiovascular symptoms in pregnant and postpartum patients. The conversation highlights how structured symptom assessment can help distinguish physiologic findings from those warranting further evaluation, reduce missed diagnoses, and promote consistency across care settings. This episode is intended for maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and obstetric clinicians involved in outpatient care, phone triage, urgent care, and emergency settings. A link to the checklist can be found below and is available on the SMFM website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for triage and work-up of persons with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and postpartum - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current vaccine guidance, disparities in vaccine uptake, strategies for effective patient counseling, and best practices for clinic preparedness, including staff education, vaccine stocking, and infection control policies. They also highlight trusted resources for providers and patients to support safe and effective vaccination during pregnancy. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Addendum for the 2026-2027 respiratory disease season: The recommendation timing for the maternal RSV vaccine is from September 1st through March 1st, rather than through January 31st, to accommodate the anticipated longer RSV season, as observed during the 2025-2026 season.    Additional Resources: ·        SMFM Resources o   SMFM Fellow Lecture Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season  o   SMFM Podcast Preparing for Annual Respiratory Disease Season  o   Infectious Disease Resources  §  SMFM COVID-19  §  SMFM RSV  §  SMFM Influenza o   SMFM Patient Education Resources  §  Vaccination During Pregnancy  ·        Government Agency Resources:  o   For Clinicians  CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel  CDC Respiratory Disease Season Outlooks  CDC "From Me, To You" Communications Effort (De Mí, Para Ti)  CDC "Wild to Mild" Social Media Toolkit  HHS "Risk Less, Do More" Campaign for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines for Pregnant People  CDC Prenatal Care and Routinely Recommended Vaccinations  CDC 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older (Full schedule with notes)  CDC MMWR: Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccination Coverage Among Adults (November 2024)  ·        Peer Organization Resources:  o   For Clinicians  AAFP Immunization Resources  ACNM Immunization Resources  ACOG Immunization Resources  AWHONN Immunization Resources  NPWH Immunization Resources  For Patients  ACOG   MotherToBaby FactSheets MotherToBaby Immunization and Pregnancy Education (En Español)  Vaccinate Your Family  Immunize.org

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Amy Valent to discuss folic acid and its critical role in pregnancy. They review dietary and supplemental sources, the distinctions between folate, folic acid, and methylfolate, and evidence-based recommendations for dosing before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and support fetal development. Dr. Valent also addresses considerations for populations of higher-risk patients, limitations of supplement regulation, and the lack of evidence for routine MTHFR testing, providing practical guidance for clinicians counseling patients on folic acid intake.    Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: Government Agency Resources: For Physicians  CDC Folic Acid Facts: For Clinicians CDC Folic Acid: Sources and Recommended Intake CDC MTHFR Gene Variant and Folic Acid Facts CDC #InMyFolicAcidEra Toolkit CDC From Heritage to Health Toolkit GAO Prenatal Supplements: Amounts of Some Key Nutrients Differed from Product Labels NIH Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals FDA Folate and Folic Acid on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels Peer Organization Resources:  ACOG Nutrition During Pregnancy ACOG Practice Bulletin on Neural Tube Defects MotherToBaby Folic Acid | Folate Fact Sheet MotherToBaby Folic Acid – Is More Really Better?

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Bart Staat welcomes Dr. Britton Rink to discuss the updated SMFM Consult #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated Guidelines. They explore key changes from previous guidance, including recommendations for sex chromosome aneuploidy, microdeletions, twin pregnancies, and managing non-reportable results—offering practical tips to help clinicians apply the latest evidence in practice.  Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes Dr. Teresa Sparks and Dr. Mary Norton, authors of the upcoming SMFM Consult on the evaluation and management of non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis. Together, they explore updated recommendations on nonimmune hydrops (primarily in singleton gestation) and discuss how MFMs can navigate these challenging cases, support maternal health, and help guide families through difficult decisions.   Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Kay Daniels and Dr. Carey Eppes for an important conversation on emergency preparedness in the setting of obstetric (OB) care. Together, they break down the four key principles of emergency preparedness—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—and explore how these apply to both OB clinicians and their patients.  Using real-world examples like wildfires, poor air quality, tropical storms, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, and mass casualty events, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of what OB clinicians need to know in the face of natural disasters. Drs. Daniels and Eppes explain how hospitals are structured to respond to emergencies, what resources are typically available, how OB and maternity care units manage care during emergencies and most importantly, the role OB providers play during these critical situations.  The episode also offers actionable guidance for helping pregnant and postpartum patients prepare for emergencies. From what to include in an emergency kit to how clinicians can effectively communicate and stay connected with patients during and after a disaster, this episode is a must-listen for providers committed to delivering safe care—even in the most unpredictable circumstances.    Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.