Advertise on podcast: Pregnancy Pearls

Is this a normal pregnancy symptom—or should you call your doctor? You don’t have to figure it out alone. On this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, Dr. Nicole Plenty discusses how to recognize symptoms that deserve a call to your OB-GYN, an in-person evaluation, or emergency help. From bleeding and possible water breaking to contractions and changes in your baby’s movement, she explains why reaching out is part of protecting your health—not overreacting. Dr. Plenty also covers concerning headaches, vision changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, and other warning signs. She reminds listeners that some complications can develop after delivery, making it important to stay attentive to changes during the postpartum period, too. In this episode’s listener question, a patient at 32 weeks describes noticeably weaker and less frequent fetal movement but worries about the cost of a hospital visit. Dr. Plenty addresses those concerns while explaining why a few movements after a snack cannot replace an assessment when something feels different. Today’s pearl: You are not wasting anyone’s time by reporting a pregnancy warning symptom. Know your baby’s usual movement, keep your care team’s after-hours number handy, and follow the instructions specific to your pregnancy. Have a question or pregnancy experience to share? Email [email protected]. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

Thinking about another baby? The calendar is only one part of the conversation. On this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, Dr. Nicole Plenty explores what deserves attention before your next pregnancy—from physical recovery and previous pregnancy complications to fertility concerns, emotional readiness, and the support you’ll need. Dr. Plenty breaks down pregnancy spacing and explains why feeling recovered doesn’t always mean your body is ready to begin again. She discusses how experiences such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and a C-section can inform your next pregnancy plan, along with the importance of reviewing medications, managing existing health conditions, and scheduling a preconception consultation. In this week’s listener case, a 37-year-old mother wants to grow her family after a complicated delivery but worries that waiting could affect her fertility. Dr. Plenty walks through the medical and emotional questions that deserve attention before trying again, including lingering anxiety and birth trauma. Today’s Pregnancy Pearl: Don’t just ask, “How long should I wait?” Ask what needs to be healthier, treated, healed, or planned before your next pregnancy. You deserve to move forward informed, supported, and with a plan. Have a pregnancy question or experience to share? Email [email protected]. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

In this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, Dr. Nicole Plenty explains why pregnancy spacing matters and how the body continues recovering long after delivery. From rebuilding iron stores and balancing hormones to allowing the uterus and pelvic floor to heal, the time between pregnancies can affect both maternal health and the development of the next baby. Dr. Plenty discusses the potential risks associated with becoming pregnant again too quickly, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, placental complications and maternal anemia. She also explains why waiting too long may present additional concerns—and why many experts consider 18 to 24 months between delivery and conception an ideal range for women without age-related fertility concerns. But pregnancy planning is not one-size-fits-all. For women over 35, those approaching 40, patients who required fertility treatments or those hoping to conceive after a C-section, the conversation becomes more individualized. Dr. Plenty explains how medical history, fertility, previous pregnancy complications, emotional well-being and family support should all influence the decision. A 37-year-old listener who recently delivered her first child writes in with a deeply personal question: Should she wait the recommended 18 months, or begin trying sooner to preserve her chances of having the three children she and her husband have always wanted? Dr. Plenty walks through the questions that should guide that decision and reminds listeners that becoming pregnant sooner than planned does not mean they have done anything wrong. It may simply mean that additional monitoring is needed to support a healthy pregnancy. This episode’s clinical pearl: The best time for another pregnancy is not determined by the calendar alone. It is determined by your health, your fertility and your family’s overall goals. To submit a question or suggest a future topic, email [email protected]. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Visit: MeanOleLionMedia.com Follow Mean Ole Lion Media on Instagram: @MeanOleLionMedia Watch on YouTube: Mean Ole Lion Media TV Follow Pregnancy Pearls on Instagram: @Pregnancy_Pearls Follow Pregnancy Pearls on Facebook: @PregnancyPearls

In this episode of the Pregnancy Pearls Podcast, host Dr. Pliny breaks down May-Thurner syndrome (iliac vein compression syndrome)—a condition that is frequently overlooked when evaluating leg swelling and blood clot risks in expectant mothers. Learn why anatomic compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery creates a 'garden hose' pressure effect, why pregnancy unmasks these symptoms, and how to differentiate normal pregnancy swelling from a serious vascular concern. Key Topics Covered: Anatomy & Pathophysiology: What Mae Thurner syndrome is and how compression leads to sluggish blood flow, chronic venous hypertension, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pregnancy Risk Factors: How hypercoagulability, increased clotting factors, vein dilation, and uterine pressure exacerbate clot risks. Prevalence & Symptoms: Why up to 1 in 5 adults have compression without knowing it, and key red flags such as persistent left-sided leg swelling, heaviness, pelvic discomfort, or recurrent DVTs. Diagnosis: Limitations of leg compression ultrasounds for high pelvic veins, and when to consider pelvic Doppler, MRI/MR venography, or postpartum CT venography. Treatment & Management: Safe anticoagulation in pregnancy (therapeutic vs. prophylactic Low Molecular Weight Heparin / Lovenox), avoiding contraindicated oral anticoagulants/warfarin, compression therapy, and postpartum stenting options. Listener Case & Clinical Pearl: Addressing persistent unilateral swelling and empowering patients and providers to advocate for further workup. Connect & Contact: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @pregnancy_pearls Facebook: @pregnancypearls

In this special crossover episode of Pregnancy Pearls and Oh That’s Deep: Black Women Conversations, Dr. Nicole Plenty is joined by her friend and co-host Jănine Brunson for an honest conversation about uterine fibroids—a condition that affects millions of women and disproportionately impacts Black women. Dr. Plenty explains what fibroids are, the symptoms they can cause, their potential impact on fertility and pregnancy, and the treatment options available. Jănine then shares her deeply personal journey, from living with debilitating pain and uncontrollable bleeding to undergoing two myomectomies and fighting to preserve her fertility. Together, they confront the expectation that Black women should quietly endure pain, reveal how fibroids can disrupt work, intimacy, confidence, and everyday life, and emphasize the importance of listening to your body, seeking second opinions, and finding a provider who respects your goals. Fibroids may be common, but suffering in silence should never be. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

In this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, Dr. Nicole Plenty explains hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious pregnancy condition involving persistent nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and significant weight loss. Drawing from both her medical expertise and her own difficult pregnancy experience, Dr. Plenty discusses common symptoms, possible hormonal factors, available treatments, and the warning signs that require urgent medical attention. The episode also addresses the emotional toll of hyperemesis, especially for mothers who feel guilty because they cannot work, care for their families, or function as they normally would. Responding to a listener who has lost weight, required IV fluids, and is struggling despite medication, Dr. Plenty offers an important reminder: hyperemesis is a real medical condition—not a lack of strength, gratitude, or willpower. Today’s Pregnancy Pearl: Don’t measure your pregnancy against someone else’s highlight reel. Needing medication does not mean you failed. Going to the hospital does not mean you are weak. Asking for help does not mean you are ungrateful. Your job is not to tough it out—it is to take care of yourself so your baby has the healthiest environment possible. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

In this episode of the Pregnancy Pearls Podcast, Dr. Nicole Plenty breaks down what expecting moms need to know about vaccinations during pregnancy. She discusses the flu, Tdap, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, addressing common concerns and misconceptions while explaining why certain vaccines are recommended to protect both maternal and infant health. Dr. Plenty also explains passive immunity—how antibodies developed by mom can be passed to the baby, providing important protection during those vulnerable first months of life. And because medicine continues to evolve, Dr. Plenty explores how vaccine recommendations can change as new research and scientific evidence become available, reminding moms-to-be why conversations with their healthcare providers are an important part of making informed decisions throughout pregnancy. Whether you're expecting, planning a pregnancy, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers another important Pregnancy Pearl to help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

Your baby is breech. Does that automatically mean you need a C-section? It’s a question that can create anxiety, confusion—and plenty of conflicting advice. In this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, double board-certified OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Nicole Plenty breaks down what expecting parents need to know about breech babies and the complicated decision between a planned C-section and attempting a vaginal breech delivery. Dr. Plenty explains the different types of breech presentations, why most breech babies in the United States are delivered by C-section, and the very specific circumstances in which a vaginal breech delivery may be considered. She also discusses the potential risks to both mother and baby, why the experience of the delivering provider and hospital team matters so much, and how an external cephalic version (ECV) may offer another option by attempting to turn a breech baby head-down before delivery. Then, a listener who is 38 weeks pregnant with her third baby writes in with a real dilemma: after two uncomplicated vaginal births, her baby is now frank breech. One physician recommends a C-section while another says she may be a candidate for vaginal delivery. How do you make a decision when there may not be one perfect answer? Dr. Plenty walks through the questions patients should be asking—not only about their own pregnancy, but about their provider’s experience, anesthesia availability, nursing support, emergency C-section capability, and whether ECV should be considered first. Most importantly, she emphasizes the need for balanced counseling, informed decision-making, and patient advocacy without fear, pressure, or shame. Today’s Pregnancy Pearl: A vaginal breech delivery is not automatically unsafe, but it is highly selective. The safest outcomes depend on the right patient, an experienced provider, and the right delivery environment and support systems. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

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.

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!

🎉 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!

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!

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.

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!

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!