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In this episode, Dr. Sterling discusses cervical exams during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing patient consent and comfort. Learn about why these exams are performed, how to make them more comfortable, and get a brief introduction to membrane sweeping as a potential labor-inducing procedure. Key MomentsYour Right to ConsentPurpose of Cervical ExamsBishop Score ExplainedMaking Exams More ComfortableIntroduction to Membrane Sweeping Connect With Us: Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast Email your questions to [email protected]

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down everything you need to know about gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy. From test procedures to understanding results, this guide helps expectant parents navigate this important aspect of prenatal care with confidence and clarity. Key MomentsOne-Step vs. Two-Step ScreeningTest Preparation & What to ExpectUnderstanding ResultsAlternative Testing Options Important RemindersDr. Sterling emphasizes that abnormal results don't mean you've "failed" a test, and that the majority of people who have an abnormal one-hour test will not be diagnosed with gestational diabetes after the three-hour test. For those who are diagnosed, 70% can manage with diet and exercise changes alone. Connect With Us: Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast Email your questions to [email protected]

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling walks you through everything you need to know about the second trimester anatomy ultrasound—what it is, what to expect during your appointment, and how to make sense of the findings. Whether you’re wondering why your bladder needs to be full, what a “low-lying placenta” means, or why you might be asked to come back for another scan, this episode is packed with clarity and reassurance. From understanding how the ultrasound works to breaking down common findings (like EIFs and choroid plexus cysts), Dr. Sterling gives you the facts—without the fear. Key Moments What the anatomy ultrasound actually looks forWhat happens during the appointmentCommon reasons you might be asked to come backFindings that sound scary but usually aren’tWhat "limited by maternal habitus" actually means Connect With Us Join the Sterling Parents community: www.sterlingparents.com Follow us on Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast Send your questions to: [email protected]

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling explores the fascinating world of fetal movement during pregnancy—when it begins, how it feels, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. Whether you're experiencing those first subtle flutters or wondering about movement patterns, this episode provides clarity and reassurance about this exciting milestone. Key MomentsEarly Movement DetectionWhat Movement Feels LikeTiming DifferencesMonitoring Movement Connect With Us Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast Email your questions to [email protected]

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down the complex world of genetic screening and testing in pregnancy. From understanding the difference between screening and diagnostic tests to navigating the various options available at different stages, this guide helps expectant parents make informed decisions about their prenatal care journey. Key Moments - Screening vs. diagnostic testing explained - First trimester screening options - Cell-free DNA testing benefits - Second trimester screening approaches - Special considerations for twin pregnancies - Making informed decisions Connect With UsJoin the Waitlist: sterlingparents.comInstagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastAdvanced Maternal Age ClassThe Libido & Orgasm LabThe Complete VBAC Guide

In this insider's guide to first trimester care, Dr. Sterling pulls back the curtain on what really happens at your early prenatal appointments. From transvaginal ultrasounds to weight discussions, genetic screening options to aspirin recommendations, she provides a comprehensive roadmap while sharing practical tips most providers don't tell you. Key MomentsFirst appointment expectationsWeight discussions and recommendationsPhysical exams and testing explainedGenetic screening conversationsAspirin recommendations for preeclampsiaInsider tips for navigating care Connect With UsJoin the Waitlist: sterlingparents.comInstagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastSubmit questions: [email protected] Maternal Age Class

In this episode, Dr. Sterling addresses one of pregnancy's most challenging emotions: fear of loss. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she offers a groundbreaking approach to managing anxiety while making decisions about sharing pregnancy news, using home dopplers, and building essential parenting skills. Powerful Quotes"Emotions aren't good or bad - they're pieces of information and data that our body and brain are sending us." - Dr. Sterling "I would rather honor my boundaries and have you be upset with me than to betray myself." - Dr. Sterling Connect With Us Join Sterling Parents Membership Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastSubmit questions: [email protected]

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down pregnancy guidelines with a refreshing, evidence-based approach centered on personal wellness. Moving beyond rigid rules, she explains the science behind common recommendations while emphasizing the importance of individual decision-making and self-compassion. Get ready for the do's and don'ts of food safety guidelines, caffeine and alcohol, beauty product safety, exercise recommendations and more. Connect With Us Join Sterling Parents Membership Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastSubmit questions: [email protected]

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down exactly what you need to know in those first crucial weeks after seeing those two pink lines. From calculating your due date to choosing the right provider, this episode offers evidence-based guidance for starting your pregnancy journey. Key Moments [35 mins]00:00 - Series introduction and app announcement 03:15 - Calculating your due date accurately 08:30 - When to schedule first appointments 15:45 - Choosing your healthcare provider 22:30 - Prenatal vitamin essentials 28:15 - Managing early pregnancy emotions Expert InsightsDr. Sterling breaks down: Why 8-10 weeks is standard for first appointmentsExceptions for earlier careNICU levels and hospital selectionPractice styles and their pros/consPrenatal vitamin componentsEarly pregnancy emotional changes Connect With Us Join Sterling Parents Membership Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastSubmit questions: [email protected]

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sterling welcomes Dr. Cassidy Freitas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in maternal mental health. Using her powerful "car metaphor," Dr. Cassidy breaks down how to develop a new relationship with anxiety during the reproductive years and beyond, offering practical tools for managing anxious thoughts without trying to eliminate them completely. Powerful Quotes"Anxiety is like a backseat passenger in your car - it has important data to share, but it shouldn't be in the driver's seat." - Dr. Cassidy "We can only avoid these parts of ourselves for so long until they get louder and louder to the point where we can't ignore them anymore." - Dr. Cassidy Connect With UsFollow Dr. Cassidy: @drcassidy and check out drcassidymft.com Join Sterling Parents: sterlingparents.comSubmit questions: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Erica Djossa, registered psychotherapist and founder of Momwell, to unpack the invisible mental load of motherhood. From her personal breakdown-turned-breakthrough after her third postpartum experience to creating an innovative maternal mental health platform, Erica shares insights on why mothers carry so much invisible work and how to create more equitable partnerships. Key Moments [45 mins]00:00 - Introduction to the mental load crisis 07:15 - The "laundry mountain" breaking point 15:30 - Gender roles and societal conditioning 22:45 - Partner dynamics and sharing knowledge 32:20 - Raising boys to challenge default patterns 38:45 - Creating sustainable support systems Connect With UsFollow Momwell: @momwellJoin Sterling Parents: sterlingparents.comSubmit questions: [email protected]

Join Dr. Sterling and she dives deep into the science behind nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), affecting over 90% of pregnant people. Drawing from both current research and her personal experience with severe pregnancy nausea, Dr. Sterling breaks down why it happens, what's normal, and most importantly - how to get help when you need it. Key Moments [45 mins] 00:00 - Introduction and prevalence of NVP 05:30 - The science behind pregnancy nausea 15:45 - Risk factors and genetic components 22:30 - Treatment options and medication safety 35:15 - Nutrition strategies and prenatal vitamins 40:00 - When and how to advocate for yourself Myth-Busting Quotes "It's not in your head. There's a reason you feel so terrible - we have the science to prove it." - Dr. Sterling "We are prescribing too few medications for this and aren't moving people through the treatment algorithm at a fast enough pace." - Dr. Sterling Connect With Us Join Sterling Parents Membership Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcastSubmit questions: [email protected]

Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Sterling sits down with Kimberley Quinlan, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and self-compassion. With her unique background in cognitive behavioral therapy from Oxford and extensive experience treating anxiety disorders, Kimberley shares profound insights on why self-criticism often intensifies in motherhood and how to break free from perfectionism. Key Moments [45 mins] 00:00 - Introduction to Kimberley Quinlan's expertise 05:30 - The evolutionary roots of self-criticism 12:15 - Why self-compassion is harder in motherhood 18:45 - Breaking free from achievement-based worth 25:30 - Practical self-compassion exercises 35:20 - Modeling self-kindness for our children Powerful Quotes "The practice of self-criticism and self-judgment actually has played a role in our evolution... However, now we're not in that threatening environment. We're overusing a strategy that can be helpful in dire situations in everyday life." - Kimberley Quinlan "Being willing to feel your emotions is actually, it's so simple. But listen... these very simple things of being slightly kinder to yourself and feeling your emotions... can be life changing." - Dr. Sterling Resources Mentioned Kimberley's Website & PodcastKimberley's Instagram: @youranxietytoolkitSterling Parents Membership Connect With Us Follow Ask Dr. Sterling: @askdrsterlingpodcastJoin Sterling Parents Membership for expert supportSubmit questions: [email protected]

In this candid mini episode, Dr. Sterling and co-host Claire share their personal stories of being shockingly unprepared for postpartum. After a listener reached out through their new broadcast channel asking how an OB-GYN could be unprepared, Dr. Sterling breaks down the reality of postpartum preparation in 2024 versus her first experience in 2017. Quick Listen Highlights [25 mins]00:00 - Introduction and listener question 03:45 - Dr. Sterling's 2017 postpartum experience 08:30 - The Pinterest-perfect nursery trap 12:15 - What actually matters postpartum 16:40 - Physical vs emotional preparation 20:30 - Critical life skills for new parents Real Talk TakeawaysWhy physical prep isn't enoughThe mental load no one talks aboutHow social media has changed postpartum expectationsWhy nursery decoration shouldn't be your priorityEssential emotional preparation strategies What Actually Matters"Challenging doesn't have to mean terrible. There are ways to prepare ourselves with life skills, but they're not things you can learn at 32 weeks from a blog." - Dr. Sterling Sterling Parents TipsStart emotional preparation early in pregnancyFocus on your bedroom setup over nursery decorationBuild critical life skills before baby arrivesCreate a healing, calming space where you'll actually spend timeInvest in support systems over aesthetic items Connect With UsJoin our Broadcast Channel: @drsterlingobgyn on InstagramSterling Parents MembershipSubmit your questions: [email protected]

Join Dr. Sterling as she sits down with Dr. Emily Seidler, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF and Harvard Medical School instructor, who shares her powerful transition from fertility specialist to IVF patient. Learn how her professional expertise shaped her personal fertility journey, including her decision to freeze eggs at age 33 and ultimately use them to conceive her daughter through IVF at age 39. Key Moments00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Emily Seidler's story 05:30 - The decision to freeze eggs in her early 30s 12:45 - Transitioning from doctor to patient 18:20 - Making the choice to use frozen eggs 25:30 - The IVF transfer process and success 35:40 - Professional insights gained from personal experience Episode Highlights"Egg freezing is not an insurance policy, but it's a reassurance policy." - Dr. Emily Seidler Expert InsightsDr. Seidler debunks common fertility myths and shares evidence-based approaches to: Timing of fertility treatmentsGenetic testing optionsEmbryo transfer protocolsAge-related fertility decisionsManaging treatment expectations Follow Dr. Emily Seidler: @EmilySeidlerMD on InstagramConnect With UsFollow Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast: @askdrsterlingpodcastJoin Sterling Parents MembershipSubmit your questions: [email protected]