Cold and flu season is upon us, and it’s projected to be a pretty rough season. For protection, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot. Additionally, a new RSV vaccination is also recommended DURING pregnancy for the first time. Check out the latest podcast episode to learn more about this vaccine, how it can affect your unborn baby and another RSV vaccination option if you are unsure about getting the vaccine during pregnancy. This one is informative and much needed info if you’re pregnant. So, download and listen now!

New Podcast Episode Alert: Postpartum Planning Hey, friends! Our latest podcast episode is out, and this time we tackle the topic of postpartum planning. While pregnancy can be tough, it is only the beginning. The postpartum period can be a challenging time as you adjust to your new body and take care of your newborn. Additionally, lingering conditions from pregnancy can arise in the weeks that follow. Tune in to this episode to discover the changes that occur in the first six weeks after pregnancy and how to prepare for life beyond the six-week postpartum course. Trust me, this is one episode you don't want to miss! Download and listen now!

This summer, we saw record weather temperatures across the country. Just when you thought we were done with the summer, this September, we're still experiencing heat waves! But did you know that extremely hot temperatures do more than just make people feel uncomfortable?! Yep, for pregnant women, ongoing hot weather means increased risks of bad things in pregnancy, like preterm labor and even heat strokes. Check out this week's episode to find out more about how heat can affect pregnancies and ways to keep you and your baby safe.

In light of recent viral social media coverage, this week Dr. Plenty kicked off the Season 4 premier discussing the importance of self-advocacy. The recent headline about decapitation during the birthing process is, unfortunately, not a unique story. And it doesn't matter whether you deliver at home, in a birthing center, or in a major hospital system, complications can happen. To reduce your risk, check out this episode as Dr. Plenty breaks down key factors in the Ross/Taylor vs. Dr. Julian/Southwest Regional Medical Center lawsuit and also gives her advice on how to get prepared for pregnancy, questions to ask during pregnancy, and how to advocate for yourself during labor and delivery. This is a "must-listen"! Subscribe, download, and listen now.

So many people are having kids later in life now for various reasons, such as waiting until your career is established, waiting for #MrRight, or just because you want to.  Because of this, you might look up and find yourself beyond the of age 40 years old.  But that’s ok.  Tune in to this episode to learn how pregnancies during your post 30 years can be different than having kids younger.  If you’re approaching this age group and desire to have kids, you’ll also learn how to be as prepared as possible to decrease your risk of complications.  This is the season finale, and it’s a good one! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June promotes awareness of several different diseases and health causes, and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.  Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition that causes your body's immune cells to break down the substances that cause your muscles to function. Because of this, people with disease have generalized weakness, drooping eyelids, issues with chewing and swallowing, and sometimes pain and trouble breathing. Check out this episode to learn more about MG and how it affects pregnancy.  You'll also learn about treatment of MG in pregnancy and how treatment of some diseases specific to pregnancy are altered. If you're into learning, this is a good one! Make sure to download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Plenty discusses “back labor”.  Back labor is severe labor pain caused by the position of the baby’s head.  Check out this episode to learn more about the typical position of your baby’s head as it moves through the birth canal and also head positions that cause more pain in labor.  You’ll also hear cases and questions related to how back labor is managed and if it causes risks with future pregnancies.  Download and listen now.  And, share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Plenty responds to some emails from listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: During the pandemic, many routine things that were previously done were halted to save resources. Well, many standard practices are back... including drug testing.  For some practices and/or hospital systems, all patients are drug tested at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. For others, only patients who have a ""high suspicion"" for drug use are tested. Don't shoot the messenger. I didn't make the rules.  But, check out this episode to find out more about drug testing and what happens if the test is positive.  You'll also learn more about how babies are tested and monitored if mom's test happens to be positive for various reasons. Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conditions dealing with thyroid function are pretty common in pregnancy. So on this week's podcast episode, we discuss low thyroid function aka hypothyroidism. Check out this episode to learn how hypothyroidism is diagnosed and how the condition is impacted by pregnancy. You'll also learn about the treatment and the complications to unborn babies when hypothyroidism is uncontrolled. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping in line with preeclampsia awareness month, this week we discuss one of the complications that can happen with preeclampsia and that's a seizure.  But some people have a known seizure disorder... so how would your doctor know if the seizure is caused by complications of preeclampsia (eclampsia) or a seizure from a seizure disorder. During this episode, we discuss different types of seizures, how they're managed in pregnancy, and how seizure disorder is differentiated from eclampsia.  You don't want to miss these pearls!  Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When most people, or at least providers, think about a headache in pregnancy, preeclampsia is usually the first diagnosis that comes to mind.  However, not all headaches are caused by preeclampsia. Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a common disorder in those of childbearing age that causes increased pressure in the brain and headaches.  Check out this episode to learn more about this diagnosis, how it's managed, and when it should be considered instead of preeclampsia. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but… sometimes you have to give up some things you love.  Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your beloved coffee altogether, but you do need to limit caffeine intake in pregnancy.  Too much caffeine can cause some issues during pregnancy, like growth issues with the baby and even prematurity.  Find out how much is too much by checking out this episode of the podcast.  You’ll also learn about other foods and beverages to avoid and/or limit due to its caffeine content.  Download and listen now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's preeclampsia awareness month, so of course I had to talk about it on this week's podcast episode.  One of the complications of preeclampsia is HELLP Syndrome, which stands for ""Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelet"" syndrome. HELLP syndrome can be very dangerous in pregnancy because it is associated with bleeding complications, stroke, and even death! Check out this episode to learn all about this serious complications of preeclampsia, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.  Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that, despite being very treatable, is still on the rise worldwide. With the increase in cases of syphilis, naturally, the number of babies born with congenital syphilis has also profoundly increased.  Check out this episode to learn about the stages of syphilis, how it's transmitted to unborn babies, and how it affects babies during pregnancy and beyond.  You'll also learn about treatment for prevention of congenital syphilis. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that some people have a heart-shaped  uterus or even two uteri?  Yeah, it’s a thing! The shape of your uterus can have an impact on if you get pregnant and the outcome of that pregnancy.  Check out this episode to learn about abnormalities of the uterine shape and how it can impact your pregnancy and even other organ systems.  Download and listen now… and don’t forget to share with your friends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During pregnancy, one reason that an anatomy ultrasound is done is to evaluate for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. Some chromosomal abnormalities are associated with major birth defects, and some are not. One common chromosomal abnormality that can be associated with abnormal ultrasound findings is Turner syndrome.  With this syndrome, the baby is missing one of the X-chromosomes. Listen to this episode to find out about common findings associated with Turner syndrome, how it is diagnosed, and the management of the syndrome during pregnancy and after delivery.  Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pregnancy is a stressful time, and it can bring out the best and the worst of some couples.  Some couples really work and act as a team while others are plagued with drama.  From paternity testing during pregnancy, to mistresses and divorce, she's seen it all. In this episode, Dr. Plenty discusses relationships in pregnancy and how to confront these issues head on. She also answers questions related to the least invasive paternity testing, domestic abuse, and how to plan before pregnancy to strengthen your relationship. All couples should download and listen to this one!  Go ahead, and check it out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Easter holiday weekend is coming up, but some of you might be stuck in the hospital.  Being away from friends and family can be especially difficult particularly during holidays.    But know that you’re doing what you have to do to keep you and your baby safe. Download and listen to this episode to find out common reasons for prolonged hospital stays during pregnancy, what’s needed to be managed at home instead, and ways to cope with being in the hospital. If you know someone in the hospital, make sure to share this episode with them!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the warmer months are approaching, many of you are getting ready for your baby moons or spring break trips with your families. If you're going to have some fun in the sun, don't forget your sunscreen!  We often forget that our skin takes a daily beating, even in cooler weather, but definitely as the weather warms up.  So we must be diligent in taking steps to protect our biggest organ-- our skin. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and one of the most common cancers diagnosed during pregnancy. Like most skin cancers, you can reduce your risk by using sunscreen daily, particularly when out and about on sunny days. But what happens if you're pregnant with a suspicious area on your skin that ends up being a melanoma? Check out this episode to learn more about melanomas, how they are treated and how pregnancy is safely navigated if it's diagnosed. You'll also find out more about melanomas and how it can affect your unborn baby. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.