Preggie Pals

If you're planning a vaginal birth, you'll want to minimize the amount of injury caused by the birth of your baby. Episiotomies, tearing and perineal massage are all options that can create more room for your baby to pass through the birth canal. When is each option typically used and how effective are they? What is the recovery process like for episiotomies versus tearing? And why are episiotomies considered taboo these days?

You've been trying to conceive a baby, but not having much luck. Could their be a medical issue preventing you from getting pregnant? What percentage of couples seek fertility treatments to help in this process? What does a basic infertility evaluation look like? Plus, do you really have to wait a year before seeking professional help?

You're at least halfway through your pregnancy and your symptoms may be changing. Your growing belly may lead to hints of back and pelvic pain, or you may now be huffing and puffing when climbing a simple set of stairs. Or you may experience extreme heartburn, gas or swelling. What typically causes these common symptoms and how can you minimize the effects?

You're pregnant and you may not even know it yet. For many women, it's the early pregnancy symptoms that give it away. So, what type of symptoms can you expect during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy? What triggers these symptoms and what can you do to overcome them?

Circumcision has become one of the most debated issues in the country. As more information becomes available, many parents are refraining from circumcision and instead choosing to keep their boys intact. What are some of the benefits of keeping your child's foreskin intact? Should you be concerned about potential health risks, such as disease and overall cleanliness? Plus, details on a bill that aims to ban circumcision for all underage males.  BONUS CONTENT:How did circumcision come into existence and makes its way to the United States?

We begin a two-part series focused on infant circumcision, which is a procedure that more and more parents are questioning in the United States. What exactly happens during this process? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages? How can your child's age make a difference? And why is the procedure considered so controversial? Next week, we'll discuss the benefits of foregoing circumcision and staying intact. Brought to you by our sister show, Parent Savers!

Determining your due date is one of the first things that happens at your initial prenatal appointment. What are the common methods used when figuring out this date? What happens if your exact due date can't be determined and how can it impact future treatment? Plus, what's happens if your due date comes and goes and your baby still hasn't arrived?

The placenta is an amazing organ providing nourishment to your baby throughout your pregnancy. But did you know your placenta can provide you with essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs after childbirth? What are some of the benefits of consuming your placenta and are these benefits well documented? Are there any known risks or side effects? Plus, how is the placenta prepared and the importance of the herbs added during the encapsulation process.

Many pregnant women are hesitant about having any type of dental work done during pregnancy. However, maintaining proper dental care if actually recommended throughout your pregnancy. Why is good oral hygiene extremely important while pregnant? Is it safe during all trimesters? And what should pregnant women know about dental medications, antibiotics and x-rays?

The temperatures outside are rising- right along with your growing belly. And keeping your body cool is essential for both you and your baby. How does a pregnant woman's body temperature impact her pregnancy? What do you need to know about the sun, perspiration and exposure to air conditioning? Plus, our facebook fans share what helped them stay cool during the warm summer months.

PP063: Bonus Content! Understanding Pregnancy Food Cravings and Aversions

Most pregnant women will experience at least one food craving or aversions during their pregnancy. So, what causes us to have these dramatic feelings towards certain foods? Will they continue throughout your pregnancy? How do you "tame" these intense feelings? Plus, what in the world are pica cravings?

Women have been giving birth at home since the beginning of time. So, why are planned homebirths today considered so risky? What are some of the pros and cons of this type of childbirth? And the BIG question... is it really safe?

If your baby was born prematurely, you may be concerned the same thing could happen with your future children. What exactly does a preterm labor and preterm birth look like? What factors typically trigger labor prior to 37 weeks gestation? And what can you do to minimize those risks?

When a woman becomes pregnant after 35, she is considered to be of advanced maternal age. But, what exactly does that mean? What are some of the increased risks associated with pregnancy and older women? Plus, does your prenatal care change and how?