Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

Today's expecting mothers are much more proactive in their approach to childbirth preparation, and that's one reason why Hypnobabies has become so popular. What exactly is Hypnobabies and how does it differ from Hypnobirthing? What does it take to become successful in using this technique? Plus, is it really possible to have a "pain-free" birth? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning your baby registry can seem a bit overwhelming. If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, you may still want to add baby bottles to your list. How do you know what bottle is best for your baby? What should you know about the bottle size, style and the type of nipple? And what about all those baby bottle accessories? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The process of conceiving a child is nothing short of a miracle. What exactly needs to happen in order for a woman to become pregnant? How does ovulation work and how can you use your cycle to track your fertility? How do sperm travel to the egg and how does fertilization and implantation occur? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body is changing — growing belly, growing breasts — so your wardrobe is bound to change. So, how do you adapt to all these changes without breaking the bank? What are some essential pieces you can use during and after pregnancy? Do you have to buy everything new? What about buying gently used clothing from second hand stores or borrowing from friends? Plus, we'll discuss the benefits of renting maternity clothes that perfectly fit you during each trimester! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re giving birth naturally, or planning for an epidural, it’s all starts with having a birth plan. What elements should you include in your plan? How many pages should it be? How should you present it to your healthcare provider? Making these decisions in advance will help you create the best birth experience possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frequent trips to the bathroom? You're not alone. But, what if your ability to control your bladder after pregnancy was greatly reduced? It happens to many women and unfortunately it's just not discussed enough to embarrassment and misinformation. Today, we're breaking down those barriers and taking an honest look on how pregnancy and labor and delivery can impact urinary incontinence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnant women will experience at least one food craving or aversions during their pregnancy. So, what causes us to have these dramatic feelings toward certain foods? Will they continue throughout your pregnancy? How do you "tame" these intense feelings? Plus, what in the world are pica cravings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know your blood type? When you're pregnant, the Rh factor in your blood type is important because it could conflict with the baby's blood type. What determines a baby's blood type and Rh factor? At what point during your pregnancy can their blood type be determined? And how will your pregnancy change if your baby's blood is incompatible with your own?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You had a cesarean with your first baby, and now you're pregnant again. Should you plan for another operation or go for a vaginal birth after cesarean, also known as a VBAC? What are some of the risks associated with having a repeat c-section? What makes you a good candidate for a VBAC? We'll give you the facts to help you determine which option is best for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you may need to forego you favorite drink while you're expecting, you shouldn't have to miss out completely. Introducing the "mocktail" which combines great ingredients and garnishes for the perfect non-alcoholic drink during your pregnancy. Today we're putting some of these recipes to the test by making them right in our studio! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy changes you, both physically and emotionally. So, it only makes sense that sex would be impacted by pregnancy as well. What changes can you expect during the various trimesters? How can you overcome body issues and retain your intimacy? Plus, what are the positions that typically work best when pregnant? Disclaimer: This is an open and honest discussion about sex. As such, we have rated this episode as having "adult content". Please listen with discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your water breaks. What do you do now? It's not always as dramatic as the movies make it out to be, but you should still be prepared. What can your amniotic fluid tell you about your baby? Why are babies usually delivered shortly after a mother's water breaks? And what does T.A.C.O. have to do with it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices