Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

We've all seen the images on television and in the movies. A woman in labor screams her head off as she's pushing her baby through the birth canal. We've been trained to think this experience is going to be painful. So, what are your pain management options? What are epidurals and spinals and when are they used? What additional medications can help take the edge off while allowing you to stay mobile throughout labor and delivery? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's face it. There's a lot of pressure to find the perfect baby name. What are the current national trends when it comes to naming your newborn? What are the most common struggles parents have in choosing their names? Is there a specific formula you should follow when it comes to naming siblings and twins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each pregnancy is different, so how are we supposed to know if the symptoms we are currently feeling are "normal"? How can you tell if there's something really wrong? Today we'll expose the top 10 reasons when you'll want to pick up the phone and call your doctor or midwife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnancies result in healthy babies. However, moms-to-be are offered prenatal testing as a way to determine if there are any known abnormalities in the growth and development of their unborn child. What are the benefits and risks of prenatal testing? What tests are you offered and when? And how can genetic counseling help you through the process?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've reached the end of your pregnancy. Your due date has passed and still no baby. Fortunately, there are some safe non-invasive ways to give your baby a gentle nudge down the birth canal. When should you consider self-induction and what methods work best? Today we're separating fact from fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You think you're having contractions, so it's off to the hospital you go! So, what should you expect when you arrive? At what point are you provided with a labor and delivery room? How many people will be caring for you as you await your baby's big debut? And what typically happens after your baby is born? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your baby is on the way, so making your baby registry is a top priority. What should you consider when selecting the best breast pump for you and your baby? What are the benefits of a manual hand pump versus an electric pump? What other features should you be looking for? Plus, additional accessories to help make your pumping experience as pleasant as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an expectant parent, there are so many terms to learn and new “feelings” to identify in pregnancy. What does the term “the baby has dropped” really mean? What does it feel like? How do you know what’s going on? And what does this mean for your labor and delivery? Learn more about the signs your baby has dropped in pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you're pregnant? Nausea is one of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice, and it could stay with you for a while. So, what actually causes morning sickness? What types of foods and vitamins help make you feel better? Plus, our panelists share how they coped with morning sickness during their pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're in the process of picking out your dream team when it comes to pregnancy and birthing your baby. But what about picking a pediatrician to help care for your baby? That's right! Choosing your pediatrician is highly recommended prior to your baby's birth! How do you find a pediatrician that's right for your family? What important questions should you ask them? And what type of care can you expect shortly after delivering your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You were planning for a vaginal birth, but then you learn your baby is breech. Fetal position is often overlooked until late in the pregnancy, so what are your options? Should you try and get your baby to turn? Can you deliver a breech baby vaginally? What are the concerns for both mom and baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sudden bursts of energy have led you to clean out the fridge, sweep out the garage and reorganize your sock drawer. The good news is, you're not alone. What exactly is the nesting instinct during pregnancy? Who gets it? And how can we effectively use it without driving our partners (and other people around us) completely crazy? Plus, one of our listeners from Maine joins us as a special guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're mid-pregnancy and you need to change your medical care provider. Eeek! There are a million reasons why. Perhaps your insurance changed, you moved or you're simply unhappy with your current OB/GYN or Midwife. So, what happens next? How do you tactfully "break up" with your current provider and how do you (quickly) find someone new who can help you? What about transferring medical records and billing? Our heads are spinning just thinking about it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to caring for an amazing newborn baby, your postpartum period will almost certainly bring more stress and challenges than you anticipated. Preparing a postpartum plan can help make this transition into parenthood a bit smoother. So, what should you consider when creating your postpartum plan? When should you create it, and who should be part of the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your first baby was born via c-section and with this time you're hoping to have a vaginal birth, or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). You may have heard about some of the risks, but what does it all actually mean? Are VBACs riskier than having a repeat c-section? What factors should you consider before making this big decision for both you and your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices