logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
47m 29s

Evidence on the Risks and Benefits of In...

VANESSA MERTEN
About this episode
In a perfect world, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature, and you spontaneously go into labor on your due date. In reality, nearly one in four expecting mothers undergo a procedure to induce labor. The key is knowing when an induction may be medically necessary and when it may be better to wait it out. Explore the many reasons a care provider may suggest an induction, from medical considerations to practical concerns. Learn your options, the various methods used to initiate labor, how each approach works, the potential risks and benefits, and why timing matters. This episode examines the evidence on all of your options, including stripping and sweeping membranes, misoprostol (Cytotec), dinoprostone (Cervidil & Prepidil), synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), using a laminaria or balloon catheter, and breaking your water.      Thank you to our sponsors   The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother has every feature you could possibly want to transform any room into a sleep sanctuary. Create ideal sleep patterns and environments for your baby so your whole family gets better and longer sleep. The V-Hush Pro has built-in sleep programs and sleep tips from WeeSleep experts, over 200 pre-programmed stories, classical music, lullabies, and natural sounds. You can even record and upload your own voice, songs, or stories using the subscription-free app. The VTech V-Hush Pro Baby Sleep Soother is available at Walmart and Amazon.   The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE. FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 11 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app   Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. That’s a $48 value for FREE! Just one daily scoop provides whole-body benefits like gut, immune, and stress support. AG1 sources bioavailable ingredients that actually work with your body. Plus, their formula has all non-GMO ingredients and contains no added sugar. With AG1, I know I am filling any nutrient gaps and supporting my gut for healthy digestion. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)     Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.     Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.     Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.     For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Up next
Oct 5
The Safety of Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Other OTC Medications During Pregnancy
Acetaminophen, best known by the brand name Tylenol, is an ingredient in over 600 over-the-counter medicines and has long been considered the safest choice for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Recently, it made headlines after President Trump publicly spoke out against t ... Show More
37m 47s
Sep 28
Non-Medical Pain Management Options for Labor
Labor can be intense, but you have many alternatives to cope with pain beyond the medical options your doctor or midwife offers. You can use non-medical pain management strategies on their own if you plan to avoid medical interventions, or alongside tools like an epidural. This e ... Show More
44m 51s
Sep 24
Q&A: Tips for When Prenatal Appointments Feel Rushed
You only get a limited amount of time with your doctor or midwife during prenatal care, and a lot needs to be covered over nine months. This episode answers a listener’s question about feeling rushed at appointments and leaving with unanswered questions. Learn what a typical pren ... Show More
19m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2
Why Your Baby or Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
Send us a textYour child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you.Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understand the “why” behind sleep struggles, sensitivities, and attention challenges — and remind you that brains are bui ... Show More
24m 48s
Feb 2021
How Late Is TOO Late For Birth Prep?
We often get comments like, "I'm so sad I just found your podcast/birth course, I only have a few weeks until I give birth." To which we say, GREAT! That means you still have time to do tons of prep work. In case you're wondering about the very most important things you ... Show More
37m 35s
Oct 2022
Week 26 Baby Blue Eyes
Welcome to week 26 of your pregnancy. 14 weeks to go! Find out how your baby is growing this week and learn what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.   See a picture of what your baby look ... Show More
5m 34s
Jul 8
How to Get Your Toddler to Listen Without Yelling: 7 Everyday Strategies Ep 111
Send us a textIs your toddler always pushing back, melting down, or refusing to help? From messy playtime to getting out the door, you’ll learn how to: – Encourage turn-taking, even with babies – Turn cleanup into connection – Use routines and rules to reduce drama – Make transit ... Show More
41m 10s
Sep 9
The 7 Stages of Play: Building Your Child’s Brain from Birth to Age 3 Ep 120
Send us a textMost parents think play begins with dolls and pretend kitchens — but the earliest stages of play start long before that… and missing them could mean missing crucial communication growth.From nibbling on their fists, to peekaboo and pretend play -- your child’s first ... Show More
31m 15s
Sep 16
Is Daycare Really Helping Your Child? What Parents Need To Know Ep 121
Send us a textShould you homeschool through kindergarten or send your child to preschool? You’ll discover the truth about “socialization,” what’s actually happening in many early childhood programs, and how to confidently decide what’s right for your family — without guilt, press ... Show More
33m 51s
Aug 5
Understanding Reflux with Alison Scott Wright
If you're a tired parent looking for real solutions to sleepless nights, or a mum with a reflux baby, you've come to the right place! Today’s guest has been helping families around the world transform their baby’s sleep with her proven, gentle, and effective methods, for over two ... Show More
50m 24s
Sep 15
Mindful Mouse's Cozy Library 🐭📚
This skill-building bedtime story teaches children how to tune into their physical sensations and use that awareness to help themselves feel more comfortable and present. Mindful Mouse can't settle down to read in her favorite library spot - her shoulders feel tight and her mind ... Show More
32m 20s
Jul 29
Consent Starts at Home
Consent. It’s a word that feels loaded, emotionally charged, and deeply important. In this episode, Dr. Becky lays the groundwork for what it means to model consent in everyday parenting - helping kids build self-trust, practice setting boundaries, and know their voice matters. S ... Show More
32m 24s
May 2024
Hope and Help for Taboo Topics in Postpartum Care :: Krystle Howald [Ep 467]
Did you know that once you are postpartum you are always postpartum? Do you have issues from pregnancy, birth, or c-sections that have followed you and don’t know where to turn? Do you know that only 4% of parents are getting the movement that they need?  Today Krystle Howald, a ... Show More
56m 43s