logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
44m 50s

Pregnancy Crash Course for Dads and Part...

VANESSA MERTEN
About this episode
Most of what people know about having a baby comes from movies or what they have heard from friends. That is not enough to prepare you for what lies ahead. Understanding the basics of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery can make a big difference in how well you support your partner. More importantly, it will help you feel more confident as you navigate pregnancy, labor, and life as a new parent. This episode is a crash course on what dads and partners need to know, from the moment you find out you are going to be a parent through bringing your baby home.
 
While most of the Pregnancy Podcast listeners are expecting mothers, this episode is designed for fathers and partners. If you are pregnant and listening, I hope you will share this with your partner so they can feel more prepared and better understand what to expect. If you are pregnant without a romantic partner or co-parent, please know that you do not have to go through this alone. Lean on your friends, family, and support network as you navigate this significant transition in your life.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
VTech is the most trusted choice for baby monitors and North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor has every feature you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and have peace of mind that they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon.
 
20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size.
 
 
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
Yesterday
Supporting and Boosting Your Immune System During Pregnancy
<p>How the immune system works, how it shifts during pregnancy, and what those changes mean for staying healthy. Learn why the most effective way to support your immune system begins with the core foundations of your health. The episode also examines the evidence on popular immun ... Show More
56m 1s
Nov 16
Hypertension and the Hidden Risk Beyond Your Blood Pressure Checks
<p>Some fluctuations in blood pressure during preganncy are expected, but hypertensive disorders are one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. This includes chronic or gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP, and eclampsia. High blood pressure ... Show More
33m 7s
Nov 12
Q&A: Common Questions About Prenatal Vitamins
You probably know that taking a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy is important, but there's more to it than just that simple advice. I've received a lot of questions recently, including: When should you start taking a prenatal vitamin? Is a prenatal really that different from a m ... Show More
18m 59s
Recommended Episodes
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
Oct 15
The Gut-Baby Connection: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know
<p>Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s shaping your baby’s health from the very first bite!</p><p>In this episode, we uncover the surprising ways your gut impacts baby’s immune system, brain development, and even lifelong wellness.</p><p>From what to eat each trimester, to ... Show More
32m 58s
Apr 2024
The Episode Your Birth Partner NEEDS to Hear on How to Best Support You During Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum
<p>In addition to educating yourself on your options for your birth experience, one of the most important things a mama needs is a supportive birth partner. Your birth partner should know how to support you, advocate for you, and anticipate your needs during labor. You can learn ... Show More
39m 14s
Sep 2024
David Arrell's Blueprint for First-Time Dads: Embrace the Journey of Fatherhood
<p>David Arrell, founder of Welcome to Fatherhood, discusses how dads can actively engage in the pregnancy process by viewing it as their own journey. Dads are encouraged to participate through birth classes, doula support, and conversations with their partners emphasizing emotio ... Show More
46m 42s
Jul 2024
How to babyproof your relationship
With a baby on the way, you'll need to babyproof your home — and your relationship. In this episode, how to strengthen your connection with your partner and survive the newborn phase. Learn how to navigate fairness in domestic responsibilities, keep a cool head on little sleep, a ... Show More
24m 6s
Jan 2025
Ep. 442 Jessica Zadeh: Before Birth
Functional prenatal and postpartum nutritionist Jessica Zadeh joins the podcast to discuss the third trimester of her first pregnancy in this before birth story. Jessica's nutrition masterclass is now streaming on Informed Pregnancy Plus. Connect with the guest: @holistic.mama.nu ... Show More
39 m
Sep 2
Why Your Toddler’s Brain Needs THIS: The First Years Explained Ep 119
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974663/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Your child’s brain isn’t finished at birth — it’s built day by day, through you.</p><p>Whether you have a baby or a toddler, this episode will help you understan ... Show More
24m 48s
May 2023
First Trimester Meditation
In the first of a new series with meditations that are specific for each trimester of pregnancy this 9 minute guided meditation helps you rest your body, trust and know that your body and baby know what to do and visualize your baby's first few weeks of life as it grows and devel ... Show More
10m 35s
Oct 22
Birth Story: Her Water Broke Early...and Everything Changed w/Lisette & Doug Boal
<p><b><em>Join the </em></b><a href='https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted'><b><em>My Essential Birth Course</em></b></a><b><em> by November 4th and get TWO exclusive BONUSES: </em></b><em>The Belly Mapping Guide &amp; Partner Belly Binding Video Tutorial. It&apos;s everyth ... Show More
52m 16s
Jun 2025
SSRIs in Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks, & Your Options
<p>Let’s talk about something that affects so many mamas but often gets brushed under the rug—mental health during pregnancy. In this episode, I’m getting real about SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), what they are, how common they are, the benefits and the risks (y ... Show More
47m 19s