This week’s episode is a power replay of a listener favorite all about... your due date! Yep, that little date carries a whole lot of weight. From test scheduling to birth decisions, your due date impacts nearly everything during pregnancy, which is why it’s so important to get it right.

But here’s the truth: only about 4% of babies are actually born on their due date. In this updated episode, I explain why I actually hate the term “due date” and what I think we should be doing instead. You’ll learn how due dates are determined, why accuracy matters so much, what a suboptimally dated pregnancy means, and what your real options are if you go past your due date.

We also talk about the risks of late-term and post-term pregnancies, and why informed, individualized decision-making is the most empowering approach.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your due date is so much more than just a countdown
• The most accurate way to determine your due date (hint: it's all about timing)
• What happens if your pregnancy goes beyond 40 or even 42 weeks
• Why due dates shouldn’t be treated like expiration dates
• What stillbirth risk actually looks like — and how it changes week by week
• Your options if you go past your due date and how to make the best choice for you
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✨ Ready to stay informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey? Join my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email for exclusive updates, discounts, and more expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s Power Replay time! In this quick and fun storytime episode, I’m sharing how I found out I was pregnant with both of my sweet girls and let’s just say, all of my OB/GYN training went right out the window both times!

You’ll hear the unexpected twists and honest moments from my own journey to motherhood, including how I nearly scheduled surgery before realizing I was pregnant and how I completely missed the signs the second time around. Yes, even OB/GYNs can be totally surprised by a positive test!

Plus, I share a few tips about pregnancy tests and early signs that might surprise you too.

If you’ve got your own “I didn’t know I was pregnant” story, I’d love to hear it! DM me on Instagram @drnicolerankins or email me through my website.

✨ Don’t miss the chance to join my email list for even more insights, tips, and support: drnicolerankins.com/email

This episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with gems to guide you through your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey with confidence and grace.

With nearly 15 years of experience as an OBGYN and thousands of births under my belt, I know firsthand that while birth is unpredictable, you can absolutely be prepared. In this replay, I’m sharing 11 powerful, must-know tips that will help you be calm, confident, and empowered—no matter what your birth looks like or where it happens.

From building a support system and preparing for the unexpected, to taking care of yourself and bonding with your baby before they’re even born, these tips are relevant whether it’s your first baby or your fifth. Trust me, you’ll want to take notes.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to make the most of every prenatal care visit
• The importance of attending all your checkups and being prepared for them
• What a strong support system looks like and why it matters
• How to have better communication with your birth partner
• Sweet ways to bond with your baby during pregnancy
• Why self-care is necessary, not selfish
• Tools for managing the stress that comes with this transformational time

If you want to feel more grounded, informed, and in control during this journey, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward a beautiful experience.

👉🏽 Be sure to sign up for my email list for more pregnancy and birth tips at drnicolerankins.com/email