Unmedicated birth can offer many benefits, but it also involves real challenges that need preparation, planning, and support. In this episode, you’ll discover why some parents choose an unmedicated birth and what a physiologic birth without interventions looks like. Discover practical strategies to help you prepare for an unmedicated labor, if that’s the route you choose, and learn about the most common mistakes parents make when preparing for this approach. Whether you are curious about an unmedicated birth or know you want an epidural or other pain management options, understanding how the natural birth process works can help you make more informed decisions, maximize the benefits of interventions, and approach birth with confidence.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/unmedicated/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Thank you to VTech for their support of this episode. VTech offers a wide range of baby monitors designed for today’s modern parents. As the #1 Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families to deliver crystal-clear HD video, reliable performance, strong night vision, and convenient smartphone access. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps. With a large 7” screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. The Advanced HQ Max is perfect if you want private, no-fuss monitoring with premium features. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the Advanced HQ Max at PregnancyPodcast.com/HQMax. https://pregnancypodcast.com/hqmax/

The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. All 8 Sheep products come with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel they have not worked for you, or if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US. Plus, save an additional 10% off at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/

Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a relaxing way to treat yourself, but many people wonder if it's safe during pregnancy. This episode looks at the potential concerns about nail polish chemicals, like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, and reviews research on how much of these ingredients the body might absorb. Learn about gel polish, tips to reduce your exposure, what to consider about foot and leg massages during a pedicure, and how to lower the risk of infection. By the end of this episode, you'll feel confident in making the right choice for you, whether that means taking some precautions or sticking to your usual routine.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pedicure/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In the month of September 2025, save 30% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb with the code PREPOD30 and email your order number to vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com for a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the details and the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

Labor and birth are powerful, life-changing experiences, and pain is often one of the biggest concerns for expecting parents. In this episode, we reframe your perspective on labor pain by exploring why childbirth is challenging, how evolution has equipped us with adaptations, and what actually happens during each stage of labor. Learn the role of hormones, your baby’s contribution to the birth process, and the limitations of pain research. Also learn about the many factors that can influence your perception of pain, like support, environment, and positions, and the medical and non-medical interventions available to manage it. By the end of this episode, you will have a new perspective to help you feel prepared, capable, and confident as you approach your birth.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pain/

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In the month of September 2025, save 30% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tFOBgb with the code PREPOD30 and email your order number to vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com for a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the details and the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin at https://pregnancypodcast.com/vitamin/

The Pregnancy Survival Kit from 8 Sheep Organics includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. All 8 Sheep products come with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel they have not worked for you, or if you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US. Plus, save an additional 10% off at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/

Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium

Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what’s happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week

For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com