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 episode explores a range of non-medical pain relief techniques, including TENS units, breathing exercises, massage, acupressure, hydrotherapy, movement, and upright labor positions. Hear about the research on the risks, benefits, and effectiveness of each method so you can make informed decisions about which strategies to incorporate into your birth.

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

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

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 VTech Smart HD Plus is designed for families who want flexibility and peace of mind both at home and on the go. The Smart HD Plus offers high-definition video on a 5.5” parent unit and smartphone, with no monthly fees. Plus it has strong night vision for peace of mind, HD video clarity, and easy and secure smartphone access. Save 20% on the VTech Smart HD Plus with the code VTPODCAST at https://pregnancypodcast.com/hdplus

AG1 Next Gen is a clinically-backed Daily Health Drink that combines a multivitamin, probiotic, and blend of superfoods into one scoop. Just one scoop contains essential vitamins and nutrients, supports gut health, helps you feel sharp and focused, and supports a healthy immune system. Plus, AG1 is now in three new flavors: citrus, berry, and tropical. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Get a free welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2, and 5 free travel packs in your first box at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to 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

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 prenatal care schedule looks like, why visits often feel hurried, and how you can make the most of the time you have with your provider. Hear practical strategies to prepare in advance, ask effective questions, and advocate for yourself. Plus, how to explore your options if you are not satisfied with your care.

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

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 involves hard work, and pain is part of the process. The good news is that you have many options to manage pain, as long as you know what those options are. This episode covers a wide range of medical pain relief options, including epidurals, nitrous oxide, IV medications, nerve blocks, and local anesthetics. Hear about the research on the risks, benefits, and effectiveness of each method so you can make informed decisions about which strategies are right for you and your baby.

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

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that features a mechanical rocking mechanism to gently rock your baby’s crib or stroller to promote better sleep on the go. Plus it has a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and sweet lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker. Check out the Stroller Rocker and save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 at https://pregnancypodcast.com/strollerrocker.

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/

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms, 8 Sheep Organics has you covered. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days. If you feel the product has 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. Check out 8 Sheep Organics and save 10% when you go to 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