Creating a Successful Birth Plan

Whether you’re giving birth naturally, or planning for an epidural, it’s all starts with having a birth plan. What elements should you include in your plan? How many pages should it be? How should you present it to your healthcare provider? Making these decisions in advance will help you create the best birth experience possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frequent trips to the bathroom? You're not alone. But, what if your ability to control your bladder after pregnancy was greatly reduced? It happens to many women and unfortunately it's just not discussed enough to embarrassment and misinformation. Today, we're breaking down those barriers and taking an honest look on how pregnancy and labor and delivery can impact urinary incontinence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know your blood type? When you're pregnant, the Rh factor in your blood type is important because it could conflict with the baby's blood type. What determines a baby's blood type and Rh factor? At what point during your pregnancy can their blood type be determined? And how will your pregnancy change if your baby's blood is incompatible with your own?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy changes you, both physically and emotionally. So, it only makes sense that sex would be impacted by pregnancy as well. What changes can you expect during the various trimesters? How can you overcome body issues and retain your intimacy? Plus, what are the positions that typically work best when pregnant? Disclaimer: This is an open and honest discussion about sex. As such, we have rated this episode as having "adult content". Please listen with discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your water breaks. What do you do now? It's not always as dramatic as the movies make it out to be, but you should still be prepared. What can your amniotic fluid tell you about your baby? Why are babies usually delivered shortly after a mother's water breaks? And what does T.A.C.O. have to do with it?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You had a cesarean with your first baby, and now you're pregnant again. Should you plan for another operation or go for a vaginal birth after cesarean, also known as a VBAC? What are some of the risks associated with having a repeat c-section? What makes you a good candidate for a VBAC? We'll give you the facts to help you determine which option is best for you.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many reasons you may need to have a fetal non-stress test, or NST, during your pregnancy. Perhaps your baby isn't moving as much as before or perhaps you have a high-risk pregnancy. So, how are these tests performed, and are there any risks to mom and baby? Also, what typically happens if the results are abnormal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is usually a happy, healthy event. But some moms-to-be may experience complications or chronic conditions that threaten their well-being or that of their baby. What does it mean to have a high-risk pregnancy? What are the common risk factors? And what type of care can you expect to receive if this happens to you and your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body is changing — growing belly, growing breasts — so your wardrobe is bound to change. So, how do you adapt to all these changes without breaking the bank? What are some essential pieces you can use during and after pregnancy? Do you have to buy everything new? What about buying gently used clothing from second hand stores or borrowing from friends? Plus, we'll discuss the benefits of renting maternity clothes that perfectly fit you during each trimester! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where should you birth your baby? If a hospital doesn't feel right but home birth is also out of your comfort zone, then you may want to consider a birthing center. So, what exactly is a birthing center and what type of care can you expect to receive?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices