Dr. Plenty, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and high risk pregnancy expert. She's brilliant, well-researched with a great bedside manor.... but she is a little feisty and will "tell it like it is". Growing tired of seeing complications in pregnancy that could have been prvented, she wanted a way to help women empower themselves through knowledge so they can advocate for themselves. This quest to educate women birthed this podcast.
Listeners of Pregnancy Pearls Podcast that love the show mention: plenty, dr.
The Pregnancy Pearls Podcast is an incredible resource for anyone involved in the field of labor and delivery. As a labor and delivery RN, I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Plenty at my hospital, and she has always impressed me with her dedication to patient advocacy and her vast knowledge on the subject. This podcast has allowed me to continue learning from her expertise even after she left our hospital. Dr. Plenty truly is a pearl herself, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her through this show.
One of the best aspects of The Pregnancy Pearls Podcast is its ability to bring listeners into the exam room, providing an intimate experience where unique and interesting pregnancy cases are discussed in detail. As a lifelong learner, this podcast offers me the chance to continually expand my knowledge and stay up-to-date with current research in the field. Dr. Plenty's conversations with her intern are engaging, informative, and often enlightening. Her ability to break down complex concepts into understandable terms makes it accessible for both medical professionals and laypeople alike.
Another great aspect of this podcast is that it complements the existing YouTube channel by offering a different format that allows for a deeper dive into the content. While watching videos can be helpful, listening to podcasts allows for a more focused experience since there are no visual distractions. It also provides flexibility for busy individuals like myself who may not always have time or access to watch videos but can easily listen during commutes or while doing other tasks.
Unfortunately, like any podcast, The Pregnancy Pearls Podcast does have its limitations. The lack of visuals can sometimes make it difficult to fully comprehend certain medical procedures or concepts that may require visual aids. It would be beneficial if there were occasional episodes that include descriptions or even guest interviews where visual demonstrations could be explained verbally.
In conclusion, The Pregnancy Pearls Podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pregnancy cases or working in labor and delivery. Dr. Plenty's expertise, patient advocacy, and dedication to research shine through in each episode. While the lack of visuals may pose a limitation at times, the podcast format provides a convenient and focused way to learn and expand one's knowledge. I highly recommend this podcast to both medical professionals and individuals interested in pregnancy-related topics.
Placental encapsulation involves the process of steaming, dehydrating, and grinding the placenta into a power that is then filled into capsules. Recently, there's been a lot of talk about this topic. Check out this episode of the podcast to learn the pros and cons of placental encapsulation (based on my honest opinion). Then, you can make your decision own decision! Download and listen now!
On this week's episode of the podcast, we got a little scholarly and learned about primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). You're probably wondering what that is, right? Well, it's a type of chronic liver disease that is rare but is diagnosed most often in women during their reproductive years. Check out this episode to learn more about PSC, how it affects pregnancy, and how it's managed. Download and listen now! And let your friends know, too.
A lot of us now have higher educational and career aspirations, and that's a great thing! So, it's not uncommon to see people waiting until their 40s or even 50s to have children. Although age should not limit the desire to have children, there are some health considerations that should be discussed prior to conceiving. Check out this episode for the pros and cons to having babies after age 40yo and what you can do to prepare. Download and listen now!
The growth of your baby during the pregnancy is a predictor about how healthy your baby really is. But why do some babies have poor fetal growth rates and some don't? Check out this episode where we explore reasons for fetal growth restriction (aka small babies during pregnancy), what high risk physicians look for when evaluating it, and how it is managed. You'll also learn about prognosis and why some babies need to be delivered early. Download and listen now!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Unfortunately, 1:5 adults in the U.S. suffering from mental health issues, and during and after pregnancy is not an exception to this statistic. Actually, the physical impact of pregnancy compounded by lack of sleep and demands of a newborn exacerbate these diagnoses. Check out this episode of the podcast to learn about mental health issues, how they are addressed in pregnancy, and what you can do for loved ones suffering from them. Download and listen now!
In this episode, we have a little heart to heart. Some of us are making excuses for not following provider recommendations, calling it self advocacy. Asking questions, getting a second opinion, and even transferring your care are all things you SHOULD do when you feel you are not getting the answers or attention that you need. But it's really important to follow through on recommendations. And if you don't, be upfront and honest about not doing so and why. Check out this episode to learn tips for effective communication with your provider and the importance of being compliant. EVERYONE can benefit from this episode. Download and listen now!!
Most of prenatal care is spent trying to make sure you make it safely through pregnancy (as it should). And once you get to the delivery date, most exhale. Then you realize that you actually have to take the baby home, which will be a whole new world. Check out this episode to learn things to do to prepare for discharge and how to handle your “new” home life once you get home with your little one. You'll also learn things to watch out for that should prompt you to go back to the hospital. This one is a MUST LISTEN!! Subscribe and download now!
On this week's podcast episode, all your questions about what you can and can't eat during pregnancy were answered. More importantly, during this episode, you'll learn WHY certain foods are safe and why some should be avoided. Download and listen now to learn more. And don't forget to share it with your friends!
Several of you have asked if having babies later in life can cause issues with your health. Pregnancy, regardless of the age, can take a toll on the body. But there are studies that show some benefit of having babies later in life… and on average, that means living longer! Check out this episode where we discuss how babies keep you living longer. I also jump straight into your questions related to being of a mature age and having kids. Download and listen now!
On last week's podcast episode, we chatted about Down syndrome, which sparked several questions about the amniocentesis procedure. So we discussed it at length during this week's podcast episode. An amniocentesis is a procedure that entails removal of amniotic fluid through introduction of a sterile needle into the uterine cavity, typically under ultrasound guidance. If you've been offered an amniocentesis during your pregnancy, want to learn about reasons they are done, or want to know more about what happens during and after the procedure, this is the episode for you. Download and listen now!
Home births for low risk patients under the care of a qualified and certified healthcare provider is a safe and comfortable way for many patients to deliver. But post-covid, there's now a rise in free birth deliveries, which excludes delivery by a healthcare provider. But is it safe? Check out this episode where I compare free birth deliveries without a midwife or physician to traditional home birth deliveries. We'll also chat about why some women are considering free births over being delivered by providers. This is a good conversation that needs to be had. Download and check out the episode now!
This week, we dropped another #AskDrPlenty episode. This time, the focus was on all those questions you're too embarrassed to ask your provider . From random odors during sex to how to talk to your partner about STDs, all your questions were answered! Make sure to check out this episode to be apart of the girl talk. And if you have personal questions, send those in as well!
Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but there are several things that can happen during pregnancy. One diagnosis that is more than twice as likely to occur during pregnancy that we don't talk about enough is Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy can mimic a stroke but is actually a paralysis of the facial nerve (or the main number that controls muscles in the face). Check out this episode to learn why pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to have Bell's Palsy, the prognosis in pregnancy vs being diagnosed outside of pregnancy, and how it's treated. If you're expecting or want to learn more, download and listen now!
With the recent ruling of the Alabama Supreme Court giving frozen embryos the same rights as children, many of you were in a state of either shock or panic, which prompted several questions. Check out this episode of the podcast where I answer your questions regarding the ruling and give my personal and professional take on it and other bigger implications to come. We also discussed some considerations if you currently have frozen embryos and/or are considering IVF in the future. You don't want to miss this episode. Download and listen now!
So recently, there was a viral story about a woman who was pregnant with one baby and then found out she was pregnant again. So, is this a real thing? Superfetation happens when a person is already pregnant and then gets pregnant again. Yep, you read it right. But how could this be, right? Well, in this podcast episode, we're going to talk about superfetation, how it's more common in animals and how difficult it is to confirm in humans. We'll also talk about why it's more likely for patients with IVF pregnancies. Download and listen to the episode now!
Although you might hear about folks "accidentally" getting pregnant, getting pregnant is actually pretty hard! And if you're struggling with infertility or questioning whether you have an issue with your fertility, trying to have a baby can feel like a full time job. Thousands of women just like you are trying to conceive as we speak. So, if you've been trying for a while, you are not alone. Join in on the conversation by checking out this episode where you will learn more about ovulation and the optimal time to have intercourse. We'll also discuss things you should avoid to increase your chances of conceiving and when you should seek help from a fertility specialist if you haven't been successful in getting pregnant. If you're planning to get pregnant, actively trying to get pregnant, or just seeking more information, this episode is a great start. Download and listen now!
Hemorrhage, or significant bleeding, can occur at any time during or within the weeks after pregnancy. Despite advances in healthcare, it still remains the most common cause of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide. Check out this episode to learn about who's at highest risk for having a hemorrhage, causes of hemorrhage, and how it's treated. You'll also learn what steps you should take at home if you start bleeding. Download and listen to the episode now to learn more!
It's February, which means that it's Black History Month and Heart Health Month. So on this episode of the podcast, we discussed heart disease, one of the top causes of pregnancy-related deaths in women, particularly Black women. Check out this episode of the podcast where you'll learn about different types of heart disease, symptoms of heart disease and warning signs of a heart attack. You'll also find out if you're at risk for heart disease and steps you should take before, during and after pregnancy to ensure that you safely navigate through the pregnancy and beyond. EVERYONE should listen to this episode. Knowing more could save your life or the lives of your loved ones. Subscribe and download now!
A lot of us have made resolutions as we kick off 2024. For some, it might be to lose weight. For others, it could be to save for a house. But for many people, it's to be healthier, including kicking that nasty smoking habit. There are a ton of smoking alternatives on the market with e-cigarettes and nicotine patches being two of the most common ones. But if you're pregnant, are these alternatives safe? Check out this episode of the podcast where we explore the risks of vaping and nicotine patch use to you and your unborn baby compared to traditional cigarette use. If you're trying to quit and still considering having children, this is one to definitely listen to. Download and listen now!
Dr. Plenty is on vocal rest this week so we are giving out pearls, case pearls. Dr. Plenty's intern has pulled some of the doctor's most wanted cases for you to review. Make sure to Subscribe, follow, rate and comment wherever you get your podcasts.
You know those martinis you like so much… or the vodka and pineapple drinks you have with your friends every Friday night for girls night? Ever wonder how drinking can play a role in your fertility journey? If so, check out the latest podcast episode where I answer all your preconception questions related to drinking ranging from social drinking to binge drinking. We chat about it all! Subscribe, download and listen now!
OB/GYNs are leaders in women's health and pregnancy care. But did you know that other providers who work in collaboration with OB/GYNs or provide prenatal care independently as well? Yep! Check out this episode to find out about different prenatal care providers and to learn which type of provider is right for you and your prenatal journey. Download and listen now!
Ever wonder what's the big deal about your baby being in butt down? Well, on this week's episode, we discussed different types of breech presentations and how it's managed during pregnancy and delivery. We also discussed how your baby being breech can impact care after delivery. This episode is an insightful one, so go ahead and download and listen now!!
Description: Have you ever watched one of those TV shows where the person didn't know they were pregnant until in labor? Wonder how that's possible? A lot of people wonder, too. Well, when someone doesn't know they are pregnant until really late in pregnancy or until labor starts, this is called a cryptic pregnancy. Check out this episode to learn how this could happen and how it's handled. You'll also hear some interesting cases related to this topic. This episode is a good one! Download and listen now. And don't forget to share with your friends.
Back in the day, no one really had birth plans. Patients would just go in and follow the lead of the OB nurse and physician. But in this day and age, women want more control over their bodies and want happens in the delivery room, which is a good thing! Check out this episode to learn more about pregnancy birth plans, what to include in it, and when to discuss different aspects of it with your provider. Make sure to download, listen, and share with your friends, too!
So a lot of us gained some weight during the pandemic, and this year, ya'll have been trying to drop the pounds. And some of you will start to try to do so again for your new year's resolution. Right now for weight loss, everyone is raving about Ozempic, aka semiglutide, aka Wegovy. And for some of you, you get pregnant while still being on it. Check out this episode to learn more about this drug, how it helps with weight loss, and how you are managed if you happen to get pregnant while taking it. Download and listen to the episode now. And surely you know someone who has taken this medication. Make sure to share the episode with them as well!
Planning for a pregnancy is definitely important for countless reasons. But sometimes, it doesn't happen that way. Unintended or unplanned pregnancies make up about 45% of pregnancies worldwide. So if you're having an #oopsbaby, you are not alone. Check out this episode to find out how you can adjust to having an oops baby and learn what steps you can take to get on track to have a healthy pregnancy. Download and listen now!
Fibroids are extremely common, especially in Black and Brown women. Over half of women will develop fibroids during their childbearing years. During pregnancy, oftentimes, fibroids don't cause any symptoms at all. But sometimes during pregnancy, fibroids can increase in size so fast that they outgrow their own blood supply. This is when fibroid degeneration happens, which can lead to severe pain. Download and listen to this episode to find out more about fibroids, fibroid degeneration, and how it affects pregnancy. You'll also learn how fibroid degeneration is treated and how long, on average, you will have to deal with associated pain. Go ahead... check out the episode now!
For a lot of us, life is hectic right now. And for some, pregnancy planning combined with life events can be overwhelming. During pregnancy, you have to juggle appointments, sometimes with multiple types of providers. You have to figure out if your living space still fits your growing family. You have to think about bills, maternity leave, and how to continue to keep up with bills if you decide to take an extended leave that's not fully paid. And this stressful planning doesn't take into account if something happens to a family member or some other natural disaster happens to happen. Many of you have asked questions about how stress actually affects your pregnancies. Well, during this episode, we go straight to the questions so you can learn just that. Tune in as we discuss how to cope with stress and how it can affect the outcome of your pregnancy. Download and listen now!
Heartburn, aka acid reflux, aka indigestion, is super common in pregnancy. Surprisingly, we haven't discussed it much during any of our previous episodes. So, this week, a whole episode is dedicated to doing just that! Check out this episode to learn more about heartburn, why it's so common during pregnancy, and how it's treated. Listening to this episode in itself won't relieve your heart burn, but it will give you the tools to know what to ask so your provider can treat you to get some relief! Download and listen now!
As we wrap up the month of October which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge all those who have carried and lost a life. Check out this episode to learn not only about coping with pregnancy and infant loss but how to prepare for your next pregnancy after a loss. This is a topic we don't talk about enough. Know that you don't have to suffer in silence. Download the episode now, and feel free to join in the conversation by sharing your comments on the #pregnancypearls social media platforms or via email.
During the last episode, we discussed how having too little amniotic fluid can affect your pregnancy. Well this week, we're going to discuss what happens if you actually have TOO MUCH amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios, or having too much amniotic fluid, can be caused by issues with your baby's digestive tract, uncontrolled medical conditions, or could be something just incidentally found. Check out this episode to learn about what your provider looks for to see if this condition is an issue for your baby and how it is managed. Download and listen now!
During pregnancy, amniotic fluid, aka the fluid surrounding your unborn baby, plays an important role. But what does it mean when your baby doesn't have enough of it? Check out this episode where we discuss the purpose of amniotic fluid, learn about the causes of low amniotic fluid, and talk about how pregnancies with low fluid are managed. You'll also learn more about how low amniotic fluid can mean different things for twins. Download and listen now!
Cold and flu season is upon us, and it's projected to be a pretty rough season. For protection, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot. Additionally, a new RSV vaccination is also recommended DURING pregnancy for the first time. Check out the latest podcast episode to learn more about this vaccine, how it can affect your unborn baby and another RSV vaccination option if you are unsure about getting the vaccine during pregnancy. This one is informative and much needed info if you're pregnant. So, download and listen now!
New Podcast Episode Alert: Postpartum Planning Hey, friends! Our latest podcast episode is out, and this time we tackle the topic of postpartum planning. While pregnancy can be tough, it is only the beginning. The postpartum period can be a challenging time as you adjust to your new body and take care of your newborn. Additionally, lingering conditions from pregnancy can arise in the weeks that follow. Tune in to this episode to discover the changes that occur in the first six weeks after pregnancy and how to prepare for life beyond the six-week postpartum course. Trust me, this is one episode you don't want to miss! Download and listen now!
This summer, we saw record weather temperatures across the country. Just when you thought we were done with the summer, this September, we're still experiencing heat waves! But did you know that extremely hot temperatures do more than just make people feel uncomfortable?! Yep, for pregnant women, ongoing hot weather means increased risks of bad things in pregnancy, like preterm labor and even heat strokes. Check out this week's episode to find out more about how heat can affect pregnancies and ways to keep you and your baby safe.
In light of recent viral social media coverage, this week Dr. Plenty kicked off the Season 4 premier discussing the importance of self-advocacy. The recent headline about decapitation during the birthing process is, unfortunately, not a unique story. And it doesn't matter whether you deliver at home, in a birthing center, or in a major hospital system, complications can happen. To reduce your risk, check out this episode as Dr. Plenty breaks down key factors in the Ross/Taylor vs. Dr. Julian/Southwest Regional Medical Center lawsuit and also gives her advice on how to get prepared for pregnancy, questions to ask during pregnancy, and how to advocate for yourself during labor and delivery. This is a "must-listen"! Subscribe, download, and listen now.
So many people are having kids later in life now for various reasons, such as waiting until your career is established, waiting for #MrRight, or just because you want to. Because of this, you might look up and find yourself beyond the of age 40 years old. But that's ok. Tune in to this episode to learn how pregnancies during your post 30 years can be different than having kids younger. If you're approaching this age group and desire to have kids, you'll also learn how to be as prepared as possible to decrease your risk of complications. This is the season finale, and it's a good one! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So many people are having kids later in life now for various reasons, such as waiting until your career is established, waiting for #MrRight, or just because you want to. Because of this, you might look up and find yourself beyond the of age 40 years old. But that's ok. Tune in to this episode to learn how pregnancies during your post 30 years can be different than having kids younger. If you're approaching this age group and desire to have kids, you'll also learn how to be as prepared as possible to decrease your risk of complications. This is the season finale, and it's a good one! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June promotes awareness of several different diseases and health causes, and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition that causes your body's immune cells to break down the substances that cause your muscles to function. Because of this, people with disease have generalized weakness, drooping eyelids, issues with chewing and swallowing, and sometimes pain and trouble breathing. Check out this episode to learn more about MG and how it affects pregnancy. You'll also learn about treatment of MG in pregnancy and how treatment of some diseases specific to pregnancy are altered. If you're into learning, this is a good one! Make sure to download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June promotes awareness of several different diseases and health causes, and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition that causes your body's immune cells to break down the substances that cause your muscles to function. Because of this, people with disease have generalized weakness, drooping eyelids, issues with chewing and swallowing, and sometimes pain and trouble breathing. Check out this episode to learn more about MG and how it affects pregnancy. You'll also learn about treatment of MG in pregnancy and how treatment of some diseases specific to pregnancy are altered. If you're into learning, this is a good one! Make sure to download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's podcast episode, Dr. Plenty discusses “back labor”. Back labor is severe labor pain caused by the position of the baby's head. Check out this episode to learn more about the typical position of your baby's head as it moves through the birth canal and also head positions that cause more pain in labor. You'll also hear cases and questions related to how back labor is managed and if it causes risks with future pregnancies. Download and listen now. And, share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's podcast episode, Dr. Plenty discusses “back labor”. Back labor is severe labor pain caused by the position of the baby's head. Check out this episode to learn more about the typical position of your baby's head as it moves through the birth canal and also head positions that cause more pain in labor. You'll also hear cases and questions related to how back labor is managed and if it causes risks with future pregnancies. Download and listen now. And, share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Plenty responds to some emails from listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Plenty responds to some emails from listeners.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Description: During the pandemic, many routine things that were previously done were halted to save resources. Well, many standard practices are back... including drug testing. For some practices and/or hospital systems, all patients are drug tested at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. For others, only patients who have a ""high suspicion"" for drug use are tested. Don't shoot the messenger. I didn't make the rules. But, check out this episode to find out more about drug testing and what happens if the test is positive. You'll also learn more about how babies are tested and monitored if mom's test happens to be positive for various reasons. Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Description: During the pandemic, many routine things that were previously done were halted to save resources. Well, many standard practices are back... including drug testing. For some practices and/or hospital systems, all patients are drug tested at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. For others, only patients who have a "high suspicion" for drug use are tested. Don't shoot the messenger. I didn't make the rules. But, check out this episode to find out more about drug testing and what happens if the test is positive. You'll also learn more about how babies are tested and monitored if mom's test happens to be positive for various reasons. Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Conditions dealing with thyroid function are pretty common in pregnancy. So on this week's podcast episode, we discuss low thyroid function aka hypothyroidism. Check out this episode to learn how hypothyroidism is diagnosed and how the condition is impacted by pregnancy. You'll also learn about the treatment and the complications to unborn babies when hypothyroidism is uncontrolled. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Conditions dealing with thyroid function are pretty common in pregnancy. So on this week's podcast episode, we discuss low thyroid function aka hypothyroidism. Check out this episode to learn how hypothyroidism is diagnosed and how the condition is impacted by pregnancy. You'll also learn about the treatment and the complications to unborn babies when hypothyroidism is uncontrolled. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keeping in line with preeclampsia awareness month, this week we discuss one of the complications that can happen with preeclampsia and that's a seizure. But some people have a known seizure disorder... so how would your doctor know if the seizure is caused by complications of preeclampsia (eclampsia) or a seizure from a seizure disorder. During this episode, we discuss different types of seizures, how they're managed in pregnancy, and how seizure disorder is differentiated from eclampsia. You don't want to miss these pearls! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keeping in line with preeclampsia awareness month, this week we discuss one of the complications that can happen with preeclampsia and that's a seizure. But some people have a known seizure disorder... so how would your doctor know if the seizure is caused by complications of preeclampsia (eclampsia) or a seizure from a seizure disorder. During this episode, we discuss different types of seizures, how they're managed in pregnancy, and how seizure disorder is differentiated from eclampsia. You don't want to miss these pearls! Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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