About one in three pregnant women experiences constipation, and it becomes even more common after birth. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and a source of real frustration when you are already dealing with so much else. The good news is that there are many safe, evidence-based ways to find relief. This episode walks through why constipation happens during pregnancy, what research supports for relief, and how to navigate everything from fiber and hydration to probiotics, magnesium, and over-the-counter medications. Learn which foods have the strongest evidence for getting things moving, what doctors recommend as the laxative of choice during pregnancy, and how to manage the particular challenges of constipation after birth.

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

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that gently rocks your baby's stroller or crib to help them sleep peacefully anywhere. With three adjustable motion levels, you can choose the perfect calming rhythm for your baby. It also includes a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing sounds, white noise, and lullabies. Soothe your baby to sleep anywhere with the V-Hush Stroller Rocker. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check it out at https://pregnancypodcast.com/strollerrocker

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 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

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

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

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

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

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

A gentle cesarean, also called a family-centered cesarean, involves adjustments that shift a cesarean from a standard surgical procedure to a more personal, connected birth experience. As cesarean births have become more common, the options available to you have expanded significantly. However, options only matter if you know they exist. If you do not know what you can ask for, you cannot advocate for it, especially when it comes to options that may not be part of your care provider's routine standard of care. This episode walks through every modification, from clear drapes and immediate skin-to-skin contact to a slower delivery and delayed cord clamping. We also take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving research on vaginal seeding and what it means for your baby's microbiome. Whether you are planning a cesarean or preparing a backup plan, understanding these options gives you the tools to advocate for the birth experience you want.

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

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 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/

AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple, green scoop. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your body every day. When you first subscribe to AG1, you'll get an AG1 Welcome Kit, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, AND you'll get to try each new flavor of AG1. Unlock the Ultimate AG1 Starter Kit at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast

Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

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

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

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

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

A cesarean birth is among the most common surgeries in the US, with about one in three babies delivered this way. Whether you are planning a cesarean or aiming for a vaginal birth, understanding this procedure helps you feel more confident to handle any situation. This episode explains why cesarean births happen and guides you through the process step by step. It covers anesthesia options and describes what recovery looks like both in the hospital and at home. Prepare for the emotional aspects of a cesarean birth. Learn how to make informed decisions if an unexpected situation arises during labor. Plus, find out what a cesarean means for future pregnancies. Knowing what to expect from a cesarean birth is one of the most important ways to prepare for labor, regardless of the type of birth you are planning.

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

Thank you to the brands that power this podcast:

8 Sheep Organics makes amazing, 100% Clean, Natural Pregnancy Products. From skin care to treating common pregnancy symptoms like stretch marks with clinically proven ingredients, 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/

AG1 is the Daily Health Drink that combines your multivitamin, pre- and probiotics, superfoods, and antioxidants into one simple, green scoop. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your body every day. When you first subscribe to AG1, you'll get an AG1 Welcome Kit, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, AND you'll get to try each new flavor of AG1. Unlock the Ultimate AG1 Starter Kit at https://drinkAG1.com/pregnancypodcast

Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast

Join thousands of expecting parents who stay up to date with the latest pregnancy news, new episode alerts, exclusive offers, and more: https://pregnancypodcast.com/newsletter

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

Save with discounts and deals available for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources

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

Find more evidence-based information on the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com