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Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?

Pregnancy Podcast

Release Date: 02/16/2025

Drinks to Be Mindful of During Pregnancy show art Drinks to Be Mindful of During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast

Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, and water is always the best beverage. In reality, some of your daily fluids will come from other liquids. The obvious drinks to be cautious about during pregnancy and while breastfeeding are coffee and alcohol. Other beverages come with risks or downsides, like tea, soft drinks, juice, and kombucha. This episode examines the concerns over why you should be mindful about particular beverages to understand the benefits and risks and make informed choices.     Thank you to our sponsors   Breastfeeding doesn’t always come...

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Q&A: Hair Removal in Pregnancy and Before Birth show art Q&A: Hair Removal in Pregnancy and Before Birth

Pregnancy Podcast

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to thicker, faster-growing hair. While this may be a welcome change for the hair on your head, it can be less appreciated when new hair appears in unexpected places. This episode reviews the safety of common hair removal methods during pregnancy, including shaving, waxing, laser treatments, and hair removal creams. Find out how increased skin sensitivity can affect your options. Plus, considerations on whether you should shave or wax before giving birth.     Thank you to our sponsor   20% off  or insoles with the promo code FEET....

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Food Safety During Pregnancy, Beyond the Do Not Eat List show art Food Safety During Pregnancy, Beyond the Do Not Eat List

Pregnancy Podcast

Your health and your baby’s health are top priorities. Some foods carry risks during pregnancy, and it’s important to know what to avoid and how to make informed choices. It’s easy to find long lists of foods you shouldn’t eat, but cutting these items out of your diet can be challenging, especially if they’re things you enjoy or eat regularly. Rather than simply telling you to avoid certain foods, this episode unpacks the reasons behind the recommendations so you can better understand the risks. You’ll also hear about a few foods that don’t typically appear on “do not eat”...

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Q&A: How to Manage Fatigue During Pregnancy show art Q&A: How to Manage Fatigue During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast

Feeling exhausted during pregnancy is common, but it can still be frustrating and challenging to manage. This episode explores why fatigue happens during pregnancy and how hormonal changes, physical demands, sleep disruptions, and emotional stress play a role. Learn to tell when tiredness is normal and when you should bring it up with your doctor. Hear about easy interventions and tools to combat fatigue. Plus, get practical tips to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed with the mental and emotional demands of pregnancy and preparing for a new baby. Thank you to our sponsor is offering new...

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Probiotics and Gut Health During Pregnancy show art Probiotics and Gut Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast

Your gut does much more than digest food, it is a key player in your immune system, mood regulation, and overall health, especially during pregnancy. Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. Maintaining a healthy balance between them is key to keeping everything functioning properly. Hear about the research on how your gut microbiome can affect common pregnancy symptoms like constipation and risks for complications like GBS and preeclampsia. Learn about the evidence on how to support a healthy gut microbiome during pregnancy and beyond, from including...

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Q&A: How to Tell If It’s Braxton Hicks or Real Labor show art Q&A: How to Tell If It’s Braxton Hicks or Real Labor

Pregnancy Podcast

If you are pregnant with your first baby, there are a lot of unknowns about what labor feels like. Many expecting moms will experience Braxton Hicks contractions. These can not only be uncomfortable, but they may trick you into thinking you are going into labor. Learn what Braxton Hicks contractions are and why they happen. Find out the key differences to tell Braxton Hicks apart from true labor. Get tips on how to manage and alleviate Braxton Hicks. We also cover when to call your doctor or midwife and warning signs of preterm labor to watch for. Thank you to our sponsor is offering new...

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Q&A: Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant? show art Q&A: Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant?

Pregnancy Podcast

Explore the research on hair dye exposure during pregnancy and get a breakdown of what the evidence really says about risks to your baby. From chemical ingredients to timing, we’ll walk through ways you can minimize exposure and still keep up a self-care routine that helps you feel confident and like yourself. Get tips on how to talk to your stylist and what options might reduce risks and exposure. Whether coloring your hair is part of your regular routine or something you are considering, this episode will help you make an informed decision that balances safety and self-care.    ...

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How Age Affects Pregnancy: Facts, Myths, and What Really Matters show art How Age Affects Pregnancy: Facts, Myths, and What Really Matters

Pregnancy Podcast

From a biological perspective, there’s a limited window for getting pregnant, spanning from reproductive age through menopause. While that offers many years of opportunity, there’s never a perfect time to have a baby. You might find yourself expecting earlier than planned, or life may lead you to parenthood later than you imagined. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, age can influence many aspects of pregnancy, like fertility, potential risks, and even emotional or financial readiness.   Many women feel pressure to have children before their 35th birthday. This idea stems from...

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Q&A: Tips to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives show art Q&A: Tips to Prepare for Breastfeeding Before Your Baby Arrives

Pregnancy Podcast

Breastfeeding can feel intimidating, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. While it’s a natural process, it doesn’t always come easily. With the right education, preparation, and support, you can set yourself up for success. In this episode, we address a listener’s concerns about feeling uneasy about breastfeeding, worries about milk supply, and what she can do to prepare in advance. There are simple yet effective steps you can take before your baby arrives to feel confident and prepared. This episode covers common challenges, practical tips, and essential resources...

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The Evidence on Nutrition and Trending Diets During Pregnancy show art The Evidence on Nutrition and Trending Diets During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Podcast

Whatever your long-term health or weight goals, your top priority during pregnancy is keeping yourself and your baby healthy. Nutrition plays a key role, but with so many diets and opinions, it can be overwhelming to know what’s best. While research provides insights, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet during pregnancy. This episode explores the evidence on trending diets, whether they are safe to continue or start while pregnant, and their potential risks and benefits. Learn more about caloric restriction, low glycemic, keto, plant-based, carnivore, paleo, low fat, the Louwen...

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More Episodes
Cord blood banking is a complex and often confusing topic. Advertisements for cord blood banking are everywhere when you are pregnant. Is it really biological insurance that can protect your family or an unnecessary expense? Take a step away from the marketing claims and explore the evidence on cord blood banking so you can make an informed decision for your baby. Learn how cord blood stem cells are used, what conditions they can treat, and the differences between public and private cord blood banks. Hear about the research on the pros and cons of banking your baby’s cord blood, especially how it fits with delayed cord clamping. After extensive research and outreach to multiple cord blood banks, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can confidently decide whether cord blood banking is the right choice for you and your baby.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
VTech is the most trusted choice for baby monitors and North America's leading #1 baby monitor brand. The Vtech V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor has every feature you could want in a monitor to keep an eye on your baby and have peace of mind that they are safely sleeping. The V-Care has built-in intelligence to alert you if your baby's face is covered or has rolled over on their stomach, full high-definition video, infrared night vision technology, and even analysis of sleep patterns and quality. The V-Care Over the Crib Smart Nursery Baby Monitor is exclusively available on Amazon.
 
20% off Mommy Steps or Form insoles with the promo code FEET. Studies show pregnancy can make your feet grow. In one study, 61% of participants had a measurable increase in foot length, and 22% reported going up a shoe size. The thought of going up a shoe size and having to replace every pair of shoes you own might freak you out. The good news is that wearing insoles can protect your feet from going up in size.
 
10% off Pique teas and herbal elixirs. The Herbal Elixirs Bundle is a trio of herbal teas to support wellness from the inside out, perfect for pregnancy and beyond. These teas are USDA organic and triple toxin-screened with no preservatives, refined sugars, or artificial junk. They come in convenient sachets that dissolve instantly and are caffeine-free. If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to support digestion, relaxation, and that gorgeous pregnancy glow, I cannot recommend this trio enough. Right now, get 10% off this incredible bundle when you go to Piquelife.com/pregnancypod
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.
 
 
Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.
 
 
Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.
 
 
For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.