This week’s episode is a Power Replay and we’re diving into one of the most fascinating parts of pregnancy that often doesn’t get enough attention - the placenta! Yep, it’s an organ, and it's your baby’s lifeline throughout pregnancy. This episode is packed with essential info every expecting parent should know.

You'll learn all about what the placenta does, where it forms, and how it supports your baby’s growth and development. I also break down common (but thankfully rare) complications like placenta abruption, placenta previa, and placenta accreta, including who’s at risk and why they matter.

We also explore some of the more debated practices—placenta encapsulation and lotus birth. Curious about eating your placenta or leaving it attached to your baby? I’ve got you covered with the facts and what to think about before making your decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the placenta is and how it functions
• How and why placental issues occur
• What makes conditions like placenta accreta so serious
• The real deal on placenta encapsulation
• Why some parents choose lotus birth and whether it's beneficial
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Whether you're preparing for your first birth or brushing up your knowledge, this episode will leave you more informed and empowered about this incredible organ.

🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to join my email list for more empowering pregnancy content at drnicolerankins.com/email

This episode is a power replay and it's one worth tuning into if you've ever wondered: Is it okay to drink coffee while I'm pregnant?

Join me as we dive into what the research says (and doesn't say) about caffeine during pregnancy. We'll talk about why the data is mixed, what a “safe” amount of caffeine looks like, and how things like brewing method and even your body’s metabolism affect caffeine's impact. I’ll also share what I did during my own pregnancies and how to be mindful about your caffeine intake without stressing too much.

Plus, I point you to a helpful resource from the Center for Science in the Public Interest that gives you the caffeine content of your favorite drinks (Starbucks lovers, take note!).

Whether you're newly pregnant, trying to conceive, or even breastfeeding, this episode is packed with the practical info you need to enjoy your daily cup (or two) with peace of mind.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a replay or a new episode!

💌 Want more helpful tips delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email

This week's episode is a Power Replay that’s packed with essential info every expecting parent should hear.

Amniotic fluid might not be something you think about every day, but let me tell you, it plays a huge role in your baby’s health. Whether it’s too little or too much, the amount of amniotic fluid matters. And understanding it can help you feel more confident and informed as you navigate your pregnancy journey.

In this replay, I’m breaking it all down for you:

• What exactly is amniotic fluid and why it's so important
• What it's made of and how it's created
• How we measure it (and why those measurements matter)
• What happens when there’s too little (oligohydramnios) or too much (polyhydramnios)
• What causes these conditions and how we manage them
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I'll also share personal insights from my own pregnancies—yes, I had polyhydramnios myself—and what that experience was like.

Whether you're preparing for birth or just want to deepen your understanding, this episode is a must-listen.

👉🏽 Be sure to sign up for my email list at drnicolerankins.com/email to stay in the know and get even more empowering pregnancy info delivered right to your inbox.