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  • Breech Doesn’t Always Mean C-Section—but Should It?

    Breech Doesn’t Always Mean C-Section—but Should It?
    2026/08/20
    Your baby is breech. Does that automatically mean you need a C-section? It’s a question that can create anxiety, confusion—and plenty of conflicting advice. In this episode of Pregnancy Pearls, double board-certified OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Nicole Plenty breaks down what expecting parents need to know about breech babies and the complicated decision between a planned C-section and attempting a vaginal breech delivery. Dr. Plenty explains the different types of breech presentations, why most breech babies in the United States are delivered by C-section, and the very specific circumstances in which a vaginal breech delivery may be considered. She also discusses the potential risks to both mother and baby, why the experience of the delivering provider and hospital team matters so much, and how an external cephalic version (ECV) may offer another option by attempting to turn a breech baby head-down before delivery. Then, a listener who is 38 weeks pregnant with her third baby writes in with a real dilemma: after two uncomplicated vaginal births, her baby is now frank breech. One physician recommends a C-section while another says she may be a candidate for vaginal delivery. How do you make a decision when there may not be one perfect answer? Dr. Plenty walks through the questions patients should be asking—not only about their own pregnancy, but about their provider’s experience, anesthesia availability, nursing support, emergency C-section capability, and whether ECV should be considered first. Most importantly, she emphasizes the need for balanced counseling, informed decision-making, and patient advocacy without fear, pressure, or shame. Today’s Pregnancy Pearl: A vaginal breech delivery is not automatically unsafe, but it is highly selective. The safest outcomes depend on the right patient, an experienced provider, and the right delivery environment and support systems. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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    22 分
  • Managing Medication During Pregnancy

    Managing Medication During Pregnancy
    2026/08/13
    When you’re pregnant, should you keep taking your regular medications—or stop them until you talk to your doctor? The answer could be more important than you think. On this episode of *Pregnancy Pearls*, Dr. Nicole Plenty welcomes Dr. Andrea Palmer for an essential conversation about **medication management before and during pregnancy**. From blood pressure medications and antidepressants to prescriptions you may have taken safely for years, pregnancy can change the conversation. Dr. Plenty and Dr. Palmer explain why medication planning should ideally begin **before conception**, why abruptly stopping a prescription can sometimes create more risk, and how your OB-GYN, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers can work together to determine the safest treatment plan for you and your baby. They also discuss managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and mental health during pregnancy, medications that may need to be changed, and the importance of keeping an accurate list of your prescriptions, medical conditions, and health history. Most importantly, this episode is about **advocacy**. Ask questions. Tell every provider you see that you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Understand why you're taking a medication. And never assume that stopping a medication on your own is automatically the safest choice. **Pregnancy Pearl:** Before you stop, start, or change a medication during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider. Safe medication management is a partnership between you and your care team. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.
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    43 分
  • Mental Health and Pregnancy

    Mental Health and Pregnancy
    2026/08/06
    As Dr. Nicole Plenty returns to the podcast, she acknowledges what so many families are feeling—life has become increasingly stressful. From rising healthcare costs and political uncertainty to the everyday pressures of pregnancy and parenting, anxiety can feel overwhelming. That's why she's kicking off the new season with an important discussion on protecting your mental health before, during, and after pregnancy. Joining Dr. Plenty is licensed professional counselor Stacy Kador, who shares practical guidance on recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Together, they discuss how families can create true "safe spaces" for honest conversations, the critical role partners play in providing emotional support, and why checking in on both mothers and children is more important than ever. The conversation also tackles one of the most difficult decisions many expectant mothers face: whether to continue treatment for anxiety or depression during pregnancy. Responding to a heartfelt listener email, Dr. Plenty and Stacey explain why caring for a mother's mental health is also caring for her baby's health, offering reassurance that treatment decisions should be made alongside trusted medical and mental health professionals—not out of fear or guilt. Whether you're expecting your first child, growing your family, or supporting someone through pregnancy, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based advice to help you recognize when it's time to ask for help—and reminds you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion Media app. Follow, rate, comment, and share!
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    28 分
  • Pregnancy Pearls is back!

    Pregnancy Pearls is back!
    2026/08/03
    🎉 Join board-certified OB/GYN **Dr. Nicole Plenty** as she returns with all-new episodes dedicated to helping you navigate pregnancy, women's health, and motherhood with trusted, evidence-based information. In this special trailer, Dr. Plenty shares what listeners can expect in the new season while highlighting the importance of preventive care before, during, and after pregnancy. She discusses essential health screenings, staying hydrated, recommended vaccines during pregnancy—including flu, Tdap, and RSV—and why taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your growing family. Have a question you've seen on social media or a pregnancy topic you'd like covered? Dr. Plenty invites listeners to send in their questions and real-life cases, making Pregnancy Pearls an interactive resource for expecting parents everywhere. Whether you're planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or supporting someone on their journey, tune in every Thursday for practical advice, expert insight, and compassionate guidance you can trust. Find more shows like this on the **Mean Ole Lion Media app**. Follow, rate, comment, and share!
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    2 分
  • Placental Encapsulation

    Placental Encapsulation
    2024/06/21
    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!
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    33 分
  • Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

    Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
    2024/06/14
    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.
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    28 分
  • Having a baby after age 40

    Having a baby after age 40
    2024/06/09
    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!
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    32 分
  • Why is my baby so small?

    Why is my baby so small?
    2024/05/31
    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!
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    31 分