Today, Trish breaks down one of the most frightening aspects of early pregnancy: spotting and bleeding. Drawing from her personal experiences (six pregnancies, plus her daughter's recent journey) and her professional expertise as a nurse who has supported thousands of women, Trish explains how knowledge can empower listeners and prevent unnecessary panic. She emphasizes that up to 25% of women experience this, and most pregnancies proceed healthily. Trish breaks down the three types of bleeding, their causes, and when to seek help, all without fear-mongering. Whether listeners are currently spotting or simply preparing, she encourages saving this episode for peace of mind and confidence.

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Key Highlights:

• Why Bleeding Happens (and Why It's Often Okay): Trish covers causes like implantation (the embryo burrowing in), hormonal shifts, a sensitive cervix (from intimacy or exams), or a subchorionic hematoma. Most cases resolve naturally!
• Type 1: Implantation Spotting: Light pink/brown discharge, brief (hours to 2 days), occurring around 6-12 days post-conception. It's a positive sign of pregnancy - no cramping involved.
• Type 2: Cervical Irritation Bleeding: Bright red turning brown, often triggered by sex, exams, or constipation. It stops quickly (within 24 hours) and lacks severe pain.
• Type 3: Concerning Bleeding - The 5 Red Flags to Watch:
• 1. Heavy flow (soaking a pad hourly), bright red lasting >24 hours
• 2. Severe cramps/abdominal pain,
• 3. Passing tissue/clots
• 4. Dizziness/fainting
• 5. Shoulder pain

These concerning bleeding symptoms require immediate attention - Trish advises calling a provider or going to the ER with this script: "I'm X weeks pregnant with [describe color/amount] bleeding and [any symptoms]. I need an evaluation."

What to Do If It Happens: Trish urges always contacting your provider, tracking on a pad, noting symptoms, and advocating firmly - don't accept dismissal! She recommends resting, hydrating, nourishing the body, and seeking support.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:34 Understanding First Trimester Bleeding
• 02:23 Common Causes of Early Pregnancy Bleeding
• 03:47 Subchorionic Hematoma
• 05:58 Types of First Trimester Bleeding
• 06:09 Implantation Spotting: Early Signs of Pregnancy
• 08:03 Cervical Irritation: Common and Harmless
• 10:44 When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
• 15:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Meredith's passion for the postpartum space began after experiencing a difficult pregnancy, postpartum, and transition into motherhood.

She realized that there was an abundance of resources for pregnant women, but a significant lack of resources for women in the postpartum phase.

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She soon realized her skills as an occupational therapist uniquely suited her to support women in this phase of life.

As an occupational therapist, She helps people accomplish everyday life activities that they both need and want to do.

Being a mother is a role that impacts all areas of our lives, and as mothers, we must continually adjust to changing daily life and routines as our children grow. It can be hard to take care of and prioritize yourself as a mother, and can be isolating to feel like you are the only one struggling with this.

Her special mission is to empower women to take care of themselves while caring for their children and create a source of connection for mothers who are in similar life stages.

Join us as we chat about all things postpartum!

More from Meredith Waymire:

• www.selfcareot.com
• Follow her on Instagram @selfcare_ot

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this powerful birth story episode, Trish sits down with a VBAC Lab student, Kelly Coy, a physician assistant and new mama to baby Carter (who makes a few adorable cameo coos!). Kelly opens up about her traumatic first birth - an unnecessary 38-week induction that ended in a 3-day labor, C-section, postpartum hemorrhage, and a grueling 7-day hospital stay - and how that experience lit a fire in her to prepare differently the second time around.

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Even as a medical professional herself, Kelly felt unprepared to advocate against a system that pushed induction too soon. Determined to have the redemptive VBAC she knew her body was capable of, she joined The VBAC Lab before she was even pregnant (classic Type-A move!) and soaked up every lesson, hangout, and community conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why she chose to decline baby aspirin despite provider pressure (and how that decision played out)
• How the monthly VBAC Happy Hours gave her the confidence and community she needed to navigate tricky decisions
• The night her water broke on its own at 40+1, a 36+ hour labor, laboring in the tub, and an 8-cm epidural that only halfway worked
• The surreal moment she reached down and pulled her son Carter onto her chest herself
• The massive difference in recovery between her C-section and this vaginal birth (yes, even with second-degree tears)
• Why mindset, processing previous birth trauma, and knowing your “why” are absolutely everything when chasing a VBAC

Kelly’s one-word review of The VBAC Lab?

“Empowering.”

If you’re a mama dreaming of a redemptive VBAC, this episode will leave you fired up, educated, and ready to fight for the birth you deserve.

More from this episode:

• Join the VBAC Lab
• Join the Calm Mama Membership

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services