The Obs Pod Florence

Can dental care during pregnancy really impact your baby's health? Join me, Florence, as I crack open the myths and present the facts on this crucial yet often ignored topic. Discover why maintaining good dental hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy, despite outdated beliefs linking gum disease to preterm birth being debunked by recent studies like the meta-analysis from Norway. We'll delve into the specifics of increased risks like gingivitis and tooth erosion, and highlight t...

Could you imagine the emotional and mental whirlwind of encountering postnatal psychosis right after welcoming your baby into the world? Join us as we sit down with the incredibly courageous Sarah, who takes us through her deeply personal journey of battling postnatal psychosis following an emergency caesarean section and her son’s critical NICU stay. We explore the crucial role of perinatal mental health teams, and the struggle of distinguishing physical from mental symptoms when sleep-depri...

Ever wondered how to navigate the uncertain terrain of pregnancy complications with confidence? Join us as we welcome Professor Emily Oster, an economist from Brown University and a celebrated author, who brings her latest data-driven insights to the table. In this episode, we dive deep into her new book, "The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications," Co-authored with Dr. Nathan Fox, an OBGYN. The book shares personal experiences and valuable advice on prep...

Imagine giving birth in a peaceful sanctuary rather than a bustling, noisy ward. Join me, Florence, as newly installed noise-monitoring devices in our maternity ward prompt me to think about noise levels in maternity. Reflecting on my own experiences, including the challenges of keeping my voice down, we’ll navigate through the World Health Organization's guidelines on acceptable noise levels in hospitals. Discover the diverse sources of noise, from technological equipment to emer...

Have you ever considered the impact of a simple medical term on a person's experience? Midwife Jenny Cunningham and Catriona Forbes of a research collective join us to unravel the complex issue of weight stigma in pregnancy. Jenny shares her path from hands-on midwifery to academic research, while Catriona offers a personal narrative on the stigma she faced as an expectant mother, lending depth to our understanding of these early, often negative categorizations.Language has power, espec...

I am excited to bring you this episode on hyperemesis gravidarum. Joined by renowned experts Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Dr. Melanie Nana, and Professor Catherine Williamson, we dissect the impact of this condition and the ground breaking RCOG guidelines that are transforming care for pregnant women. These leading figures pull back the curtain on shocking statistics like the 5% termination rate for wanted pregnancies due to severe nausea, emphasizing the urgency for healthcare provider...