The Obs Pod Florence

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 providers to truly listen and validate the experiences of their patients.

Navigating through a maze of myths and half-truths can be daunting for anyone dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum. This episode dismantles the misplaced faith in ginger remedies and sheds a revealing light on the ineffective use of ketones as a dehydration marker. We also engage in a crucial discourse on the controversial use of ondansetron, weighing the systematic review findings against the necessity for evidence-based treatment. Our guests don't just talk facts; they advocate for a compassionate approach to care, urging clinicians to tune in to their patients' needs and foster a supportive healing environment.

Wrapping up this crucial conversation, we turn to the poignant, often hidden psychological repercussions of hyperemesis gravidarum. The episode shares heartening stories of how pre-pregnancy counselling and proactive treatments can dramatically improve women's pregnancy experiences. Furthermore, we delve into the potential that genetic studies on HG hold for future treatment avenues, as our guests offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities on the horizon. This isn't just a discussion—it's a beacon of hope for standardized care and understanding for every woman braving the storm of hyperemesis gravidarum.

Want to know more?

https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/updated-rcog-green-top-guideline-on-the-management-of-nausea-and-vomiting-in-pregnancy-and-hyperemesis-gravidarum-published/
https://uktis.org/monographs/use-of-ondansetron-in-pregnancy/
https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/
https://pubmed.ncbi
Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...

Have you ever experienced a moment of cultural awakening, realizing that there's so much more to learn about the traditions of those around us? That's exactly what happened to me, Florence, after reading an enlightening tweet from the outstanding obstetrician Nisha Knot, which set me on a path to discover more about Ramadan and its effects on pregnancy. Join me on the OBSpod as I navigate my own journey of understanding, driven by the realization that many of the Muslim women we support in healthcare are observing this pillar of their faith. This episode is a heartfelt quest for knowledge, as I tackle the complexities of fasting during pregnancy without the guiding voice of an expert guest, but with the earnest desire to learn more and share that knowledge with you.

As we ponder the impact of fasting on expecting mothers and how this practice varies across the globe due to differences in daylight hours, I turn to a pivotal article that serves as an evidence-based guideline for obstetricians. This episode isn't just about sharing what I've learned; it's an invitation to engage in a more inclusive and informed maternity care conversation. I hope that by openly discussing my own educational gaps and curiosities, we can all feel empowered to ask questions and seek answers together. So whether you're a healthcare professional, a pregnant woman observing Ramadan, or simply someone intrigued by the intersection of culture and care, this episode is for you. Let's grow our understanding and become better allies to the diverse communities we serve.

Want to know more?
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(23)00169-2/abstract
https://maternityandmidwifery.co.uk/fasting-in-ramadan-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding-a-personal-journey/
https://youtu.be/E2AceO2j2oc


Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...

This week follows directly on from Episode 166 Personalised care this time talking about the issue of consent. In this episode I reflect on the introduction of electronic consent in maternity care, scrutinizing its benefits and the unforeseen complexities it introduces. I discuss the  General Medical Council's 2020 guidance on consent, spotlighting the critical need for inclusive language and the eradication of personal bias.  I consider the need for antenatal education as a bedrock for preparing expectant mothers to navigate the decision-making labyrinth of labour, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and every choice is informed.

Together, we're building a more empathetic, patient-centred maternity service. And don't forget, your suggestions drive our discussions forward; reach out via TheObsPod on Twitter, Instagram, or email to share your thoughts on future topics.

Want to know more?
https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/gmc-guidance-for-doctors---decision-making-and-consent-english_pdf-84191055.pdf
https://concentric.health/patients/
Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...

As we navigate the intricate journey of childbirth, there is a  balance between a mother's autonomy and stringent clinical guidelines.  Step into the world of Personalised Care in maternity services, where my discussion sheds light on the emotional complexities of honouring the unique birth plans of expectant mothers. This episode is a clarion call for healthcare providers to listen deeply, advocate for informed consent, and partner with pregnant women to create empowering birth experiences that resonate with their individual wishes.

Join us for an engaging exploration of the challenges and triumphs in the quest for Personalised Care. From the implementation of a cutting-edge maternity teaching module to the role of the Personalised Care Institute's e-learning, we uncover the ways in which professionals are striving to marry personalized care with the realities of clinical practice. As we close, I extend an invitation to contribute ideas for future discussions, and share the means to support the continuation of our enriching, conversation-led journey through the landscape of obstetrics.

Want to know more?
https://learn.personalisedcareinstitute.org.uk/
https://learn.personalisedcareinstitute.org.uk/course/view.php?id=35
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/B0423-personalised-care-and-support-planning-guidance-for-lms.pdf


Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...

Discover  the hormone oxytocin and its role in the birthing process  in the latest ObsPod episode. We unravel the dual nature of this potent hormone, once an unquestioned staple in Active Management of Labour.  Listen as we share an engaging conversation about its physiological impacts, the delicate balancing act required for its use in inducing labor, and the critical examination of its application in natural labor progression.

We discuss use of oxytocin over time,  We tackle the tough questions about its contribution to caesarean birth rates and dissect the role that confirmation bias has played in obstetric intervention. With a focus on the value of one-to-one midwifery care and the potential consequences of oxytocin use, such as hyperstimulation and fetal distress, our discussion paints a comprehensive picture of the complexities involved in labor management. We take a  look at the risks associated with administering oxytocin during labor. Highlighting scenarios where its use is beneficial against those where caution is paramount, we stress the importance of respecting natural labor progression, discussing alternatives. I extend an invitation to our listeners to contribute to the conversation and support the ObsPod, remember that this episode isn't just about the clinical—it's about informed consent and empowering women to make the right choices for their births.

Want to know more?
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09734.x
https://www.cochrane.org/CD007123/PREG_the-effectuse-of-the-drug-oxytocin-as-a-treatment-for-slow-progress-in-labour
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng235
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng235/evidence/f-use-of-oxytocin-in-the-first-or-second-stage-of-labour-pdf-13186672963
Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...

Join me & my guest Dr. Kirsten Small as we build on our previous joint episode 157 Fetal heart monitoring in labour. This time we discuss the world of intermittent auscultation, you'll be enlightened by the evolution from the hands-on Pinard stethoscope to the advanced Doppler device. Dr. Small shares her expertise on the intimate connection care providers once had with this practice and how it's changing in today's clinical settings. We also examine the remarkable methods midwives employ in various care environments to monitor fetal well-being, revealing the depth and diversity of approaches.

Listen as we discuss cardiotocograph interpretation, the myths surrounding traditional CTG patterns and  upend long-held beliefs about fetal distress. We discuss the need to re-evaluate our understanding of decelerations. This episode promises to arm you with knowledge and provoke  reflection on the stories we've accepted without question.

We compare intermittent auscultation and continuous electronic fetal monitoring. We lay out the importance of considering the full spectrum of fetal heart rate information, dissecting the biases that can sway clinical judgment. Dr. Small's insights offer clarity on the practical application of guidelines  required to ensure informed clinical decisions. This episode not only educates but also invites you to contribute to our ongoing conversation about the complexities of maternity care.

Want to know more?
https://birthsmalltalk.com/
Kirsten has many fascinating blog posts to explore we touch on a couple of them here
https://birthsmalltalk.com/2023/05/24/keeping-up-with-physiology-research/ 
https://birthsmalltalk.com/2022/01/12/whats-the-deal-with-early-decelerations-and-head-compression/
She also runs online fetal monitoring courses for maternity professionals.
https://birthsmalltalk.com/courses/


Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.
If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth.
Keeping my podcast running without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small.
Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes here https://padlet.com/WhoseShoes/TheObsPod I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor.
If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod as well as Instagram @TheObsPod and e...