SMFM's Podcast Series

SMFM

Welcome to the SMFM Podcast Series! The SMFM podcast will include an array of topics that touch the MFM world including Congenital Heart Disease, Mental Illness, 3D Ultrasound, preventing Burnout and more. If you would like to submit a discussion topic, leave a comment, or are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please contact educationdept@smfm.org. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on the podcast series are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The "SMFM" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

  1. 5D AGO

    The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines: What Obstetric Clinicians Should (and Shouldn't) Apply in Pregnancy

    The updated 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce notable changes in protein recommendations, dietary patterns, and overall messaging, but how do these updates translate to pregnancy care? In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Dr. Cara Dolin and registered dietitian Hillary Hart to explore what these new guidelines mean for obstetric clinicians. Together, they break down key updates, highlight areas of alignment (and misalignment) with current pregnancy nutrition evidence, and offer practical strategies for counseling patients in real-world clinical settings. This discussion emphasizes the importance of individualized care, critical evaluation of guidelines, and actionable nutrition principles that support both maternal and fetal health. Listeners will learn: Key updates in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and their relevance to pregnancy Evidence-based nutrition principles that remain essential for maternal and fetal health How to approach counseling on protein intake, fats, and ultra-processed foods Practical ways to support patients facing barriers such as food insecurity Simple, high-impact nutrition strategies clinicians can incorporate into routine visits For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. Additional Resources: 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (pregnancy & lactation section still recommended for use)  Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report   Harvard Healthy Eating Plate   American Diabetes Association – Patient Education Library SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

    32 min

  2. MAR 10

    Collaborating for Better Birth Outcomes: SMFM and SOGH

    In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units.  After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: Describe the role of OB hospitalists in modern obstetric care. Explain the rationale and goals of the SMFM/SOGH strategic partnership. Recognize common challenges and best practices in collaboration between MFMs and OB hospitalists. Identify anticipated short-term and long-term outcomes of the partnership for hospital-based obstetric care. For more educational resources from SMFM visit education.smfm.org.

    26 min

  3. FEB 24

    American Heart Month: Checklists for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin

    Description:  In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin. The conversation reviews key updates to the USPSTF recommendations, how the checklist supports systematic identification of eligible patients, and practical strategies for implementation in diverse practice settings. The episode also explores the companion process-based quality metric aimed at improving aspirin initiation by 16 weeks and helping practices measure adherence and equity in care. Resources:  Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Updated checklists for preeclampsia risk-factor screening to guide recommendations for prophylactic low-dose aspirin - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Society for Maternal Fetal-Medicine Special Statement: Prophylactic low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention—quality metric and opportunities for quality improvement - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

    33 min

  4. FEB 16

    American Heart Month: Postpartum Discharge Checklist for Hypertensive Disorders

    In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discussion focuses on how a standardized postpartum checklist can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality by ensuring consistent patient education, supporting home blood pressure monitoring, promoting timely follow-up, and improving transitions to ongoing care. The episode also explores practical implementation strategies, systems-level considerations, and the associated quality metric designed to help practices measure adherence and impact. A link to the checklist and quality metric is included in the show notes and is available on the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/331-society-for-maternal-fetal-medicine-special-statement-checklist/   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

    15 min

  5. FEB 2

    American Heart Month: Checklists for Triage and Work-up of Patients with Symptoms Suggestive of Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy and Postpartum

    In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of the SMFM Cardiovascular Symptom Checklist, to discuss a concise, one-page tool designed to guide systematic triage of cardiovascular symptoms in pregnant and postpartum patients. The conversation highlights how structured symptom assessment can help distinguish physiologic findings from those warranting further evaluation, reduce missed diagnoses, and promote consistency across care settings. This episode is intended for maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and obstetric clinicians involved in outpatient care, phone triage, urgent care, and emergency settings. A link to the checklist can be found below and is available on the SMFM website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for triage and work-up of persons with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and postpartum - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

    18 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    Respiratory Disease Season 2025-2026

    In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current vaccine guidance, disparities in vaccine uptake, strategies for effective patient counseling, and best practices for clinic preparedness, including staff education, vaccine stocking, and infection control policies. They also highlight trusted resources for providers and patients to support safe and effective vaccination during pregnancy. Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: ·        SMFM Resources o   SMFM Fellow Lecture Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season  o   SMFM Podcast Preparing for Annual Respiratory Disease Season  o   Infectious Disease Resources  §  SMFM COVID-19  §  SMFM RSV  §  SMFM Influenza o   SMFM Patient Education Resources  §  Vaccination During Pregnancy  ·        Government Agency Resources:  o   For Clinicians  CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel  CDC Respiratory Disease Season Outlooks  CDC "From Me, To You" Communications Effort (De Mí, Para Ti)  CDC "Wild to Mild" Social Media Toolkit  HHS "Risk Less, Do More" Campaign for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines for Pregnant People  CDC Prenatal Care and Routinely Recommended Vaccinations  CDC 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older (Full schedule with notes)  CDC MMWR: Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccination Coverage Among Adults (November 2024)  ·        Peer Organization Resources:  o   For Clinicians  AAFP Immunization Resources  ACNM Immunization Resources  ACOG Immunization Resources  AWHONN Immunization Resources  NPWH Immunization Resources  For Patients  ACOG   MotherToBaby FactSheets MotherToBaby Immunization and Pregnancy Education (En Español)  Vaccinate Your Family  Immunize.org

    41 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Folic Acid

    In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Amy Valent to discuss folic acid and its critical role in pregnancy. They review dietary and supplemental sources, the distinctions between folate, folic acid, and methylfolate, and evidence-based recommendations for dosing before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and support fetal development. Dr. Valent also addresses considerations for populations of higher-risk patients, limitations of supplement regulation, and the lack of evidence for routine MTHFR testing, providing practical guidance for clinicians counseling patients on folic acid intake.    Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: Government Agency Resources: For Physicians  CDC Folic Acid Facts: For Clinicians CDC Folic Acid: Sources and Recommended Intake CDC MTHFR Gene Variant and Folic Acid Facts CDC #InMyFolicAcidEra Toolkit CDC From Heritage to Health Toolkit GAO Prenatal Supplements: Amounts of Some Key Nutrients Differed from Product Labels NIH Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals FDA Folate and Folic Acid on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels Peer Organization Resources:  ACOG Nutrition During Pregnancy ACOG Practice Bulletin on Neural Tube Defects MotherToBaby Folic Acid | Folate Fact Sheet MotherToBaby Folic Acid – Is More Really Better?

    17 min

  8. 08/12/2025

    Cell-free DNA screening

    In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Bart Staat welcomes Dr. Britton Rink to discuss the updated SMFM Consult #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated Guidelines. They explore key changes from previous guidance, including recommendations for sex chromosome aneuploidy, microdeletions, twin pregnancies, and managing non-reportable results—offering practical tips to help clinicians apply the latest evidence in practice.  Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.

    27 min
See All (100)

4.7
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Welcome to the SMFM Podcast Series! The SMFM podcast will include an array of topics that touch the MFM world including Congenital Heart Disease, Mental Illness, 3D Ultrasound, preventing Burnout and more. If you would like to submit a discussion topic, leave a comment, or are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please contact educationdept@smfm.org. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on the podcast series are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The "SMFM" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

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