The Obs Pod

Florence
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

I am an NHS obstetrician hoping to share some thoughts and experiences about my working life. Maybe you enjoy call the midwife, perhaps birth fascinates, or you are simply curious about what exactly an obstetrician is? You might be pregnant and preparing for birth right now. Perhaps you work in maternity care and want to know what makes your obstetric colleagues tick, or you want some fresh ideas and inspiration. Whichever of these is the case TheObsPod is for you. Each episode contains 'the zesty bit' the essence of what I hope you will take away from listening. I do hope you will subscribe and enjoy joining me. Find me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod & explore #MatExp matexp.org.uk to find out more about women and staff working together to improve maternity services. With thanks to Anna Geyer www.newpossibilities.co.uk for my beautiful artwork

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 183 Too much amniotic fluid (Polyhydramnios)

    We unpack polyhydramnios with clear guidance on measurement, risk, and choices, showing why most mild cases near term are benign while outlining when to call in fetal medicine. Practical steps help parents and midwives stay calm, plan safely, and avoid unnecessary interventions. • definitions of polyhydramnios by single deepest pool and AFI • pros and cons of SDP versus AFI measurement • thresholds for mild, moderate, severe excess fluid • idiopathic cases late in pregnancy and prevalence • screening for gestational diabetes and infection • key risks: unstable lie, cord prolapse, postpartum haemorrhage • induction debates, continuous monitoring, and individualised plans • when to refer to fetal medicine and what they assess • amnioreduction indications, risks, and diagnostic value • reassurance for parents and guidance for midwives If you have, it’d be fantastic if you could subscribe, rate and review on whatever platform you find your podcasts, as well as recommending The OBSPod to anyone you think might find it interesting Want to know more: https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tog.70021 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...

    27 min

  2. 07/11/2025

    Episode 182 Big Baby Update

    Remember my popular Episode 29 on big babies from five years ago? Today I'm diving into what's changed since then, spurred by Warwick University's Big Baby trial, new research examining whether early induction truly prevents complications in pregnancies where scans predict larger babies. The most startling revelation? A whopping 60% of babies predicted to be above the 90th centile weren't actually that large at birth. This  margin of error should give us serious pause when recommending interventions based on third-trimester scans.  What also troubled me was the study design itself. The "standard care" group still saw about 75% of women receiving some form of intervention rather than experiencing spontaneous labour. With only six days average difference in delivery timing between groups, is there really enough distinction to draw meaningful conclusions? The recorded times between head and body delivery (just over one minute in both groups) further suggests we might be rushing physiological processes unnecessarily. For pregnant women hearing "your baby might be big," take these predictions with healthy skepticism. Having a larger baby doesn't automatically mean a difficult birth lies ahead. For healthcare providers, perhaps it's time we questioned whether we've trapped ourselves in a cycle of intervention based on imprecise predictions and exaggerated risks. Listen to this update alongside my original Episode 29 Big baby and episode 102 Shoulder Dystocia. Subscribe, rate, and share if you found this valuable! https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00162-X/fulltext 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...

    29 min

  3. 05/17/2025

    Episode 181 Assisted Vaginal Birth, a woman's perspective

    Trigger warning: This episode discusses birth trauma. When a birth doesn't go as planned and requires intervention, how does it feel from the woman's perspective? Jacqueline Edwards, mother of five, shares her powerful firsthand experiences of both traumatic and positive assisted vaginal births, challenging healthcare professionals to see beyond the clinical procedure. Through our conversation, Jacqueline offers a rare glimpse into the psychological impact of instrumental deliveries. She describes her experiences with both forceps and ventouse deliveries, revealing how communication, respect, and pain relief dramatically affected her perception of each birth. Surprisingly, her forceps delivery – often considered the more invasive intervention – proved less traumatic than her ventouse births due to better communication and adequate pain management. The emotional weight of assisted birth emerges through Jacqueline's moving marathon analogy: "You've prepared for it, trained for it, you can see the finishing line... but all of a sudden, for some reason, you fall down and someone runs out of the crowd and picks you up and carries you." This powerful comparison highlights the sense of incompleteness many women feel when intervention becomes necessary, despite having done most of the work themselves. What shines through is how small, seemingly insignificant actions from healthcare providers can transform a potentially traumatic experience. When an obstetrician told Jacqueline "I can't get this baby out on my own. This is something we're doing together," it fundamentally shifted her perception from passive recipient to active participant. These simple words acknowledged her essential role in bringing her baby into the world. Jacqueline also shares practical suggestions for improving care during instrumental deliveries – from better lighting arrangements to privacy screens – alongside powerful insights into how birth trauma can manifest in unexpected everyday situations, like trips to the supermarket. Her testimony stands as both a call for change and a roadmap for more compassionate, woman-centered care during assisted births. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to improve practice, an expectant parent preparing for birth possibilities, or someone processing their own birth experience, this episode offers invaluable perspective on centering women's dignity and agency during one of life's mo 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...

    51 min

  4. 03/15/2025

    Episode 180 Mama Academy a chat with Heidi

    Trigger warning Baby Loss This episode is part of the podcasthon global charity podcast event 15th-21st March 2025. Join me as I chat with Heidi Eldridge, founder of the Mama Academy, a charity dedicated to reducing stillbirths and improving maternal health. Heidi's personal story, marked by the tragic loss of her son Aidan, propelled her into action, grounding her journey in the need to provide essential resources and support for expectant parents. Discover how Mama Academy's innovative initiatives, like Wellbeing Wallets and memory kits, are making a tangible difference in combating the silent epidemic of pregnancy loss. In our conversation, Heidi shares insights into pivotal strategies employed to enhance awareness around pregnancy complications while supporting emotional well-being in a compassionate manner. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, the Mama Academy ensures that essential information is accessible to all, empowering parents in their pregnancy journeys. As we dissect important themes of grief, resilience, and transformation, listeners will find inspiration in how one woman turned her heartbreak into a beacon of hope for countless others. This episode is not just a story of loss; it's a call to action for parents and healthcare professionals alike to prioritize awareness and knowledge in pregnancy care. Listen in, explore the myriad ways you can engage with this vital mission, and help make an impact in maternal health. Share your thoughts, leave us a review, and consider supporting the Mama Academy. Together, we can make a difference for expectant families everywhere. To find out more or support the charity please visit: https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk/ 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...

    40 min

  5. 03/05/2025

    Episode 179 Ramadan Special

    Step into our enlightening conversation about the multi-faceted experience of Ramadan, particularly as it relates to pregnant women and the maternity care system. With insights from Muslim doctors Miss  Natasha Abdul-Aziz and  Dr Emma Wiley , we dive  into the spiritual and communal aspects of fasting during this holy month, discussing its potential impacts on health and wellbeing for expecting mothers.  Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food; it is a time for renewal, reflection, and community. Join us as we uncover Quranic teachings that outline the importance of fasting and how flexibility applies regarding exemptions for pregnant women.  This episode also sheds light on the disparities faced by Muslim women within maternity care. The insightful narrative of the 'Invisible' report reveals significant gaps in understanding and service provision, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive healthcare practices.  Curiosity, compassion, and community spirit are woven throughout our discussion. Whether you're curious about the practices surrounding Ramadan, looking for ways to support a loved one, or seeking to understand how faith intersects with healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights. Tune in, engage with the content, and join us in promoting a more inclusive understanding of Ramadan and its meaningful impact during maternity care. Please remember to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review! Want to knowmore? https://britishima.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bima-ramadan-compendium-v1.2-3-1.pdf https://britishima.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ramadan-health-factsheet.pdf With thanks to this clip sung beautifully by Omar Hisham Al Arabi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6zOA6OX34E 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...

    49 min

  6. 02/15/2025

    Episode 178 Maternity Triage

    Maternity triage plays an essential role in providing urgent care to pregnant women, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to potentially life-threatening situations. The episode discusses the BSOTS system, its implementation, challenges, and the importance of maintaining relationships with GPs and midwives while prioritising urgent care needs. • Overview of maternity triage and its significance  • Introduction to the Birmingham Symptom Specific Obstetric Triage System (BSOTS)  • Importance of timely assessment for maternal and fetal health  Want to know more? https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/p13lrr3n/gpp17-final-publication-proof.pdf https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-017-1503-5 https://www.cqc.org.uk/publications/maternity-services-2022-2024/triage 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...

    31 min

  7. 10/08/2024

    Episode 177 Be the Difference a chat with Catherine

    In this episode recorded for baby Loss Awareness week 2024,  Join us as Catherine MacLennan from the Vilomah Foundation opens up about her personal journey through pregnancy loss and the varied care she received. Catherine’s story underscores the emotional toll and disparities in care, urging for a more empathetic approach in maternity services. We discuss the 2016 project, Nobody's Patient, and its enduring impact on bereavement care. From workshops in South West London to the importance of active bereavement teams in every hospital, Catherine emphasizes the significance of individualised care. As Baby Loss Awareness Week and the Wave of Light event on October 15th approach, we reflect on the evolution of the Vilomah Foundation & its work.  Providing virtual sessions for greater accessibility , Catherine introduces their new workplace training initiative, designed to spread awareness and support across various settings. This episode is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community and understanding in the face of profound loss. As Catherine says ' Be the difference'. https://thevilomahfoundation.org.uk/ https://babyloss-awareness.org/ Find Catherine X @thevilomah, FB & Insta The Vilomah foundation, or email hello@thevilomahfoundation.org.uk 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...

    52 min

  8. 09/13/2024

    Episode 176 Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - a chat with Sarah

    Join me as I talk with Sarah Fishburn,  who shares her deeply personal journey through three pregnancies plagued by pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Sarah opens up about how the lack of adequate information and support during her experiences inspired her to create the Pelvic Partnership, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering women suffering from PGP. Together, we dissect the often misunderstood mechanics behind pelvic pain and emphasize the critical importance of early treatment and challenging common misconceptions.  Our discussion critiques the standard medical advice of using support belts and physiotherapy, advocating for thorough hands-on assessments and treatments. Sarah shares insights on the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach that includes muscle release and psychological support to address the mechanical dysfunctions of the pelvis for effective long-term pain management. Discover the challenges many face when accessing manual therapy and sports physio within the NHS, and why patient advocacy is more crucial than ever. We provide practical advice on finding reputable private physiotherapists and discuss funding options for those who can’t afford private treatment. Finally, we address the profound impact of PGP on daily life, its psychological and social ramifications, and the vital need for a holistic approach to postnatal care. Sarah's story of resilience and advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, women can reclaim their lives from the grips of pelvic pain. Want to know more? https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruongqOgNkg https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PGP-Toolkit-V6.pdf https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/ https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/pelvic-partnership-wins-prize/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613813000107?via%3Dihub 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...

    1h 5m
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About

I am an NHS obstetrician hoping to share some thoughts and experiences about my working life. Maybe you enjoy call the midwife, perhaps birth fascinates, or you are simply curious about what exactly an obstetrician is? You might be pregnant and preparing for birth right now. Perhaps you work in maternity care and want to know what makes your obstetric colleagues tick, or you want some fresh ideas and inspiration. Whichever of these is the case TheObsPod is for you. Each episode contains 'the zesty bit' the essence of what I hope you will take away from listening. I do hope you will subscribe and enjoy joining me. Find me on Twitter @FWmaternity & @TheObsPod & explore #MatExp matexp.org.uk to find out more about women and staff working together to improve maternity services. With thanks to Anna Geyer www.newpossibilities.co.uk for my beautiful artwork

Information

  • Creator
    Florence
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Obs Pod
  • Show Website
    The Obs Pod

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