Season 3 Episode 1: Third Trimester Overview

Season 3 Episode 1: Third Trimester Overview

In the first episode of Season 3 of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Malia and Ashley provide an overview of the third trimester of pregnancy and what patients can expect as they approach labor and delivery. They discuss major milestones in fetal development, common physical symptoms experienced during the third trimester, important prenatal appointments, recommended vaccines and screenings, and ways to prepare for birth and the postpartum period. The hosts also highlight warning signs that warrant medical attention and discuss how partners and support people can provide meaningful support during this stage of pregnancy. This episode serves as a foundation for the rest of the season, which will explore labor, delivery, and postpartum topics in greater depth. Key Topics: * Definition and timeline of the third trimester * Major fetal growth and developmental milestones * Common third-trimester symptoms * Changes in fetal movement and when to contact a healthcare provider * Warning signs of preterm labor and other symptoms that require medical attention * Frequency and purpose of third-trimester prenatal visits * The role of partners and support people during the third trimester Resources * American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy] * Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Week-by-Week Guide: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046767 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046767] * Johns Hopkins Medicine – The Third Trimester: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester] * Cleveland Clinic – Third Trimester: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimester [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimester]

[Español] Temporada 3, Episodio 1: Introducción al Tercer Trimestre del Embarazo

En el primer episodio de la temporada 3 del podcast Rhode to Pregnancy, Malia y Ashley ofrecen una visión general del tercer trimestre del embarazo y de lo que las pacientes pueden esperar a medida que se acercan al parto y al alumbramiento. Hablan de los principales hitos en el desarrollo fetal, los síntomas físicos habituales que se experimentan durante el tercer trimestre, las citas prenatales importantes, las vacunas y pruebas de detección recomendadas, y las formas de prepararse para el parto y el posparto. Las presentadoras también destacan los signos de alerta que requieren atención médica y comentan cómo las parejas y las personas de apoyo pueden brindar un apoyo significativo durante esta etapa del embarazo. Este episodio sirve de base para el resto de la temporada, en la que se explorarán con mayor profundidad temas relacionados con el parto, el alumbramiento y el posparto. Temas Principales: * Definición y cronología del tercer trimestre * Principales hitos del crecimiento y desarrollo fetal * Síntomas comunes del tercer trimestre * Cambios en los movimientos fetales y cuándo comunicarse con un profesional de la salud * Señales de alerta de parto prematuro y otros síntomas que requieren atención médica * Frecuencia y propósito de las visitas prenatales durante el tercer trimestre * El papel de las parejas y las personas de apoyo durante el tercer trimestre Recursos: * Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos (ACOG): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy] * Guía Semana a Semana del Embarazo de Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046767 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046767] * Johns Hopkins Medicine – El Tercer Trimestre: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester] * Cleveland Clinic – Tercer Trimestre: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimester [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/third-trimester]

Season 2 Episode 8: Headaches & Fatigue in Pregnancy

In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Ashley and Malia are joined by Dr. Srilakshmi Mitta, an obstetric medicine specialist, to break down two very common second-trimester symptoms: headaches and fatigue, including fatigue related to anemia. They explain why the second trimester is often called the “easier” trimester, while highlighting that symptoms like headaches and low energy are still very common. The conversation covers what causes these symptoms, how to tell what’s normal versus concerning, and when to reach out to your healthcare provider. Dr. Mitta also walks through safe treatment options for headaches, lifestyle strategies to improve energy levels, and how anemia is screened and treated during pregnancy. This episode is designed to help you feel informed, reassured, and empowered as you navigate the second trimester.   Key Topics Covered * Why the second trimester feels “easier” * Common symptoms: headaches & fatigue * Normal vs concerning headaches (red flags) * Safe treatments for headaches * Causes of fatigue and how to spot anemia * Anemia screening and treatment * Iron-rich foods and supplement tips Local Rhode Island Resources * Rhode Island WIC Program: Free nutrition support, prenatal counseling, and access to iron-rich foods – https://health.ri.gov/wic [https://health.ri.gov/wic] * Women & Infants Hospital: High-risk pregnancy care and anemia management services – https://www.womenandinfants.org [https://www.womenandinfants.org] * Thundermist Health Center: Affordable prenatal and primary care – https://www.thundermisthealth.org [https://www.thundermisthealth.org] * Providence Community Health Centers: Accessible prenatal care and lab testing – https://www.providencechc.org [https://www.providencechc.org] * Rhode Island Department of Health: Pregnancy health information and statewide resources – https://health.ri.gov/pregnancy [https://health.ri.gov/pregnancy]  Important Links & Sources * American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Headaches During Pregnancy FAQs: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/headaches-and-pregnancy [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/headaches-and-pregnancy]  * American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Acetaminophen and Pregnancy FAQs: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/acetaminophen-and-pregnancy [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/acetaminophen-and-pregnancy]  Follow us on Instagram: @RhodetoPregnancy Enjoyed this episode? If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need it and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Season 2 Episode 7: Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy podcast, Malia and Ashley break down gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a clear, easy-to-understand way. They explain what gestational diabetes is, why it happens during pregnancy, how testing works, and what management looks like, including checking blood sugar, having a healthy diet, and insulin use. They also discuss delivery considerations, postpartum follow-up, and long-term health for both parent and baby. Common myths are addressed, helping you feel informed, supported, and empowered.   Key Topics Covered * What gestational diabetes is and why it happens * Who is at higher risk for GDM * Glucose screening and 3-hour diagnostic tests * What “failing” the glucose test really means * Blood sugar monitoring and target levels * Nutrition tips and portion guidance * Management and insulin  * Effects on baby and delivery considerations * Postpartum follow-up and reducing future diabetes risk * Myths and common misconceptions Local Rhode Island Resources * Affordable Diabetes Supplies (GoodRx): Compare prices for test strips and glucose monitors: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes/diabetic-test-strips [https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes/diabetic-test-strips]https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes-type-2/monitoring-blood-sugar-at-home-how-to-choose-glucose-monitor [https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes-type-2/monitoring-blood-sugar-at-home-how-to-choose-glucose-monitor] * Diabetes Management Info (GoodRx): Learn about medications and tips for managing diabetes: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes#treatments [https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/diabetes#treatments] * Ready for Health Diabetes Prevention Program (RI): Free programs to help prevent diabetes and stay healthy: https://health.ri.gov/diabetes/services/ready-health-diabetes-prevention-program [https://health.ri.gov/diabetes/services/ready-health-diabetes-prevention-program] * Diabetes in Pregnancy Support: High-risk pregnancy care and education at Women & Infants Hospital: https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/pregnancy/high-risk/diabetes-in-pregnancy [https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/pregnancy/high-risk/diabetes-in-pregnancy] * Gestational Diabetes Info (RI Department of Health): Learn about screening, management, and local resources: https://health.ri.gov/diabetes/gestational-diabetes [https://health.ri.gov/diabetes/gestational-diabetes]   Important Links & Sources * American Diabetes Association - Diabetes Plate Method:  https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/what-diabetes-plate [https://diabetesfoodhub.org/blog/what-diabetes-plate]  * American Diabetes Association - Gestational Diabetes: https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes [https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes]  * ACOG - Gestational Diabetes FAQ: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/gestational-diabetes [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/gestational-diabetes]  * ACOG Updated Guidance Overview (The OB-G Project): https://www.obgproject.com/2023/01/02/acog-releases-updated-guidance-gestational-diabetes/ [https://www.obgproject.com/2023/01/02/acog-releases-updated-guidance-gestational-diabetes/]  Follow us on Instagram: @RhodetoPregnancy Enjoyed this episode? If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need it and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Season 2 Episode 6: Endometriosis

SHOW NOTES Episode Title: Endometriosis Hosts: Ashley and Malia Summary: In recognition of Endometriosis Awareness Month, this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy Podcast dives into all things endometriosis. Ashley and Malia break down what endometriosis is, common symptoms, possible causes, and why diagnosis can take years. They discuss treatment options, how the condition can affect fertility and pregnancy, and the emotional toll of living with chronic pain. The episode also highlights the importance of self-advocacy and shares local and national resources for support. Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating a diagnosis, or simply want to learn more, this episode provides clear, accessible information to help you feel informed and empowered. Key Topics Covered: * What endometriosis is and how it develops * Symptoms and causes * How endometriosis is diagnosed and delays in diagnosis * Treatment options: pain management, hormonal therapy, and surgery * Endometriosis and infertility * How endometriosis may impact pregnancy * Mental health and quality-of-life effects * The importance of self-advocacy * Support resources Resources: * Women and Infants: https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/obstetrics-gynecology-care#gynecological [https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/obstetrics-gynecology-care#gynecological] * Providence Community Health Centers: https://www.providencechc.org/services/medical-services/ [https://www.providencechc.org/services/medical-services/] * Thundermist: https://www.thundermisthealth.org/ [https://www.thundermisthealth.org/] * Endometriosis Alliance: https://endometriosisalliance.com/groups/ [https://endometriosisalliance.com/groups/] * The Endometriosis Foundation of America: https://www.endofound.org/ [https://www.endofound.org/]