Season 2 Episode 8: Headaches & Fatigue in Pregnancy

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/]

[Español] Temporada 2, Episodio 5: Ultrasonidos Prenatales

En este episodio del podcast Rhode to Pregnancy, Ashley y Malia guían a los oyentes a través de todo el panorama de las ecografías o ultrasonidos prenatales durante el embarazo, explicando cómo funciona la tecnología, cuándo se suele realizar cada ecografía y qué información recopilan los profesionales sanitarios durante el proceso. Hablan de la ecografía de confirmación del primer trimestre, la ecografía opcional de translucencia nucal y la ecografía anatómica detallada del segundo trimestre, que evalúa los órganos, el crecimiento, la posición, la placenta y el líquido amniótico del bebé, señalando tanto lo que esta ecografía puede detectar como sus importantes limitaciones. Las presentadoras advierten sobre las clínicas de ecografías no médicas que pueden malinterpretar las imágenes y crear una falsa seguridad o ansiedad, y enfatizan la importancia de obtener imágenes a través de proveedores médicos calificados. El episodio termina con recursos adicionales y una invitación a seguir el podcast para obtener más información sobre el embarazo. Temas Clave Tratados * ¿Qué son las ecografías? * ¿Cuándo se realizan ecografías durante el embarazo? * ¿Son perjudiciales para mi bebé? * ¿Cuándo se suele realizar la ecografía del segundo trimestre y por qué? * ¿Qué estructuras o características fetales se evalúan durante esta ecografía? * ¿Qué tipo de anomalías o afecciones puede ayudar a identificar? ¿O descartar? * ¿Cómo influyen los resultados de esta ecografía en la atención futura o en la toma de decisiones? * ¿Cuáles son las limitaciones de las ecografías del segundo trimestre para detectar anomalías fetales o placentarias? * ¿Por qué se considera un hito tan importante en el embarazo? * ¿Cuáles son las directrices profesionales actuales (ACOG) con respecto a las ecografías del segundo trimestre? * ¿En qué se diferencian las ecografías de seguimiento de la ecografía anatómica inicial? * ¿Qué papel desempeña la ecografía en la preparación para el tercer trimestre y el parto? * ¿Qué grado de precisión tienen las mediciones del crecimiento y las estimaciones de la fecha prevista del parto? * ¿Qué factores pueden afectar a la calidad de la imagen o a su interpretación? * ¿Cómo ha evolucionado la tecnología ecográfica en los últimos años? * Dónde realizar ecografías prenatales Enlaces y Fuentes Importantes * https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/ogcc [https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/ogcc]   * https://www.thundermisthealth.org/ [https://www.thundermisthealth.org/]  * https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ultrasound-exams [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ultrasound-exams]  * https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/prenatal-ultrasound#related [https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/prenatal-ultrasound#related]  Síguenos en Instagram: @RhodetoPregnancy  ¿Te ha gustado este episodio? ¡Compártelo con tus amigas y suscríbete para recibir más!

Season 2 Episode 5: Prenatal Ultrasounds

In this episode of the Rhode to Pregnancy Podcast, Ashley and Malia walk listeners through the full landscape of pregnancy ultrasounds, explaining how the technology works, when each scan typically happens, and what information providers gather along the way. They cover the first-trimester confirmation scan, the optional NT scan, and the detailed second-trimester anatomy scan that assesses the baby’s organs, growth, position, placenta, and amniotic fluid, noting both what this scan can detect and its important limitations. The hosts caution against non-medical ultrasound boutiques that may misinterpret images and create false reassurance or anxiety, emphasizing the importance of getting imaging through qualified medical providers. The episode closes with additional resources and an invitation to follow along for more pregnancy insights. Key Topics Covered * What are ultrasounds? * When do you get ultrasounds during pregnancy? * Are they harmful to my baby? * When is the second-trimester ultrasound typically performed, and why? * What fetal structures or features are evaluated during this scan? * What kinds of abnormalities or conditions can it help identify? Or rule out? * How do results from this scan influence future care or decision-making? * What are the limitations of second-trimester ultrasounds in detecting fetal or placental abnormalities? * Why is it considered such an important milestone in pregnancy? * What are the current professional guidelines (ACOG) regarding second-trimester ultrasounds? * How do follow-up scans differ from the initial anatomy scan? * What role does ultrasound play in preparing for the third trimester and delivery? * How accurate are growth measurements and due date estimates? * What factors can affect image quality or interpretation? * How has ultrasound technology evolved in recent years? * Where to get prenatal ultrasounds Important Links & Sources * https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/ogcc [https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/ogcc]   * https://www.thundermisthealth.org/ [https://www.thundermisthealth.org/]  * https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ultrasound-exams [https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ultrasound-exams]  * https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/prenatal-ultrasound#related [https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/prenatal-ultrasound#related]  Follow us on Instagram: @RhodetoPregnancy [https://instagram.com/rhodetopregnancy] Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with friends and subscribe for more!