Mayo Clinic Moms: Talking Pregnancy

The pop-up ads will start soon after the positive pregnancy test. You must have this safety feature! Your baby cannot survive without that gadget! Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., sort out what you actually need from what you don’t, what to look for — and look out for — and why it matters. Topics include a wide variety of products, including: * Pacifiers * Sleep sacks * Exercise balls * Cribs * Car seats * Baby monitors * Strollers

Pregnancy creates a tidal wave of hormones. This protects a growing baby — while creating serious discomfort for mom. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. discuss the many day-to-day health challenges and disruptions to your routine. Get expert medical opinions on these hot topics: * Pre-natal vitamins * Over-the-counter pain relievers * Heartburn treatments * Cold and cough remedies * Morning sickness * Hair dye and nail care * Flying and other travel * Exercise * Placenta pills

Being pregnant means you’re about to swim in a sea of “do’s and don’ts.” Mostly don’ts. Co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. discuss the many foods that society tells pregnant women to keep off their plates. What’s science? What’s fiction? What’s in between? Learn all about: * Safer ways to eat sushi * The big reach and risky business of listeria: Why soft cheeses, deli meat, packaged salads and, brace yourself, ice cream can be carriers * Why you should always wash raw fruit and veggies, and leave dealing with the cat’s litterbox to your partner

It’s the most excited you’ll ever be. And it’s the most scared you’ve ever been. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical geneticist, joins co-hosts Angela Mattke, M.D., and Nipunie Rajapakse M.D., to discuss the often-conflicted feelings of expectant parents. Questions tackled include: * What factors make a pregnancy “high risk?” How much does age matter? What can I do to lower that risk? * What can I do during pregnancy to give my baby her best chance at being born healthy, and staying that way? * Should we consider genetic testing? * How should we plan our lives — work, relationships — with a needy new addition joining our ranks?

Co-host Nipunie Rajapakse M.D. talks through the “biggest adventure of my life” — she’s pregnant! She’s joined by co-host Angela Mattke, M.D. — and special guest Jay Homme, M.D., pediatrician at Mayo Clinic and father of six children. Tune in for a wide-ranging discussion of pregnancy in an age of social media and pandemic, with topics including: * When, and how, to announce your news? How can we be sensitive to others who’ve struggled with infertility? * What to expect when we’re older and expecting? Dr. Nipunie is 37, her partner Thomas is 40. * How do we maintain mindfulness and stay in the moment? * What are good ways to keep partners involved in the pregnancy journey? * How do we stay active and preserve “date nights?”