The Obs Pod

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.<...

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 preg...

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...

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...

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 tr...

Curious about how the new RSV vaccine could protect your baby? Join me, Florence, as we uncover the latest addition to the UK’s maternal vaccination program. In this episode of the OBSpod, I break down everything you need to know about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Learn how this innovative recombinant vaccine works & why it's crucial for infants under a year old.

Expectant mothers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in maternal and infant health will find this episode particularly enlightening. I'll guide you through the rationale behind the vaccine's introduction and its expected impact on bo...

Can dental care during pregnancy really impact your baby's health? Join me, Florence, as I crack open the myths and present the facts on this crucial yet often ignored topic. Discover why maintaining good dental hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy, despite outdated beliefs linking gum disease to preterm birth being debunked by recent studies like the meta-analysis from Norway. We'll delve into the specifics of increased risks like gingivitis and tooth erosion, and highlight the invaluable UK's maternity exemption certificate for free dental care.

In this episode, I emphasize pregnancy as a golden opportunity...

Could you imagine the emotional and mental whirlwind of encountering postnatal psychosis right after welcoming your baby into the world? Join us as we sit down with the incredibly courageous Sarah, who takes us through her deeply personal journey of battling postnatal psychosis following an emergency caesarean section and her son’s critical NICU stay. We explore the crucial role of perinatal mental health teams, and the struggle of distinguishing physical from mental symptoms when sleep-deprived.

Ever wondered what it’s like to stay in a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) ? Sarah opens up about her mixed emot...

Ever wondered how to navigate the uncertain terrain of pregnancy complications with confidence? Join us as we welcome Professor Emily Oster, an economist from Brown University and a celebrated author, who brings her latest data-driven insights to the table. In this episode, we dive deep into her new book, "The Unexpected: Navigating Pregnancy During and After Complications," Co-authored with  Dr. Nathan Fox, an OBGYN. The book  shares personal experiences and valuable advice on preparing for medical consultations and understanding past pregnancy challenges. Emily's journey into the world of parenting data is not just enlightening but also empowering for expectant mo...

Imagine giving birth in a peaceful sanctuary rather than a bustling, noisy ward. Join me, Florence, as  newly installed noise-monitoring devices in our maternity ward prompt me to think about noise levels in maternity.  Reflecting on my own experiences, including the challenges of keeping my voice down, we’ll navigate through the World Health Organization's guidelines on acceptable noise levels in hospitals. Discover the diverse sources of noise, from technological equipment to emergency buzzers, and understand how managing these sounds could create a more restful environment for laboring women and their newborns.

Engage more deeply with TheObsPod by e...

Have you ever considered the impact of a simple medical term on a person's experience? Midwife Jenny Cunningham and Catriona Forbes of a research collective join us to unravel the complex issue of weight stigma in pregnancy.  Jenny shares her path from hands-on midwifery to academic research, while Catriona offers a personal narrative on the stigma she faced as an expectant mother, lending depth to our understanding of these early, often negative categorizations.

Language has power, especially in healthcare, and this episode sheds light on the need for respectful terminology when discussing body weight during maternity care. W...

I am excited to bring you this episode on hyperemesis gravidarum. Joined by renowned experts Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy, Dr. Melanie Nana, and Professor Catherine Williamson, we dissect the impact of this condition and the ground breaking RCOG guidelines that are transforming care for pregnant women. These leading figures pull back the curtain on shocking statistics like the 5% termination rate for wanted pregnancies due to severe nausea, emphasizing the urgency for healthcare providers to truly listen and validate the experiences of their patients.

Navigating through a maze of myths and half-truths can be daunting for anyone dealing with...

Have you ever experienced a moment of cultural awakening, realizing that there's so much more to learn about the traditions of those around us? That's exactly what happened to me, Florence, after reading an enlightening tweet from the outstanding obstetrician Nisha Knot, which set me on a path to discover more about Ramadan and its effects on pregnancy. Join me on the OBSpod as I navigate my own journey of understanding, driven by the realization that many of the Muslim women we support in healthcare are observing this pillar of their faith. This episode is a heartfelt quest for...

This week follows directly on from Episode 166 Personalised care this time talking about the issue of consent. In this episode I reflect on the introduction of electronic consent in maternity care, scrutinizing its benefits and the unforeseen complexities it introduces. I discuss the  General Medical Council's 2020 guidance on consent, spotlighting the critical need for inclusive language and the eradication of personal bias.  I consider the need for antenatal education as a bedrock for preparing expectant mothers to navigate the decision-making labyrinth of labour, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and every choice is informed.

Together, we...

As we navigate the intricate journey of childbirth, there is a  balance between a mother's autonomy and stringent clinical guidelines.  Step into the world of Personalised Care in maternity services, where my discussion sheds light on the emotional complexities of honouring the unique birth plans of expectant mothers. This episode is a clarion call for healthcare providers to listen deeply, advocate for informed consent, and partner with pregnant women to create empowering birth experiences that resonate with their individual wishes.

Join us for an engaging exploration of the challenges and triumphs in the quest for Personalised Care. Fr...

Discover  the hormone oxytocin and its role in the birthing process  in the latest ObsPod episode. We unravel the dual nature of this potent hormone, once an unquestioned staple in Active Management of Labour.  Listen as we share an engaging conversation about its physiological impacts, the delicate balancing act required for its use in inducing labor, and the critical examination of its application in natural labor progression.

We discuss use of oxytocin over time,  We tackle the tough questions about its contribution to caesarean birth rates and dissect the role that confirmation bias has played in obstetric inte...

Join me & my guest Dr. Kirsten Small as we build on our previous joint episode 157 Fetal heart monitoring in labour. This time we discuss the world of intermittent auscultation, you'll be enlightened by the evolution from the hands-on Pinard stethoscope to the advanced Doppler device. Dr. Small shares her expertise on the intimate connection care providers once had with this practice and how it's changing in today's clinical settings. We also examine the remarkable methods midwives employ in various care environments to monitor fetal well-being, revealing the depth and diversity of approaches.

Listen as we discuss cardiotocograph...

Embark on a poignant exploration of a topic that's often cloaked in stigma yet crucial to maternal health: obesity and BMI during pregnancy. Join me, Florence, on the ObsPod, as we unravel the intertwined issues of weight management and prenatal care, delving into the NHS classifications that inform how expectant mothers with a BMI over 30 navigate their unique journey. This episode promises insightful discussions and a deeper understanding of the practical applications and limitations of BMI as a standard of health, particularly during such a life-changing period for women.

This candid discussion also brings to light the...

Embark on a transformative journey through the complexities of alcohol use during pregnancy, as we unravel the myriad risks and the vital necessity of abstinence for expectant mothers. Grappling with the nebulousness of self-reported alcohol intake and the deceptive simplicity of a 'unit' of alcohol, we aim to demystify the misconceptions and bring to light the stark realities of alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEP) and fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD). With a staggering 400+ conditions linked to FASD, this episode is an essential listen for anyone invested in the future health of our children.

Navigating this sensitive topic with the...

Are you already familiar with the life-saving role of blood transfusions in obstetrics? If not, get ready for an enlightening journey into this critical aspect of maternity care. This episode is packed with insights about the ins and outs of transfusions, from packed red cells to platelets, plus everything else a woman might need to replace following excessive bleeding during pregnancy or childbirth. We also introduce you to the role of a hematologist and a game-changing device called TEG. 

Pregnancy and childbirth can sometimes bring along unforeseen complications. Here, we delve into potential reactions during transfusions, the s...

Trigger warning this episode contains discussion of baby loss.

What if you found yourself entangled in a challenging and rare pregnancy condition, not once but twice, with a heartbreaking ending? Unravel the personal narrative of Jenny Chambers, the founder and CEO of ICP Support, as she shares her painful journey through Intra-Hepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). From the agony of stillbirth, the challenges of conceiving again, to her unwavering commitment in raising awareness about this complex condition, Jenny's story shines a light on the importance of support, understanding, and research for families affected by ICP.

...

Ever felt confused or guilty about your sleep position during pregnancy? Fear not, as I, Florence, an experienced NHS obstetrician, guide you through the maze of advice on this critical topic. Drawing from years of practice, continued learning and the latest research, I shed light on this topic, putting to rest unfounded fears and guilt. Together, we explore the NICE guidelines and dissect multiple research studies that have explored the impact of sleep position on stillbirth and fetal growth. My goal is to provide you with evidence-based knowledge, giving you the confidence and peace of mind you need during...

Today is a much awaited episode having been brewing for over three years since I started the podcast which seems apt given the subject. How does it feel to be pregnant after fertility treatment, what might be the issues maternity staff need to be aware of ? What maternity care do we need to provide to the increasing number of families in our care after assisted conception and a fertility journey. Join me in an episode ready for fertility week (30th Oct -4th Nov) hear my thoughts about pregnancy after fertility. This episode with special  thanks to Katie Eaves a...

How much trust are you placing on the CTG monitor as you welcome a new life into the world? Get ready to have your beliefs challenged as Dr. Kirsten Small and I dissect the language and implications surrounding fetal monitoring during labor. We dive beneath the surface to expose how CTG monitoring can become a source of moral panic, shifting the focus from the true essence of childbirth. 

Dr. Small, a critical voice in the field, and I navigate the complex world of CTG monitoring. We reveal how misleading language and beliefs can cloud our judgement about i...

Ever wondered how hypno-birthing can change your childbirth experience? Today's special guest, Megan Rossiter, will take you on a journey through the transformative power of hypno-birthing. Megan went from an initial skeptic to becoming an inspiring advocate and teacher in this field. Dive in as we explore how hypno-birthing techniques influence the subconscious mind, helping parents reframe their thoughts around childbirth and enhancing their connection with their bodies and babies.

Our enlightening conversation doesn't stop there. Get insight into various relaxation techniques that keep expecting parents in the calm part of their nervous system during this momentous...

What if the treatments we believe to be beneficial in Obstetrics aren't as helpful as we thought? Or worse, might they bring along hidden risks for mothers and babies? As your host, Florence, I invite you to journey with me as we explore the complex world of antenatal steroids, a commonly used intervention for preterm labor and planned cesarean births. This episode will not only shed light on the perceived positives, like improved baby outcomes, but also dissect the potential downsides, such as its impact on diabetic control for mothers. We'll also delve into emerging evidence that raises questions...

There have been some disturbing stories in the media recently about outcomes for women and babies in prison. Here I explore some evidence and more importantly what is being done to try and improve the situation.

Want to know more?
https://www.tommys.org/about-us/news-views/pregnant-women-prison-greater-risk-pregnancy-complications-and-baby-loss
https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk/resources/5-birth-charter-for-women-in-prison-in-england-and-wales
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/28/serious-failings-contributed-to-babys-death-in-12-hour-lone-prison-birth#:~:text=Photograph%3A%20Martin%20Argles%2FThe,26%20September%202019.
Article in Birth
https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.rcog.idm.oclc.org/doi/10.1111/birt.12692
Article on mothers leaving care & interactions with criminal justice system
...

In this episode I am joined once again  by incredible obstetric physicians Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy & Dr Melanie Nana. This time we are discussing breast cancer in pregnancy & some fantastic work they have been doing to standardise and improve care for women in this situation. We also discuss the fabulous charity Mummy's Star.

Want to know more?
https://www.mummysstar.org/
Breast cancer infographic
https://www.mummysstar.org/_files/ugd/2dde0d_6790930c3e5a47ccb875a63683dfaa10.pdf

You can contact Cathy or Melanie on Twitter @nelson_piercy & @Melanie_Nana1 

In this episode I am joined by incredible obstetric physicians Professor Catherine Nelson-Piercy & Dr Melanie Nana. We discuss what is an obstetric physician? How can we better work together in pregnancy to care for women with more complex medical issues? Plus learn all about maternal medicine networks.

Want to know more?
https://www.pslhub.org/learn/patient-safety-in-health-and-care/high-risk-areas/maternity/3-ps-in-a-pod-poster-identifying-red-flags-in-pregnant-women-r4568/
https://www.obstetricmedic.org.uk/
https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/maternal-medicine-networks-service-specification/
https://uktis.org/
https://www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/

You can contact Cathy or Melanie on Twitter @nelson_piercy & @Melanie...

It's a tough time in the NHS at the moment. This week is a brief reflective episode on the importance of compassion not only for families under our care but for our selves and colleagues.

Want to know more?
Compassion for midwives
https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0002034&type=printable
GMC training survey & RCOG workplace behaviour toolkit
https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/national-training-survey-2023-initial-findings-report_pdf-101939815.pdf
https://www.rcog.org.uk/careers-and-training/starting-your-og-career/workforce/improving-workplace-behaviours/workplace-behaviour-toolkit/
https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/vwipz4bh/addressing-negative-behaviours-infographic...

In this episode I explore an article that looks at women's experience of induction of labour and ask are we aware of the repercussions when we suggest induction of labour? What impact does this have on how women feel and on their choices or birth options?

Want to know more?
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/5/e071703

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...

Quitting smoking is the single most important action a woman can take to improve the health of her baby. I am ashamed to say I don't know much about the best way to tackle this discussion in the antenatal clinic. In this episode I discuss some training I have done to rectify this and my thoughts on what I learnt.

Want to know more?
https://elearning.ncsct.co.uk/vba_pregnancy-launch
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/stop-smoking/
https://smokefreeapp.com/

Vaping in pregnancy
...

This episode follows on directly from last week's episode on fluid balance as the urine we produce is such an important component of that balance. Hear why caring for the bladder in labour is so important and why in some labours and births a catheter tube in the bladder may be an essential part of treatment.

Want to explore more?

https://www.rcn.org.uk/-/media/Royal-College-Of-Nursing/Documents/Publications/2021/April/009-553.pdf
https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-treatments/bladder-management-and-childbirth/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/

Thank you all for listening...

With a bit of a heatwave this week by UK standards we are encouraging pregnant women to drink plenty of water, but is there a downside could we actually be causing a problem? Surely water isn't harmful right?
Join me to discuss fluid balance in labour, why its important and how to manage it.

Want to know more?
https://hsib-kqcco125-media.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/documents/peripartum-hyponatraemia-findings-from-the-hsib-cohort.pdf
https://resolution.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Case-story-Hyponatraemia.pdf

You may need a hospital or institutional log in for the full article on these two...

Today I am talking about the thyroid gland and what we think about if it is under or over active in pregnancy. These women are often referred to an obstetrician.

Want to know more?
https://thyroiduk.org/having-a-baby/
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/iodine.html
Currently out for review

https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/4v3hsepc/thyroiddisordersinpregnancyvpeerreviewfinal.pdf

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...

What  is a BBA? What do we mean by born before arrival and how frequently does it happen? What are the options for women that may have experienced this in the past?


Want to know more?
https://www.britishjournalofmidwifery.com/content/supervision/born-before-arrival-supervision-in-action/
https://www.maternityandmidwifery.co.uk/homebirth/
https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/unassisted-birth/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-london-42030812

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of b...

Today I am talking about unstable lie when a baby is moving around loads at the end of pregnancy instead of settling to head down.

Want to know more?
https://fn.bmj.com/content/99/Suppl_1/A112.3
https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/3wykswng/gtg-50-umbilicalcordprolapse-2014.pdf
https://www.spinningbabies.com/when-a-person-is-told-they-have-an-unstable-lie/

You may need an organisational or institutional log is to access the full text
https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(17)30593-6/fulltext

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor...

Chickenpox or varicella is a common infection , what happens if you get it in pregnancy or your child does?

Want to know more?
https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/y3ajgkda/gtg13.pdf
https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/chickenpox-and-pregnancy-patient-information-leaflet/

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...

Water can be used for pain relief during labour and giving birth. It has incredible benefits but why are only approximately 10% of women using water ? do we truly provide access to a birthing pool for all women? In light of the evidence of its positive effects shouldnt we be looking at this?

Want to know more?
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/7/e056517
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/where-can-i-give-birth/how-prepare-water-birth
https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/your-pain-relief-options/water-births-and-labouring-water-questions-answered
 

Thank you all for listening, My name is Florence Wilcock I am an N...

This episode is out a day early to celebrate International Day of The Midwife 2023.
It's a chat with my colleague and friend Kate Greenstock , all about her newly published book 'Flourish: A practical and emotional guidebook to thriving in midwifery'
The book is just what it says it is, first acknowledging the emotional and psychological work of midwifery or any maternity staff for that matter, combined with heaps of practical ideas that may help us.

Want to know more?
https://www.flourishformidwives.com/

Kate can be found @wildrubiescoach on twitter and instagram<...