True Birth

Proprietary Medicine - Guarded Knowledge in Childbirth: Episode #199

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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How Pregnancy Is Counted (and Why It's So Confusing): Weeks, Months, and What They Actually Mean

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy is one of the only times in life where we're asked to think in weeks instead of months, and for many people, it's confusing, frustrating, an...

Late Preterm Birth: The Space Between Early and Term: Episode #197

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of True Birth, we explore late preterm birth which are deliveries that occur between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and why this window...

Pelvic Rest in Pregnancy - When you need it and when you don't. Episode #196

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of True Birth, we take a closer look at pelvic rest in pregnancy, what it actually means, when it is medically indicated, and when it ...

More Stories About Birth: Episode #195

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of True Birth, we share more birth stories. As always, stories are honest, nuanced, and deeply human. Some are empowering, some are c...

The Partners Role in Labor & Delivery: Episode #194

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of True Birth, we explore the powerful and often underestimated role partners play in childbirth. Birth is not something that happens ...

Curve Balls in Pregnancy: When the Unexpected Happens. Episode # 193

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When pregnancy takes an unexpected turn, it can feel disorienting and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk about the curve balls no one plans for...

Baby Aspirin in Pregnancy: Episode #192

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, is one of the most commonly recommended medications in pregnancy today. But despite how frequently it's ...

Tylenol in Pregnancy: What you Really need to know. Episode #191

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe? It's the medication nearly every pregnant person re...

Listener Mail: You Wrote in and We're Talking About it

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we're answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what's been...

The VBAC Playbook: Episode 189

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This show is about the VBAC Playbook—your complete guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We bring together everything you need to know in one plac...

When to Seek Out a Second Opinion in Pregnancy: Episode #188

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy and childbirth are filled with important decisions, and sometimes the advice you receive from your OB/GYN or midwife can feel overwhelming—...

From Nicotine to Ibogaine: How Substances Shape Pregnancy Outcomes: Episode #187

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of True Birth, we take on one of the most fraught subjects in pregnancy care: substance use. Their conversation goes beyond the obviou...

Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room: Episode #186

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room takes you inside an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at 48 hours in Labor & Delivery through the ...

New ACOG Guidance - "Transformation" to U.S. Prenatal Care Delivery: Episode #185

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released new clinical guidance on April 17, 2025 that recommends, as they see it, reimagining...

Introducing Dr. Apig Mosses

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Mosses comes to Maternal Resources after serving as the Medical Director of the OB/GYN department at Ezra Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he bui...

Sometimes You Don't Know: Birth Stories

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore birth stories. Through candid, firsthand birth stories, we highlight how listening to your body, ...

Re-Release: Epidurals in Labor & Delivery: Episode #78

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Epidural anesthesia is a type of local anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space.  This procedure numbs the spinal nerve roots and provides...

Fetal Head Size in Pregnancy: Episode #182

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episdoe, we explore how biometry is used to measure key metrics like Biparietal Diameter (BPD) and Head Circumference (HC), shedding light on ...

Unicornuate Uterus: Episode #181

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding Unicornuate Uterus: What It Is, Prevalence, Risks, and a Positive Outlook A unicornuate uterus is a rare congenital condition where th...

Re-Release: C-Section Delivery Done Right: Dr. Abdelhak's Cesarean Birth Guide. Episode #50

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a c-section birth is done with care and precision it can make all the difference in the healing and recovery for the mother. Operating the right ...

The Bad and the Ugly: RARE Life Complicating OB Conditions

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast we shedding light on rare and complex obstetric conditions that impact pregnancy and maternal health. Without the need for unnecessar...

First Pregnancy vs Second: Episode #178

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

First vs. Second Pregnancy: What to Expect According to Birth Experts Having attended over 10,000 births together, experienced Dr. Yaakov Abdlehak OB/...

Maternal Resources: How I Built This #177

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of TrueBirth, Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, relays his inspiring story...

Manual Removal of the Placenta: Episode #176

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manual removal of the placenta is a procedure sometimes required when the placenta does not deliver on its own after the baby is born. Typically, the ...

Swelling in Pregnancy: Edema Episode #175

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

https://www.tiktok.com/@natureback.docIn this episode, we dive into a common yet often confusing part of pregnancy: edema and swelling. From puffy an...

How to Be the Patient Docs Actually Look Forward to Seeing: Episode #174

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Visiting the doctor can be a straightforward and positive experience with a few simple habits, some you may not even notice you are doing. One effect...

Attempting a VBAC after two Cesarean Births: Episode #173

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A short story on a woman contemplating a VBAC after two Cesarean Deliveries.  Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) after two cesarean deliveries (V...

Prodromal Labor: Episode #172

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prodromal labor refers to a pattern of contractions that can feel strong and regular, yet do not lead to significant cervical dilation and active labo...

Bowel Movements in the Labor room

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  Today, we get real about every aspect of labor and delivery. In this episode, we're tackling a topic folks often avoid: having a bowel movement dur...

Boarding Pass Blues: Finding Humor in Flying Headaches (and a Bit about Pregnancy)

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special detour from our usual birth and pregnancy-focused conversations, we take to the skies for a lighthearted look at the highs (and lows) ...

Natural Breech Delivery: Step by Step - Episode #169

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll be taken through a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of a vaginal breech delivery. The discussion unfolds like a guided tour th...

Exercise in Pregnancy: Episode #168

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Exercise during pregnancy is highly beneficial for both the mother and baby, promoting cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of gestational diabete...

Listener Mail: Episode #167

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into listener mail! 🎙️📬 From thought-provoking questions to personal stories and insightful feedback, we explore what...

Prenatal Lab Tests in Pregnancy. Episode #166

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  During pregnancy, lab tests play a crucial role in monitoring both maternal and fetal health, ensuring early detection of potential co...

Placenta Location: Does it Matter? Episode #165

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The location of the placenta plays a significant role in pregnancy and birth, but its impact can vary depending on specific circumstances. Placenta po...

The NatureBack Book: Episode #164

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NatureBack is the expression of Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak's obstetrical philosophy after more than 3 decades in the field of high-risk perinatology Maternal...

Amniotic Fluid: What's normal? Episode #163

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding Amniotic Fluid: What's Normal and What's Not Amniotic fluid is the protective liquid contained within the amniotic sac that surrounds a ...

Forensic Obstetrics Part 2: Episode #162

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In obstetrics and medicine, uncovering the right diagnosis or understanding a patient's medical history often involves piecing together subtle clues, ...

External Cephalic Version (ECV) Step-by-Step Guide Episdoe #40 - Rerelease

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode outlines a step-by-step process of what happens when a woman undergoes an external cephalic version (ECV) in a hospital setting.  Vagin...

Amniocentesis - Do you need it? Episode #161

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

  Amniocentesis, once a hallmark of prenatal diagnostics, has become a relic of an earlier era in reproductive healthcare. The procedure...

Patient Feedback - Reading Client Reviews: Episode #160

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we sit down to read and reflect on a range of patient reviews—both the glowing ones that warm our hearts and the critical ones that...

What to Expect at Your OB's doctor's office visits: Episode #159

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancy is a unique experience filled with changes—both physical and emotional—and understanding what lies ahead can help you feel more conf...

Spontaneous Labor vs. Induction of Labor: Episode #158

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to childbirth, many expectant parents envision waiting for labor to begin naturally. However, recent research, including the groundbreak...

Fasting in Pregnancy: Episode #157

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fasting During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Pregnancy is a transformative time, full of excitement, anticipation, and, often, many questions about...

PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes): Episode #156

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Unexpected Journey: Understanding and Navigating PPROM Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs come in the form of these little le...

The OB/GYN Shortage in the US: Episode 155

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Growing OB/GYN Shortage in the United States: Causes and Implications The United States is currently facing a significant shortage of obstetrician...

Online Reviews for Doctors. Are they to be Trusted? Episode #154

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should You Trust Online Reviews? The Pros and Cons of Relying on Online Feedback In our increasingly digital world, online reviews have become a stapl...

Twin Vaginal Delivery. What to Expect. Episdoe #153

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into a fascinating and important topic: what to expect during a twin vaginal delivery. Twin pregnancies come with their o...

Coping with Perinatal Loss: Episode #152

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to True Birth, where we provide raw, honest insights into pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a Perinatolog...

The Importance of the Right Location for Birth: Episode #151

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When expecting a baby, among the flurry of decisions to be made, choosing where to deliver stands out as one of the most significant. It's a choice th...

A Day in the Life of an OB/GYN

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A typical day for an OB/GYN on the labor floor in Labor and Delivery (L&D) is dynamic and multifaceted, blending clinical acumen with compassionate pa...

Back pain in Pregnancy. Episode: #149

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy: Tips and Insights Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and joy, but it can also bring ...

How to Choose a VBAC Friendly Provider: Episode #147

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the Path toward a Successful VBAC: Essential Questions for Your Healthcare Provider As strong advocates for informed and empowered childb...

No Surprises Act: Episode #146

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The No Surprises Act: A Much-Needed Shield in the Healthcare Battlefield In the labyrinth of American healthcare, where the Minotaur of unexpected cos...

New Tech in Obstetrics. Fetal Monitoring at Home: Episode #145

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

True Birth discusses new tech in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of wonder and anticipation, but it also comes with its share of medical checkups and m...

The Postpartum Stay. What to Expect After Your Delivery. Episode #144

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous and life-changing experience. The 24 hours following childbirth are a crucial time for both mother ...

RSV Vaccine in Pregnancy: Episode #143

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections in people of all ages, including pregnant women. RSV infecti...

Navigating the OB Healthcare System in the US: Episode #142

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the healthcare payor system in the United States can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming task. Understanding the intricacies of in-netw...

Late Transfers in Pregnancy: Episode #141

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What are some of the reasons someone would choose to transfer OB/GYN providers later in a pregnancy?  Say, perhaps after 20 weeks of gestation?  ...

The Future of Obstetrics: Episode #140

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The landscape of obstetrics is undergoing a profound transformation, characterized by both positive and challenging changes. On the positive side, adv...

Beating the Odds in Pregnancy: Episode #139

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the world of obstetrics and labor and delivery, statistics often play a pivotal role in shaping expectations for both parents and healthcare provid...

Evolving Practices in field of Obstetrics. Techniques that are out of date. Episdoe #138

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While many things have remained the same for millenia, the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) has witnessed remarkable advancements over the ...

Vasa Previa: Episode #137

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the realm of pregnancy complications, vasa previa stands as a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that demands vigilant attention and a...

Pregnancy Myths Busted: Episode #136

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Throughout the ages, various misconceptions have surrounded this magical phase of a woman's life, often leading to laughter and disbelief. In this blo...

Pregnancy and the Working Mom: Episode #135

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's fast-paced and dynamic world, the modern woman plays many roles, and none is more profound than that of a working mother. The journey of pr...

Birth Stories: Positive Forcep Deliveries Episode #134

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Positive Side of Forced Deliveries: Embracing Birth with Forceps Childbirth is a remarkable journey that brings forth new life and creates an ever...

Trisomy 13/18: Episode #133

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world of genetics is an intricate and complex field, a web of codes that define every aspect of our being. Occasionally, unexpected changes that o...

The Vanishing Art of Obstetrical Forceps in Contemporary Childbirth: Episode #132

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Obstetrical forceps have played a significant role in the history of childbirth assistance, but their use has declined in recent decades. One reason f...

Braxton Hicks Contractions. Practice Uterine Contractions in Pregnancy: Episode #131

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As pregnancy progresses, expectant mothers may experience a range of sensations and bodily changes. One common occurrence during the latter stages of ...

Induction of Labor. Why most inductions take 24 hours or less: Episode #130

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a continuation of the episode #104 on "What to Expect When Getting Induced" a step by step guide from getting admitted to delivery of...

Natural Childbirth: Unmedicated Birth Episode #129

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Childbirth is a miraculous and transformative experience, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a woman's life. While many women choose to opt for...

Placenta Variations. Different types of Placentas in Pregnancy: Episode #128

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The placenta, a remarkable organ facilitating the vital exchange of nutrients and waste between mother and fetus, exhibits incredible diversity in its...

How to Advocate for Yourself in Healthcare: Episode #127

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the complex world of healthcare can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with the task of advocating for your own needs. However, ...

Roadside Delivery: When the Baby Can't Wait for the Hospital: Episode #126

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Extramural delivery is a term used to describe a situation in which a woman gives birth outside of a hospital or birth center setting. This can ...

Gender Revelation during Pregnancy: Episode: #125

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

  Modern Ways of Finding Out Your Baby's Gender: A Sneak Peek into the Womb Discovering the gender of your baby is an exciting milestone for expectan...

The Umbilical Cord: Episode #124

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The umbilical cord is a vital part of pregnancy, connecting the fetus to the placenta and providing essential nutrients and oxygen to support its grow...

Complimentary and Alternative Medicine in Pregnancy: Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, etc: Episode #123

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Acupuncture, Chiropractics, Massage and other complimentary medicine practices are safe in pregnnacy.   Complementary and alternative medic...

Where Politics, Law and Women's Health Overlap. Comments of the Supreme Court Overturning of Roe V. Wade: Episode #122

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 was a significant legal decision that has generated strong reactions from various groups and individuals across...

Cerclage Placement in Pregnancy: What to Expect. Episode #121

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For some women, the risk of premature birth or second trimester miscarriages are real and imposing concerns in pregnancy.  In some cases, a cerclage ...

Uterine Scar Pregnancies. What happens when a pregnancy implants on a previous uterine scar? Episode #120

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A scar pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants in the scar tissue of a previous cesarean section or other surg...

Dr. Mother Nature's OB/GYN Clinic. Episode #119

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What would happen if Mother Nature opened a labor and delivery unit? In a world where labor and delivery were left to all things natural, and there we...

VBAC2: Vaginal Delivery after two previous Cesarean Deliveries: Episode #118

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, which is a delivery method chosen by women who have previously had a c-section but want to deliver vagin...

Cervical Lacerations in Labor & Delivery: Episode # 117

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cervical lacerations are cuts or tears that happen to the cervix during labor and delivery. These types of laceratsion are different from the typical ...

Unplanned C-section Delivery. Episode #116

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happends when a cesarean birth is not planned.  Gving birth is a life-changing experience, and while most women hope for a smooth vaginal delive...

Doulas, Labor and Birth Coaches: Episode #115

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode of True Birth, we're talking about labor coaches, birth coaches, and doulas.   Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak and Certiied Nurse Midwife...

Circumcision: Episode #114

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode of True Birth is all about circumcision. Circumcision often falls under the category of obstetrics, and many obstetricians are the on...

Delivery Timing for Postdates & Postterm Pregnancies: Episode: #113

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the optimal timing for delivery when a pregnancy goes past the due date?  How far past a due date is it recommened to go? Is it safe to go?  ...

Cerclage Types: McDonald, Shirodkar and Abdominal. Episode: #112

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cervical cerclage is a fantastic tool used to prevent preterm labor.  The placement of a cerclage is a surgical procedure in which a synthetic suture...

Molar Pregnancy; Episode #111

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Molar pregnancies, also known as hydatidiform moles, are rare usually unviable pregnancies that develop when trophoblasts (the cells that normally de...

Postpartum Depression: Episode #110

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a depressive period or series of depressive episodes that can happen after the birth of a baby.  While there is some d...

Labor & Delivery acronyms and shorthand: Episode #109

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've included a list of the most common acronyms and short hand lingo used common in with medical professionals in labor and delivery.  This is a gr...

Why does someone become an Obstetrician? Episode #108

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Obstetrics and Gynecology can be a wonderful beautiful experiene as a place to work but also have its fair share of challenges. In this episode, Dr. Y...

Gender Reveals in Pregnancy: Episode #107

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Finding out the gender of the baby in pregnancy.   What do most familles decide to do? Find out from the persecptve of the exeprts on how familes app...

Pregestational (preexisting) Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy: Episode #106

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pregnancies affected by pregestational (also called preexisting) diabetes has significantly improved over the past several decades as\ insulin managem...

Tips for Getting Pregnant Naturally. Episode #105

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tips for getting pregnany naturally may seem simple enough for some, but navigating fertility and the fertile window can sometimes be confuisng. We ha...

Labor Induction: What to expect a step-by-step guide. Episode #104

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode will cover exaclty what to expect from your labor induction.  From addmission to the hospital to delivery of the baby, we've covered eve...

Midwives, OB/GYNs, Perinatologists, MFMs: What's the difference? Episode #103

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is the difference between midwives, OB/GYNs, and high risk MFM specilaits? What about douals. and labor coaches?  Is a midwive like an OB/GYN?  ...

Postpartum Hemorrhage: Uterine Atony. Episode #102

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is heavy or excessive bleeding after giving birth.  There are several reasons why PPH may occur following delivery.  In...

RH Factor in Pregnancy: Episode #101

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

RH factor in pregnancy and RhD alloimmunization in pregnancy. What happends when a patient has RH negative blood during prengnacy and what happends wh...