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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...