Ep. 348: Navigating Growth Restrictions in Pregnancy with Dr. Stephanie Martin

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe discusses the topic of fetal growth restriction (FGR), including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and small for gestational age (SGA) with maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Stephanie Martin. They dive into the implications of these conditions on pregnancy and birth plans, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and the potential need for early delivery to prevent adverse outcomes like stillbirth. Dr. Martin, with over 25 years of experience, also addresses the importance of patient autonomy, advocating for second opinions, and understanding the nuances of ultrasound accuracy. This episode aims to empower expectant parents with evidence-based information, providing a thorough understanding of how to navigate high-risk pregnancies. 00:00 Switching OB Providers: You Have Options 00:51 Welcome Back to The Birth Lounge Podcast 01:56 Support the Podcast: Leave a Review 03:46 Today's Topic: Understanding Baby's Size 04:46 Introducing Dr. Stephanie Martin: Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist 06:08 Understanding IUGR, FGR, and SGA 07:00 Monitoring and Managing Small Babies 28:17 The Importance of Kick Counts and Trusting Your Instincts 31:56 Finding the Right OB Provider for You 32:58 The Importance of Trust in Healthcare Relationships 33:15 Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access 34:24 The Right to Seek a Second Opinion 35:38 Advocating for Your Own Care 40:31 Understanding Growth Restriction and Birth Plans 42:15 Managing High-Risk Pregnancies 46:52 Post-Birth Expectations for Growth-Restricted Babies 52:25 The Role of Continuous Monitoring During Labor 53:41 Balancing Control and Flexibility in Birth Plans 57:56 Connecting with Dr. Stephanie and Final Thoughts   Guest Bio: Dr. Martin is an MFM Physician with over 25 years experience caring for complicated pregnancies. She has a special interest in critical care and is passionate about improving maternal pregnancy outcomes and educating teams about how to improve their care. BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience! Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone! SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on IG Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Dr. Stephanie Martin on IG  LINKS MENTIONED: Clinical Concepts In OB Connect with Dr. Stephanie on LinkedIn:  Connect with Clinical Concepts in OB on LinkedIn