Healthful Woman Podcast

In part two of this two-part episode, Devon returns to share how her son's NICU stay, early health challenges, and a difficult postpartum period unfolded, including her own struggle with postpartum anxiety and the treatment that helped her through it. She reflects on how becoming a mother has reshaped her confidence and self-trust, and shares what she'd tell someone facing a first pregnancy. Dr. Fox and Devon close with a candid conversation about the unpredictable emotional terrain of a second pregnancy after a complicated first.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Devon shares her journey from an early miscarriage through a subsequent pregnancy marked by growing anxiety and a diagnosis of fetal growth restriction that required increasingly close monitoring. She walks through a tense induction and labor, including some frightening moments as her son's heart rate repeatedly dropped, leading up to a dramatic delivery. Dr. Fox adds expert context throughout on the medical reasoning behind key decisions.

Dr. Sara Kostant returns to Healthful Woman to explain what patients can expect in the final 4-6 weeks of their pregnancies. She covers topics like common symptoms, increasingly frequent visits to your obstetrician, and what doctors look out for as labor and delivery grow closer.

This episode of Healthful Woman features Dr. Jaclyn Bonder, associate professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Cornell with expertise in pelvic, pregnant, and postpartum pain.

In this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Fox continues his conversation with Dr. Esther Rollhaus, a reproductive psychiatrist, as she shares the second half of her deeply personal journey through postpartum psychosis. She discusses her recovery, the treatment that helped her heal, returning to work as a psychiatrist, growing her family through surrogacy, and how her experience has shaped the compassionate care she now provides to patients facing postpartum mental health challenges.

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Esther "Esty" Rollhaus, who shares the first part of her personal fertility and birth journey: years of male-factor infertility and multiple IVF cycles during medical school and residency, culminating in a twin pregnancy. She recounts a harrowing delivery at 32-33 weeks complicated by an unrecognized preterm labor, an inability to breathe while pushing, and serious postpartum infections in both her and her newborn son, followed by a difficult seven-week NICU stay for both twins. The episode closes on a reflective note about the disconnect between the joy she expected as a new mother and the fear and emotional numbness she actually experienced.

Dr. Andrei Rebarber returns to Healthful Woman to discuss thrombophilia, or blood clotting, in pregnancy. In this episode, he explains research into thrombophilia, the hormonal or genetic causes for clotting in pregnancy, and more.

In this Mailbag episode, Dr. Fox answers listener questions covering uterine dehiscence versus uterine rupture, including how they're diagnosed, managed, and what they mean for future pregnancies. He also addresses a listener's recovery and subsequent pregnancy planning after a complete uterine rupture, the effects of maternal sepsis on a fetus, and why many women with gestational diabetes have normal A1C levels outside of pregnancy. As always, Dr. Fox draws on clinical experience and research to give nuanced, reassuring answers to these complex questions.

On this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Fox and Dr. Friedman discuss the nuanced advice they give patients regarding travel during pregnancy. They cover topics like timing travel during pregnancy, advice for different types or stages of pregnancy, and considerations for flying, destinations, and more.

In this "Mailbag" episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions covering a range of topics in maternal-fetal medicine. He provides an in-depth explanation of umbilical artery Doppler testing, including what elevated, absent, and reversed flow mean, and how those findings guide monitoring frequency and delivery timing for growth-restricted babies and twins. The episode also touches on twin-specific topics like growth divergence and preterm birth screening using cervical length and fetal fibronectin, and wraps up with a discussion on preeclampsia symptoms and the potential role of at-home blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy.

Dr. Melka joins Healthful Woman to talk about advanced maternal age, or AMA. In this episode, she explains the history of identifying AMA and terms like “elderly pregnancy” or “geriatric pregnancy,” clears up misconceptions about risks, and explains common problems that obstetricians screen for or treat in AMA patients.

In this "Mailbag" edition of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions covering a range of women's health and obstetric topics. He addresses questions about chorioamnionitis found on placental pathology, returning to fertility after long-term Mirena IUD use, the history and current practice of episiotomies, and NICU level considerations for a planned VBAC delivery. The episode wraps up with a thorough discussion of Asherman's syndrome, including its causes, diagnosis, treatment via hysteroscopy, and implications for future fertility.

Dr. Lam-Rachlin returns to Healthful Woman to discuss fetal echocardiograms, a procedure she describes as “one of the most fascinating part of the stuff that we do on a day-to-day basis.” She and Dr. Fox explain the differences between blood flow in a fetus vs a child or adult, congenital heart defects, and more.

In this "Mailbag" episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox addresses listener questions about preterm birth, covering topics like placental abruption, late preterm delivery, and the challenges of predicting recurrence in future pregnancies. He also discusses "threatened preterm labor", which is painful, regular contractions without cervical dilation, and the limited options available for managing it. The episode wraps up with a brief discussion on the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.

Dr. Samantha Do returns to Healthful Woman to talk about post-partum hemorrhage, which she says is “one of the most common [complications] that we think about for all patients.” She and Dr. Fox review causes for bleeding after delivery, how doctors treat these patients, and more.

In this "Mailbag" episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions covering a range of pregnancy-related topics, from fetal growth and kidney findings to Braxton Hicks contractions and large-for-gestational-age babies. He breaks down complex medical concepts in plain language, reassuring listeners that many common findings, like a baby measuring in the seventh percentile or mild pyelectasis, are often benign while explaining when closer monitoring is warranted. The episode also tackles practical questions about core exercise during pregnancy and how diet does (and doesn't) affect glucose screening tests.

Dr. Stephanie Lam returns for an episode on contraception. In this episode, she explains the discussions that gynecologists have with patients on contraception, including choosing the right type of birth control, the symptoms that contraception can alleviate, and protection against STDs.

In this "Mailbag" episode of Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox tackles a wide range of listener questions, covering topics from the mechanics of twin vaginal delivery to fetal heart arrhythmias and the genetics of balanced translocations. He also addresses the significance of fetal fraction results in prenatal screening and what they may indicate about placental health. The episode wraps up with a thorough discussion on the safety of multiple C-sections, offering a nuanced, non-judgmental perspective on how risk should be evaluated on an individual basis rather than by a fixed number of procedures.

Dr. Tracey Agnese, a pediatrician, joins the podcast to discuss newborn evaluations and what pediatricians look out for in a baby’s first appointments. Plus, she and Dr. Fox discuss her Youtube channel and Instagram account, @babydocmama, which she started to answer common questions from new parents.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Shayna Safran, a survivor of severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and founder of Shifrah, a nonprofit supporting women with this debilitating condition. Shayna shares her personal journey through multiple HG pregnancies, the life-changing discovery of vitamin deficiencies, and how these experiences inspired her to create educational resources, peer support programs, and guidance for both patients and healthcare providers. Together, they discuss Shifrah’s mission to improve outcomes, raise awareness, and empower women to advocate for safe, effective care during HG pregnancies.

In this 30th “Mailbag” episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions on a range of women’s health topics, including the safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy, options for vaginal birth after multiple C-sections, and strategies to reduce the risk of recurrent intrauterine growth restriction. He also discusses the nuances of prenatal genetic screening.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox sits down with Dr. Tracy Scheller, an OB-GYN and fellowship-trained integrative medicine physician, to explore how nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes play a critical role in women’s overall health. Dr. Scheller shares her professional journey from traditional obstetrics and gynecology to integrative medicine, explaining how evidence-based complementary therapies can work alongside conventional care to address chronic conditions, mental health, and long-term wellness. Together, they discuss who benefits most from integrative medicine, how it differs from functional medicine, and why patient partnership, mindset, and sustainable habits are central to meaningful healing.

In Part Two of our previous episode, Dr. Marla Baum expands her discussion on neuropsychological testing for children. She and Dr. Fox discuss when a child should be tested, stigma in learning disabilities, accommodations for children who struggle, and more.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?", Dr. Nathan Fox answers questions regarding moderate alcohol use in pregnancy, immune system changes and food safety, fast labor and when to head to the hospital, how to interpret placental pathology findings, and whether first-trimester bleeding always requires an ER visit. Throughout the episode, Dr. Fox emphasizes balancing medical data with real-world decision-making, empowering listeners to understand recommendations and advocate for themselves during pregnancy.

Rivki Chudnoff, MSPT, explains pelvic floor therapy. A physical therapist practicing in Bogota, New Jersey, Chudnoff discusses her training for this specialty and how physical therapy helps women with pelvic health issues.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Ruthie, a physician assistant and mother of two, as she shares her experience with postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. Together, they explore how maternal mental health challenges can emerge despite preparation and support, how symptoms can differ from typical postpartum adjustment, and the critical role of timely intervention and specialized care. The episode also highlights the importance of reducing stigma, offering meaningful support to new mothers, and creating space for honest conversations so women feel less alone and more empowered to seek help.

Dr. Zevy Hamburger returns to Healthful Woman to explain epidurals: how they work, how they are administered, and the advantages of different types of pain relief during labor and delivery. Plus, he gives an update on his experience at Mt. Sinai Hospital through the Covid-19 crisis.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?", Dr. Nathan Fox answers questions regarding moderate alcohol use in pregnancy, immune system changes and food safety, fast labor and when to head to the hospital, how to interpret placental pathology findings, and whether first-trimester bleeding always requires an ER visit. Throughout the episode, Dr. Fox emphasizes balancing medical data with real-world decision-making, empowering listeners to understand recommendations and advocate for themselves during pregnancy.

Dr. Sarah Roer Bendheim discusses her work with eating disorder patients. In this episode, Dr. Bendheim explains her path to studying psychology, treating eating disorders, counseling parents of children with eating disorders, and more.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Drs. Nathan Fox and Shari Gelber discuss cytomegalovirus (CMV) and its impact on pregnancy. They explain how CMV can affect newborns, the differences between primary infection and reactivation, and the challenges of testing and screening. The conversation also covers potential treatments, vaccine development, and advances in pediatric care that help improve outcomes for babies with CMV.

Dr. Caroline Friedman returns to Healthful Woman to discuss shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulders don’t come out within about 60 seconds of their head during delivery. Dr. Friedman and Dr. Fox explain why this happens and what obstetricians do to overcome it.

This episode explores public concerns about using Tylenol during pregnancy and examines the scientific evidence behind claims linking it to autism. Dr. Fox and economist Emily Oster break down why current studies are flawed, how sibling-comparison research offers clearer answers, and why existing high-quality data does not support Tylenol as a cause of autism. They also discuss the real-world consequences of misinformation, such as rising parental guilt, unnecessary fear, and the risks of avoiding needed treatment during pregnancy.

In this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nikki Pensak joins Dr. Fox to discuss her book, Rattled, and the often-overlooked complexities of postpartum mental health, motherhood, and maternal brain changes. The conversation explores the myths, challenges, and strategies surrounding early parenthood, aiming to help mothers move from merely surviving to truly thriving.

In this episode, Dr. Fox and Dr. Kostant discuss the preconception visit, when a patient and her OB/GYN discuss conception and early pregnancy. They explain when patients should start thinking about preconception and the topics covered during that appointment, including vitamins, vaccinations, carrier screenings, IVF, and more.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?", Dr. Fox answers listeners’ top questions about pregnancy and childbirth, from why some labors are easier than others to how C-section timing affects future pregnancies. He breaks down the science behind labor outcomes, uterine rupture risk, and preterm birth prevention, offering clear, evidence-based insights for expectant and future moms alike.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox, we cover questions regarding when to see a fertility specialist, the causes of PROM (premature rupture of membranes), COVID during pregnancy and later complications, not being immune to certain viruses in pregnancy, and transferring two embryos during IVF.

Dr. Alan Garely, a urogynecology specialist, explains urinary incontinence. In this episode, he and Dr. Fox discuss the urogynecology specialty, common causes for urinary incontinence, surgery, and treatment options.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox, he answers listeners' questions regarding choroid plexus cysts, placing an IUD during a C-section, third trimester bleeding, the difference between Cervidil and Pitocin for induction, and family history of pregnancy complications.

Dr. Stephanie Melka returns to discuss VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean. In this episode, she and Dr. Fox review risks associated with VBAC, which patients are candidates for VBAC, and choosing between cesarean and vaginal deliveries.

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Fox continues his discussion with Jordanna Nadritch, President of Sharsheret's Board of Directors. She shares her journey as a BRCA1 previvor, navigating multiple surgeries, raising young children, and finding healing through volunteering and connecting with others. She reflects on the power of sharing her story, giving back, and honoring her mother’s legacy while discovering her own resilience.

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Fox speaks with Jordanna Nadritch, President of Sharsheret's Board of Directors. Jordanna shares her mother’s battle with aggressive breast cancer, her own BRCA1 diagnosis, and the difficult choice to undergo a double mastectomy at just 34. With honesty and strength, she reflects on how her mother’s story ultimately saved her life and inspired her path to advocacy and leadership within Sharsheret.

In the final episode of this miniseries, Dr. Fox and Dr. Weltz discuss diagnosing breast cancer through mammograms and biopsy, as well as, treatment options for women who are diagnosed.

In the second part of Dr. Weltz and Dr. Fox’s discussion on breast cancer, they cover treatment and therapies, improving recovery rates, and why breast cancer screening remains important.

In this episode of “What Does the Fox Say?” with host Dr. Nathan Fox, we cover questions regarding cervical insufficiency, fetal measurements during pregnancy, nutrition in pregnancy, traveling abroad while pregnant, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Dominique Weiss tells her birth story of pregnancy and delivery of twins. Dominique is a labor nurse and found out she was pregnant with twins a few months after a miscarriage. She shares her story with early ultrasound mishaps, delivering her twins vaginally, and more.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox, he answers listeners' questions regarding when gestational diabetes typically occurs during pregnancy, whether cervical checks can increase the risk of developing endometritis after delivery, whether or not it's appropriate to undergo an NT scan along with more accurate blood tests when undergoing genetic screening, whether or not a woman can control whether she conceives a girl or a boy, what research says about generational recurrence of complications in pregnancy, and dealing with patients with tokophobia, or the fear or childbirth.

In this episode of Healthful Woman, Dr. Nathan Fox is joined by Dr. Stephanie Melka for an in-depth discussion on elective induction of labor. Building on past episodes about labor induction and the ARRIVE Trial, they explore what it truly means to choose induction without a strict medical indication. The conversation delves into the nuances of the term “elective,” its possible stigma, and how evolving evidence, particularly from the ARRIVE Trial, has shifted the medical community’s perspective. Dr. Fox and Dr. Melka also touch on the motivations behind induction requests and the balance between medical necessity and patient preference in modern obstetrics.

Dr. Tamar Goldwaser explains genetic cancer, including how inherited genetic mutations increase a risk for cancer, and which patients are at a higher risk. She and Dr. Fox discuss when women should choose genetic cancer screening, which cancers to screen for, and genetic counseling and cancer.

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Fox speaks with listener Penny, who shares her birth story. After two successful pregnancies, Penny shares the story of her third pregnancy, during which she experienced a hematoma caused by placental abruption. She dives into the entire experience, the emotions she felt regarding the outcome of that pregnancy, and her experience with her fourth pregnancy.

In this episode of "What Does the Fox Say?" with host Dr. Nathan Fox, we cover questions regarding which vitamins should be taken early in pregnancy, when in the pregnancy journey women should avoid caffeine, what causes choroid plexus cysts, the likelihood of experience kidney infections during pregnancy after experiencing them in the past, whether or not women should ride horseback when pregnant, whether the RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, and whether or not there is evidence to induce pregnancy early if the baby is measuring large.