Bleeding early in pregnancy can be terrifying — but in many (even most) cases, it’s not as dangerous as it seems.

In this short episode, I’m unpacking what it means when you’re told there’s a subchorionic hematoma. I’ll walk you through what’s actually happening in your body, how it’s diagnosed, what it means for your baby, and — most importantly — why it’s usually not your fault.

You’ll learn:

• What a subchorionic hematoma is and how common it really is
• Why it happens (and why you didn’t cause it)
• How doctors monitor it over time
• What to expect with follow-up ultrasounds
• Practical tips to protect your peace during the waiting period
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow me on Instagram for more pregnancy education: @drnicolerankins

What happens when a perinatal psychologist — who supports women through fertility and birth trauma — becomes the patient herself?

In this honest and heartfelt episode, I chat with Dr. Allison Altman, a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health and trauma, about her deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF, and an unexpectedly fast hospital birth. Allison opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy after infertility, how her professional training shaped her experience, and why advocacy and flexibility made all the difference.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it’s really like to go through IVF — and how uncertainty takes a toll on your mental health
• How anxiety can show up during pregnancy after infertility (and what helps)
• What an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) diagnosis means and how to navigate induction decisions
• How Allison balanced her birth preferences with hospital protocols — and why she said “no” to breaking her water early
• The surprising speed of her labor (from 4 cm to baby in 20 minutes!) and how she processed it afterward
• Why setting up postpartum support before birth matters more than you think
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Allison Altman’s website
• The Birth With Power Pathway — my online childbirth class

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by medical jargon or unsure what’s really in the medications you’re offered — you’re not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with Alexandra Galaska, founder of Just the Inserts, to talk about what true informed consent looks like and how to decode medical product information with confidence. From navigating medication inserts to advocating for yourself in pregnancy and postpartum, this conversation will help you feel grounded — not fearful — in your choices.

You’ll Learn:

• What informed consent really means (and why it’s more than signing a form)
• How to find and read medication and vaccine inserts
• The CLEAR framework for informed decision-making
• How to balance medical recommendations with your personal values
• How to ask your provider informed, respectful questions during pregnancy and birth



Resources Mentioned:

• Just the Inserts – Free Training & Resources
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• Is Your Doctor Right For Your Birth? - Dr. Nicole’s Question Guide

You’ve heard it all—“Tylenol causes autism” vs. “Totally safe.” Safe doesn’t mean risk-free, and you deserve the full picture.

If you’re pregnant and dealing with headache, fever, or pain, this short episode gives you a clear, guilt-free way to think about acetaminophen (Tylenol). I walk you through what the research actually says, why observational studies can confuse the conversation, and how to make a smart, individualized decision with your clinician.

You’ll learn:

• Why “safe” ≠ “risk-free,” and how OBs should communicate benefits vs. risks
• What big studies say about acetaminophen and neurodevelopment—and what they don’t prove
• Why untreated fever and significant pain carry their own real risks in pregnancy
• A simple decision framework: lowest effective dose, shortest time, with guidance
• Non-drug options to consider for pain (PT, yoga, chiropractic)

Resources Mentioned:

• Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology (cautious, judicious use; association ≠ causation)
• Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability (no association in sibling-controlled analyses)

Vaginal exams are one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of labor. They can empower you or leave you feeling powerless. The difference? Knowing what they really mean.

In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside The Birth With Power Pathway, my upcoming childbirth education program. We’ll demystify vaginal exams — what they measure, how often they should be done, and how to make them more comfortable and respectful. By the end, you’ll understand how to stay informed, set boundaries, and keep your power every step of the way.

You’ll learn:

• What dilation, effacement, and fetal station actually measure
• How to interpret those numbers (and why they can vary between providers)
• How often vaginal exams are typically done — and when you can say “no”
• Tips to make exams more comfortable and less painful
• What true informed consent looks like during labor
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

The Birth With Power Pathway — join the waitlist: drnicolerankins.com/email

Follow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankins

When Ashley’s hands and feet started to itch, she almost brushed it off as “just another pregnancy symptom.” But that simple sign turned out to be something much more serious — intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This condition can significantly increase the risk of stillbirth.

In this episode, Ashley shares how she faced ICP not once, but twice — from an unexpected early labor that left no time for pain meds to finding peace and confidence in her second birth. Her story is a raw and empowering reminder to trust your instincts, speak up when something feels off, and lean on your care team.

You’ll learn:

• What ICP is and why early detection matters
• How Ashley’s lightning-fast first birth unfolded (and what she wishes she’d known)
• How her second birth experience was completely different — and healing
• Practical signs to watch for if you ever experience unexplained itching
• Why listening to your body can literally save lives
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• ICP Care — support and information for families affected by ICP

If you’re planning a hospital birth, you may be wondering whether an epidural is right for you. You’re not alone—and you deserve clear, practical guidance.

In this episode, I walk you through five essential truths about epidurals—from how well they work (and when they don’t) to timing, side effects, movement, and what they do not do to your cesarean risk. You’ll leave feeling informed, confident, and ready to make the choice that fits you.

You’ll learn:

• Why epidurals are highly effective—yet not “magic”—and what hot spots and uneven relief mean in real life.
• How timing works (IV, fluid bolus, anesthesiologist availability) and realistic relief onset.
• When you can request one (spoiler: anytime—even fully dilated in select cases).
• Common side effects vs. rare complications—and simple ways we manage them.
• Why there’s no true “walking epidural,” but how we adjust dosing so you can push effectively.
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Labor Pain Management Playbook (free): drnicolerankins.com/labor

Today, we’re talking all about chiropractic care in the postpartum period—what it is and how it may help you heal after giving birth. Now listen, I know some doctors can be quick to dismiss things like chiropractic care or other so-called “alternative” approaches. But I really believe it's important that we expand our lens and stay open to options outside the traditional box—especially when those options may offer real benefits for postpartum healing and wellness.

In this episode, we’re welcoming back award-winning prenatal chiropractor and childbirth educator, Dr. Elliot Berlin. He was a guest on the podcast way back on episode 44 and he’s back to talk about how chiropractic care can support your body during recovery. If you're curious about safe, effective ways to care for your body after baby, this one's for you!

• How personal fertility struggles shifted Dr. Berlin from medicine to holistic care
• What chiropractors really do (and no it doesn’t always involve cracking)
• How restoring joint motion supports recovery
• What the postpartum “golden window” is and how it makes chronic issues easier to resolve
• What physical stress pregnancy places on joints, muscles, and posture
• Whether chiropractic care is safe after giving birth
• How laser therapy can support C-section recovery and pelvic floor healing
• How integrating physical therapy and chiropractic care can improve outcomes
• What to look for in a chiropractor
• Why postpartum recovery works best with team-based, collaborative care

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode303

Feel calm and confident before birth with the $37 Mindset Bundle! Grab it at drnicolerankins.com/calm.