Start Smart is the podcast for the messy, beautiful side of early pregnancy—the symptoms, the surprises, and the stories no one talks about. Hosted by the CEO of Materna Health, Kristen Williams, we bring you real conversations with OB/GYNs, midwives, and moms navigating everything from positive tests to Hyperemesis Gravidarum, spotting, IVF, and first-trimester freakouts. Whether you're TTC, newly pregnant, or supporting someone who is, Pregnant-ish is here with facts, empathy, and zero judgment.
Pregnant-ish: The Early Pregnancy Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Kristen Williams
5.0(17 reviews)
10 episodes
Updated Daily
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26
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Podcast Overview
Start Smart is the podcast for the messy, beautiful side of early pregnancy—the symptoms, the surprises, and the stories no one talks about. Hosted by the CEO of Materna Health, Kristen Williams, we bring you real conversations with OB/GYNs, midwives, and moms navigating everything from positive tests to Hyperemesis Gravidarum, spotting, IVF, and first-trimester freakouts. Whether you're TTC, newly pregnant, or supporting someone who is, Pregnant-ish is here with facts, empathy, and zero judgment.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/14/2025
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Recent Episodes
May 19, 2026
Why HG Isn't In Your Head: An ER Doctor on the Biology of Severe Pregnancy Nausea
<p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>Episode Description</strong></p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> In this episode of Smart Start, Kristin Williams sits down with Dr. Rick Pescatore, emergency physician, founder of BellyMD, former Chief Physician for the Delaware Division of Public Health, and editor-in-chief of Emergency Medicine News. Together they unpack one of the most overlooked conditions in women's healthcare: hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).</p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> Dr. Pescatore shares what he sees at the bedside, why so many HG patients arrive at the ER blaming themselves, and why thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency has become what he calls one of the largest in-our-face public health crises of his career. The conversation moves from acute ER protocols to preconception planning, the limits of genetic studies, the gut-brain axis, and what truly specialized outpatient HG care should look like.</p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>What You'll Learn</strong></p> <ul class= "[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Why HG is a biological condition, not a failure of resilience, and how decades of treating women's health as a "hardware problem" have left patients behind</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">How often Dr. Pescatore actually sees HG in the ER (hint: it's not once every five years)</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The ACOG stepwise treatment protocol and where it falls short</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Why thiamine deficiency is dramatically underrecognized, and why up to a third of pregnant patients presenting to the ER with nausea and vomiting meet criteria for Wernicke's</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The difference between thiamine mononitrate and benfotiamine, and why Dr. Pescatore recommends the lipid-soluble form for preconception and pregnancy</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> Everyday thiamine blockers most women don't know about: coffee tannins, sushi, GLP-1 medications, and alcohol</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">How to think about MTHFR, GDF-15, and the recent wave of HG genetic research with appropriate skepticism</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Why women who have had HG once are more likely to have it again, and what to do about it before the next pregnancy</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">The case for specialized outpatient HG care over repeat ER visits, PICC lines, and Zofran pumps</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">A preview of BellyMD's upcoming phenome app for disorders of gut-brain interaction</li> </ul> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>Key Quotes</strong></p> <ul class= "[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> "We've approached medicine for decades as a hardware problem. If we don't see a problem, there must not be a problem. We're finally starting to shift that narrative."</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> "About one third of women with nausea and vomiting who present to the emergency department in pregnancy have thiamine levels so low as to qualify for a Wernicke's diagnosis."</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">"If you have suffered hyperemesis gravidarum, you have suffered an injury to your brain-gut axis. We've normalized this for so long, but it is not normal."</li> </ul> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>Chapter Markers</strong></p> <ul class= "[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 00:00 — Welcome and introductions</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 01:07 — The Instagram post that started it all: Wernicke's in the ER</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 02:03 — How HG patients actually present, and the emotional weight they carry</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 04:01 — Inside the ER treatment protocol for HG</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 05:28 — How Materna keeps patients out of the ER with proactive IV care</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 07:17 — What happens after discharge: outpatient supplementation and prevention</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 09:23 — Preconception planning and the case for benfotiamine</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 11:08 — Surprising thiamine blockers: coffee, sushi, GLP-1s, alcohol</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 12:46 — MTHFR, evidence-based medicine, and why population-level data fails individual patients</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 14:48 — GDF-15, the new HG genetic studies, and why to pump the brakes</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 17:19 — Preparing for a second pregnancy after HG</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 20:01 — Designing the ideal specialized HG outpatient center</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 21:25 — Why Dr. Pescatore became a "big B1 guy" and the science of proton tunneling</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 23:20 — Thiamine deficiency in children and a new randomized trial on pediatric bedwetting</li> <li class= "font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2"> 24:43 — A first look at BellyMD's upcoming phenome app</li> </ul> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>About the Guest</strong></p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> Dr. Rick Pescatore is an emergency physician, founder of BellyMD (focused on disorders of gut-brain interaction), former Chief Physician for the Delaware Division of Public Health, former White House task force advisor, and editor-in-chief of Emergency Medicine News. Follow him on Instagram for ongoing education on thiamine, HG, and gut-brain health.</p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> <strong>About Materna Health</strong></p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> Materna Health is a boutique functional fertility and OB/GYN practice in the West Village, NYC, closing the gap in women's healthcare with same-day access, IV hydration and vitamin replacement protocols for HG, and continuity of care that keeps patients out of the emergency room.</p> <p class= "font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> Visit maternahealthcare.com · 130 7th Ave South, New York, NY · 917.382.0336 · <a class= "underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href= "mailto:hello@maternahealthcare.com">hello@maternahealthcare.com</a></p>
February 17, 2026
Rethinking Fertility & Early Pregnancy Care with Dr. Julie Von
<p>Summary</p> <p>In this episode of Smart Start, host Kristin Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Vaughn about the complexities of women's health and fertility. They discuss the importance of early pregnancy care, the role of nutrition and anemia in fertility, the impact of trauma, and the benefits of acupuncture and alternative medicine. Dr. Vaughn emphasizes the need for self-care and resourcing, the significance of preconception care, and the importance of reframing fertility challenges. The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to women's health and fertility.</p> <p><br /> Takeaways</p> <p>Women's health is complex and multifaceted.<br /> Trauma can significantly impact fertility and wellbeing.<br /> Anemia is a common issue that can delay conception.<br /> Acupuncture can help regulate the body and support fertility.<br /> Self-care should be viewed as resourcing, not indulgence.<br /> Preconception care is essential for better outcomes.<br /> Chronic anemia can affect thyroid function.<br /> Finding personal pillars of support is crucial for health.<br /> Women often carry the burden of fertility planning.<br /> Reframing challenges in fertility can lead to empowerment.</p> <p>Sound bites</p> <p>"We have complex hormonal cycles."<br /> "Traumas can impact our wellbeing."<br /> "Acupuncture is very regulating."</p> <p><br /> Chapters</p> <p>00:00 Introduction to Dr. Julie Vaughn<br /> 02:14 The Complexity of Women's Health<br /> 05:01 Preconception Care and Self-Advocacy<br /> 09:10 Understanding Optimal Health Before Pregnancy<br /> 11:00 The Impact of Anemia on Fertility<br /> 14:12 Nutrition and Its Role in Conception<br /> 17:29 The Emotional Aspects of Fertility<br /> 19:59 The Journey to Expansion in Fertility<br /> 23:18 Collaborating with Healthcare Practitioners<br /> 24:57 The Role of Acupuncture in Preventative Care<br /> 28:33 Practical Changes for Supporting Fertility<br /> 33:52 Understanding Your Body Before Pregnancy<br /> <br /> <br /></p> <h3 data-start="306" data-end="357">About <strong data-start="316" data-end="357"><span class="whitespace-normal">Dr. Julie Von</span></strong></h3> <p data-start="359" data-end="654">Dr. Julie Von is a Manhattan-based holistic physician specializing in fertility, reproductive health, and integrative women's care. Her path into medicine began unusually early, apprenticing with healers, shamans, and physicians across multiple healing traditions before formal medical training.</p> <p data-start="656" data-end="1064">She went on to become one of the youngest practitioners in the United States to study Chinese medicine and continued her education in China, earning a doctoral degree from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Von also holds a degree from the American College of Traditional Medicine in San Francisco, grounding her work in both classical Eastern medicine and modern clinical practice.</p> <p data-start="1066" data-end="1561">For over a decade, Dr. Von has worked with patients in New York City, collaborating alongside some of the most advanced and well-known names in fertility medicine. Her clinical approach integrates rigorous medical training with earth-based and intuitive traditions, allowing her to address fertility through physiology, environment, emotional health, and energetic balance. Her work is known for bridging science and tradition in a way that is both deeply personalized and clinically thoughtful.</p> <p data-start="1563" data-end="1595">Learn more at <strong data-start="1577" data-end= "1595">drjulievon.com</strong></p> <hr data-start="1597" data-end="1600" /> <h3 data-start="1602" data-end="1653">About <strong data-start= "1612" data-end="1653"><span class="whitespace-normal">Materna Healthcare</span></strong></h3> <p data-start="1655" data-end="1992">Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy and preconception care. From fertility planning through the earliest stages of pregnancy, Materna provides expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and deeply supported during a critical window of health.</p> <p data-start="1994" data-end="2037">Learn more at <strong data-start="2008" data-end="2037"><a class="decorated-link" href="http://www.maternahealthcare.com" target="_new" rel= "noopener" data-start="2010" data-end= "2035">www.maternahealthcare.com</a></strong></p> <p data-start="2039" data-end="2169"><strong data-start="2039" data-end="2077">Materna Healthcare on Social Media</strong><br data-start="2077" data-end="2080" /> Instagram: @materna_health_<br data-start="2107" data-end="2110" /> TikTok: @maternahealthcare<br data-start="2136" data-end="2139" /> LinkedIn: Materna Healthcare</p> <p data-start="2171" data-end="2300">We'd love to hear from you.<br data-start="2198" data-end="2201" /> Have a question, a story, or something you'd like us to cover? Reach out anytime — we're listening.</p>
January 23, 2026
The Mythology of Birth: A Conversation with Dr. Britta Bushnell
<p>In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Britta Bushnell shares her insights on the transformative journey of parenthood, emphasizing the importance of mythology and psychology in understanding childbirth. She discusses the illusion of control that many expectant parents face, the significance of childbirth as a rite of passage, and the dynamics of family roles as new parents navigate their identities. Dr. Bushnell also highlights the critical role of partners during the birth and postpartum periods, advocating for the practice of receiving help and the power of storytelling in reframing birth experiences for healing and resilience.</p> <p>"Stories are how we remember."<br /> "Partners need to embody 'bank' energy."<br /> "Practicing receiving help is crucial."</p> <p><br /> Chapters</p> <p>00:00 Introduction to Dr. Britta Bushnell<br /> 02:58 The Illusion of Control in Parenthood<br /> 05:41 The Intersection of Mythology, Psychology, and Childbirth<br /> 11:52 Childbirth as a Rite of Passage<br /> 17:33 The Transformative Family Wheel<br /> 29:23 Partner Support During Birth and Postpartum<br /> 44:50 Reframing Birth Stories for Healing</p> <p>Keywords</p> <p>birth, parenthood, transformation, mythology, psychology, childbirth education, rites of passage, family dynamics, partner support, healing<br /> <br /></p> <p data-start="116" data-end="559"><strong data-start="116" data-end="163">About <span class="whitespace-normal">Britta Bushnell</span></strong><br data-start="163" data-end="166" /> Britta Bushnell, PhD, is a childbirth educator, birth advocate, and author known for her work on the neurobiology of birth and the mind–body connection in labor. She holds a doctorate in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, and she brings a unique, research-informed perspective to understanding how physiology, environment, and emotional safety influence birth outcomes.</p> <p data-start="561" data-end="917">Britta is the author of Transformed by Birth, a widely respected book that explores how birth experiences shape women neurologically and psychologically. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and childbirth education, helping parents and providers better understand how to support labor in ways that promote safety, confidence, and optimal outcomes.</p> <p data-start="919" data-end="1123">Through teaching, writing, and speaking, Britta Bushnell continues to challenge fear-based narratives around birth and advocates for care models that honor the intelligence of the birthing body and brain.<br /> <a href= "https://brittabushnell.com/">https://brittabushnell.com/</a></p> <p><span style= "font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;"> About Materna Healthcare:</span></p> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> <p class= "e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Materna Healthcare is a first-of-its-kind medical practice dedicated to early pregnancy care. From preconception through the earliest stages of pregnancy, we provide expert, compassionate, same-day care designed to keep women out of the emergency room and connected to the support they need.</p> </div> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> <p class= "e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Learn more at www.maternahealthcare.com or reach out at <a href= "mailto:hello@maternahealthcare.co">hello@maternahealthcare.com </a></p> <p data-start="631" data-end="782"><strong data-start="631" data-end="669">Materna Healthcare on Social Media</strong><br data-start="669" data-end="672" /> 📍 <strong data-start="675" data-end="689">Instagram:</strong> @materna_health_<br data-start="708" data-end="711" /> 🎵 <strong data-start="714" data-end="725">TikTok:</strong> @maternahealthcare<br data-start="744" data-end="747" /> 💼 <strong data-start="750" data-end="763" data-is-only-node= "">LinkedIn:</strong> Materna Healthcare</p> <p data-start="784" data-end="915"><strong data-start="784" data-end="815">We'd love to hear from you!</strong><br data-start= "815" data-end="818" /> Have a question, a story, or something you'd like us to cover? Reach out anytime, we're listening.</p> </div> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> </div> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> <p class= "e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">We'd love to hear from you!</p> </div> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> <p class= "e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text"> </p> </div> <div class="lykOktr3YIn79xOvVQtS"> <p class= "e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text"> </p> </div>
10 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Pregnant-ish: The Early Pregnancy Podcast?
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This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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