The Best Birth Podcast Episode 7 - Bump Talk - A Physician's Introduction to the First Trimester with Dr. Jonathan Crowther
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
Dr. Jonathan Crowther discusses the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, focusing on the cardiovascular, genitourinary, respiratory, thyroid, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and sleep systems. He explains the physiological changes that happen in each system and provides tips for managing common symptoms. Dr. Crowther emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms become severe or if there are any concerning signs. The conversation concludes with a mom squad secret about using pillows for support during pregnancy.
TALKING POINTS
pregnancy, bodily changes, cardiovascular system, genitourinary system, respiratory system, thyroid, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal system, sleep, symptoms, medical attention, support
TAKEAWAYS
Pregnancy causes various changes in the body, including an increase in plasma volume, lower blood pressure, and changes in the cardiovascular system.
The genitourinary system experiences changes such as increased fluid volume, kidney enlargement, and increased urination frequency.
The respiratory system undergoes changes in breathing patterns and lung capacity, which can lead to shortness of breath.
Thyroid function may be affected during pregnancy, and it's important to monitor thyroid hormone levels.
The musculoskeletal system experiences joint laxity and changes in posture, which can lead to back pain and other discomforts.
The gastrointestinal system may be affected by symptoms such as GERD, constipation, and morning sickness.
Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or if there are concerning signs, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden bladder or bowel incontinence.
Using pillows for support during sleep can help alleviate discomfort during pregnancy.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Instead of laying directly on my back, I'm just going to lay on my side just a little bit. And, and voila, we have fixed the problem.
It's good to hear about the urinating part. I feel like the most thing I hear is that first poop after delivering baby. That is not something people like to look forward to.
If you're feeling very depressed or agitated or having swelling around your neck, those are all things to kind of take in consideration.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:28 Cardiovascular and Genitourinary Changes
12:06 Musculoskeletal and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
23:21 Sleeping Comfortably with Pillows for Support
RESOURCES
Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy Pillow Wedge
Dr. Jonathan Crowther
Dr. Crowther is a husband, father of two beautiful girls. In his spare time he is in his final year as an internal medicine resident physician. He lives in Castle Rock, CO and practices medicine out of three hospitals and a primary care clinic in Denver, CO as a resident physician. While he has resorted to specializing in internal medicine, he has a passion for supporting and encouraging women who are currently navigating through pregnancy, birth, and post partum. He had the great pleasure of delivering multiple babies during medical school, but of course his favorite experiences were helping to deliver his own two baby girls Kinsley (now age 3) and Raelynn (now age 1), whose birth stories were both unique and life changing.
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