Episodes

For years on True Birth and in their OB/GYN practice, Dr. Abdelhak & Kristin Mallon have made an unpopular argument: when a baby is measuring big, the safest move is usually to induce, not to wait. The conventional literature did not back them up, and plenty of academics pushed back with the same line every time, that induction does not lower the risk of a cesarean or a shoulder dystocia. In this episode they walk through two pieces of high level evidence that land squarely on their side, and th...

In this episdoe, we respond to a viral opinion piece by CCRM's Dr. Brian Levine, who argues that OBGYNs are fueling the IVF boom by failing to counsel women on their fertility at annual visits , and that it's costing women their chance at motherhood. In this episode: What Dr. Levine got right — and where his argument falls apart Why the 7-minute annual visit was never designed to cover fertility, mental health, cancer screening, genetics, and everything else specialists wish it did The "Renaissa...

In this episode of the TrueBirth Podcast, Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak discusses two women diagnosed with second trimester PPROM who received completely different prognoses for very different clinical reasons. Through these stories, we explore one of the most important realities in obstetrics: the same diagnosis does not always mean the same outcome. From fluid levels and infection risk to fetal development and maternal health, this conversation highlights the nuance, complexity, and individualized decis...

Two hundred episodes in, and we’re taking a moment to look back at the conversations - the good and the bad. This episode is a reflection on the moments that stayed with us, the topics that resonated most deeply with you, and the clinical truths that continue to guide how we think about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. It is equal parts gratitude and perspective. We revisit the episodes that sparked the most conversation, shifted the way patients advocate for themselves, and reframed what ...

In this episode of The True Birth Podcast, we examine the history of proprietary medicine in obstetrics and how guarded knowledge shaped the evolution of childbirth. Before obstetrics became a formal medical specialty, barber-surgeons practiced a blend of grooming and surgical care, operating in a space between trade and medicine. We discuss the Chamberlen family and their forceps, which were kept secret for generations and brought into birth rooms concealed in ornate boxes to protect their desi...

Pregnancy is one of the only times in life where we’re asked to think in weeks instead of months, and for many people, it’s confusing, frustrating, and sometimes anxiety-provoking. In this episode, we break down how pregnancy is actually counted , why clinicians use weeks and days instead of months, and how to make sense of phrases like “halfway there,” “almost seven months,” or “full term.” We also explain where these conventions came from, what they’re used for medically, and how patients can ...

In this episode of True Birth , we explore late preterm birth which are deliveries that occur between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and why this window matters more than it is often given credit for. Late preterm babies are frequently described as “almost term,” yet that framing can obscure the very real physiologic differences that exist in these final weeks of gestation. We begin by defining what late preterm birth actually means and why it occupies a unique clinical and emotional space. Babie...

In this episode of True Birth , we take a closer look at pelvic rest in pregnancy, what it actually means, when it is medically indicated, and when it may be unnecessarily prescribed. Pelvic rest is one of the most commonly given recommendations in pregnancy, yet it is often poorly explained and widely misunderstood. This conversation is about bringing clarity, nuance, and context to a topic that can feel confusing and anxiety-provoking for many families. We begin by unpacking what providers typ...

In this episode of True Birth , we share more birth stories. As always, stories are honest, nuanced, and deeply human. Some are empowering, some are complicated, some are unexpected, and all of them are real. Birth is often spoken about in extremes. Perfect or traumatic. Natural or medical. Success or failure. But lived experience is far more layered than that. These stories remind us that birth unfolds within bodies, families, systems, and moments we can’t always predict and that meaning is oft...

In this episode of True Birth, we explore the powerful and often underestimated role partners play in childbirth. Birth is not something that happens only to the person giving birth. It is a shared experience, and the presence, preparation, and emotional steadiness of a partner can profoundly shape how labor unfolds. This conversation is about moving beyond the idea of the partner as a passive observer and into a role that is grounded, supportive, and intentionally engaged. We talk about what pa...

When pregnancy takes an unexpected turn, it can feel disorienting and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk about the curve balls no one plans for: pregnancy loss, placenta previa, emergency cesarean birth, and how to move through them with clarity, compassion, and support. This is a conversation about honoring grief without losing hope, finding steadiness in uncertainty, and reclaiming a sense of agency even when plans change. If your pregnancy story didn’t follow the script you imagined, t...

Low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, is one of the most commonly recommended medications in pregnancy today. But despite how frequently it’s prescribed, many patients still ask the same questions: Why do I need it? Is it safe? When should I start or stop? And who actually benefits? In this episode, we take a clear, evidence-based look at baby aspirin in pregnancy —cutting through myths, confusion, and mixed messaging. In this episode, we cover: What “baby aspirin” actually is (dose, form...

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe? It’s the medication nearly every pregnant person reaches for at some point, yet the internet is full of conflicting headlines and confusing studies. We break down what the data actually shows, when Tylenol is appropriate, and how to use it safely. What We Cover • Why Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered one of the first-lines in pregnancy We explain decades of clinical use, major guideline recomme...

You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we’re answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what’s been on your minds. From real-life experiences to the big “what ifs,” we’re here to talk, laugh, and think it through together. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming — we love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions coul...

This show is about the VBAC Playbook —your complete guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We bring together everything you need to know in one place: all of our experience, the risks and benefits, the latest evidence, and the practical steps to prepare. Whether you’re weighing your options, looking for reassurance, or wanting to feel fully informed before talking with your provider, this playbook equips you with clear, comprehensive, and empowering information to help you make the best decision...

Pregnancy and childbirth are filled with important decisions, and sometimes the advice you receive from your OB/GYN or midwife can feel overwhelming—or incomplete. In this episode of True Birth , we take an honest look at when and why you might consider seeking a second opinion during pregnancy or for birth planning. A second opinion is not about questioning your provider’s expertise—it’s about ensuring you have the full picture before making decisions that impact your health and your baby’s wel...

In this episode of True Birth , we take on one of the most fraught subjects in pregnancy care: substance use. Their conversation goes beyond the obvious admonition that “drugs are bad in pregnancy” to explore the nuance — what counts as a teratogen, which substances alter fetal development directly, and which compromise pregnancy through vascular, placental, or behavioral pathways. The discussion begins with tobacco, a substance that does not cause specific birth defects but exerts powerful vasc...

Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room takes you inside an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at 48 hours in Labor & Delivery through the eyes of two physicians: Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak and Dr. Apig Mosses from Maternal Resources. From the adrenaline of middle-of-the-night emergencies to the quiet, awe-filled moments of new life, these stories capture the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fellow clinician, an expectant parent, or simply curious about what really ha...

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released new clinical guidance on April 17, 2025 that recommends, as they see it, reimagining prenatal care in the U.S. Instead of the traditional 12–14 in‑person visits, ACOG now advocates for individualized prenatal care schedules—especially for average‑ and low‑risk patients—tailored based on medical, social, and structural determinants of health as well as patient preferences The guidance encourages early needs assessments (ideally befo...

Dr. Mosses comes to Maternal Resources after serving as the Medical Director of the OB/GYN department at Ezra Medical Center in Brooklyn, where he built a thriving obstetric practice from the ground up, now averaging over 50–60 deliveries per month. Prior to that, he was a senior attending physician at NYU Langone in Midwood, Brooklyn, where he maintained a cesarean section rate of under 10%—a testament to his skill in supporting vaginal births, including twin deliveries and VBACs (vaginal birth...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we explore birth stories. Through candid, firsthand birth stories, we highlight how listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and building the right care team can make all the difference. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birth center experience, or home delivery, this episode reminds us that not all providers are created equal—and sometimes, your OB just doesn’t know when it comes to birth. Who This Episode is For: Pregnant people, birth ...

In this episdoe, we explore how biometry is used to measure key metrics like Biparietal Diameter (BPD) and Head Circumference (HC), shedding light on what these measurements reveal about your baby’s growth and development. We talk about their role in predicting potential challenges during labor, and how they help ensure a safe and healthy birth. From understanding head size’s impact on delivery to offering expectant parents valuable insights, this episode unpacks the critical connection between ...

Understanding Unicornuate Uterus: What It Is, Prevalence, Risks, and a Positive Outlook A unicornuate uterus is a rare congenital condition where the uterus develops with only one half, or "horn," instead of the typical two-horned shape of a normal uterus. This happens during fetal development when one of the Müllerian ducts, which form the uterus, fails to develop fully. As a result, the uterus is smaller, has only one functioning fallopian tube, and may or may not have a rudimentary horn (a sm...

In this podcast we shedding light on rare and complex obstetric conditions that impact pregnancy and maternal health. Without the need for unnecessary alarm, which can happen in pregnancy, we dive into challenging medical cases, exploring the science,...