SMFM's Podcast Series

In this episode, we interview the presidents of SMFM and SOGH about their new strategic partnership to strengthen hospital-based obstetric care. They discuss the evolving role of OB hospitalists, why this collaboration was needed, and what it means for improving teamwork, safety, and patient outcomes in labor and delivery units.  After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to: Describe the role of OB hospitalists in modern obstetric care. Explain the rationale and goals of the SMFM/SOGH strategic partnership. Recognize common challenges and best practices in collaboration between MFMs and OB hospitalists. Identify anticipated short-term and long-term outcomes of the partnership for hospital-based obstetric care. For more educational resources from SMFM visit education.smfm.org.

Description:  In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue our American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools designed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in pregnancy. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andy Combs and Dr. Jamie Morgan to discuss the updated 2026 SMFM Checklist for Preeclampsia Risk-Factor Screening to Guide Recommendations for Prophylactic Low-Dose Aspirin. The conversation reviews key updates to the USPSTF recommendations, how the checklist supports systematic identification of eligible patients, and practical strategies for implementation in diverse practice settings. The episode also explores the companion process-based quality metric aimed at improving aspirin initiation by 16 weeks and helping practices measure adherence and equity in care. Resources:  Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Updated checklists for preeclampsia risk-factor screening to guide recommendations for prophylactic low-dose aspirin - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Society for Maternal Fetal-Medicine Special Statement: Prophylactic low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention—quality metric and opportunities for quality improvement - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we continue a three-part American Heart Month series highlighting Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools developed to improve cardiovascular outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Bart Staat is joined by Dr. Kelly Gibson and Dr. Ralph Burns, authors of the SMFM Checklist for Postpartum Discharge of Women with Hypertensive Disorders. The discussion focuses on how a standardized postpartum checklist can reduce preventable morbidity and mortality by ensuring consistent patient education, supporting home blood pressure monitoring, promoting timely follow-up, and improving transitions to ongoing care. The episode also explores practical implementation strategies, systems-level considerations, and the associated quality metric designed to help practices measure adherence and impact. A link to the checklist and quality metric is included in the show notes and is available on the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. https://publications.smfm.org/publications/331-society-for-maternal-fetal-medicine-special-statement-checklist/   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."  

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, we launch a three-part series in recognition of American Heart Month focused on Patient Safety and Quality (PSQI) tools that support standardized, evidence-based cardiovascular care across pregnancy and the postpartum period. Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Andrew Combs, former Chair of the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee and one of the authors of the SMFM Cardiovascular Symptom Checklist, to discuss a concise, one-page tool designed to guide systematic triage of cardiovascular symptoms in pregnant and postpartum patients. The conversation highlights how structured symptom assessment can help distinguish physiologic findings from those warranting further evaluation, reduce missed diagnoses, and promote consistency across care settings. This episode is intended for maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and obstetric clinicians involved in outpatient care, phone triage, urgent care, and emergency settings. A link to the checklist can be found below and is available on the SMFM website under Clinical Guidance → Patient Safety and Quality. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for triage and work-up of persons with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and postpartum - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines   Disclaimer: "The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $1,278,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government."

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Janine Rhoades welcomes Dr. Andrea Edlow to discuss the 2025–2026 respiratory disease season and vaccine recommendations for pregnant patients. They review the major respiratory threats—COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pertussis—and emphasize the importance of maternal vaccination for both maternal health and infant protection. The conversation covers current vaccine guidance, disparities in vaccine uptake, strategies for effective patient counseling, and best practices for clinic preparedness, including staff education, vaccine stocking, and infection control policies. They also highlight trusted resources for providers and patients to support safe and effective vaccination during pregnancy. Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: ·        SMFM Resources o   SMFM Fellow Lecture Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season  o   SMFM Podcast Preparing for Annual Respiratory Disease Season  o   Infectious Disease Resources  §  SMFM COVID-19  §  SMFM RSV  §  SMFM Influenza o   SMFM Patient Education Resources  §  Vaccination During Pregnancy  ·        Government Agency Resources:  o   For Clinicians  CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel  CDC Respiratory Disease Season Outlooks  CDC "From Me, To You" Communications Effort (De Mí, Para Ti)  CDC "Wild to Mild" Social Media Toolkit  HHS "Risk Less, Do More" Campaign for COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines for Pregnant People  CDC Prenatal Care and Routinely Recommended Vaccinations  CDC 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Adults Aged 19 Years and Older (Full schedule with notes)  CDC MMWR: Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV Vaccination Coverage Among Adults (November 2024)  ·        Peer Organization Resources:  o   For Clinicians  AAFP Immunization Resources  ACNM Immunization Resources  ACOG Immunization Resources  AWHONN Immunization Resources  NPWH Immunization Resources  For Patients  ACOG   MotherToBaby FactSheets MotherToBaby Immunization and Pregnancy Education (En Español)  Vaccinate Your Family  Immunize.org

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Amy Valent to discuss folic acid and its critical role in pregnancy. They review dietary and supplemental sources, the distinctions between folate, folic acid, and methylfolate, and evidence-based recommendations for dosing before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and support fetal development. Dr. Valent also addresses considerations for populations of higher-risk patients, limitations of supplement regulation, and the lack of evidence for routine MTHFR testing, providing practical guidance for clinicians counseling patients on folic acid intake.    Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: Government Agency Resources: For Physicians  CDC Folic Acid Facts: For Clinicians CDC Folic Acid: Sources and Recommended Intake CDC MTHFR Gene Variant and Folic Acid Facts CDC #InMyFolicAcidEra Toolkit CDC From Heritage to Health Toolkit GAO Prenatal Supplements: Amounts of Some Key Nutrients Differed from Product Labels NIH Folate: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals FDA Folate and Folic Acid on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels Peer Organization Resources:  ACOG Nutrition During Pregnancy ACOG Practice Bulletin on Neural Tube Defects MotherToBaby Folic Acid | Folate Fact Sheet MotherToBaby Folic Acid – Is More Really Better? 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Bart Staat welcomes Dr. Britton Rink to discuss the updated SMFM Consult #74: Cell-free DNA screening for aneuploidies: Updated Guidelines. They explore key changes from previous guidance, including recommendations for sex chromosome aneuploidy, microdeletions, twin pregnancies, and managing non-reportable results—offering practical tips to help clinicians apply the latest evidence in practice.  Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes Dr. Teresa Sparks and Dr. Mary Norton, authors of the upcoming SMFM Consult on the evaluation and management of non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis. Together, they explore updated recommendations on nonimmune hydrops (primarily in singleton gestation) and discuss how MFMs can navigate these challenging cases, support maternal health, and help guide families through difficult decisions.   Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Kay Daniels and Dr. Carey Eppes for an important conversation on emergency preparedness in the setting of obstetric (OB) care. Together, they break down the four key principles of emergency preparedness—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—and explore how these apply to both OB clinicians and their patients.  Using real-world examples like wildfires, poor air quality, tropical storms, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, and mass casualty events, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of what OB clinicians need to know in the face of natural disasters. Drs. Daniels and Eppes explain how hospitals are structured to respond to emergencies, what resources are typically available, how OB and maternity care units manage care during emergencies and most importantly, the role OB providers play during these critical situations.  The episode also offers actionable guidance for helping pregnant and postpartum patients prepare for emergencies. From what to include in an emergency kit to how clinicians can effectively communicate and stay connected with patients during and after a disaster, this episode is a must-listen for providers committed to delivering safe care—even in the most unpredictable circumstances.    Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Moustafa welcomes Dr. Irene Stafford to discuss the current measles outbreak in the US. Together, they review treatment and management options for measles, and strategies for how to rebuild patient confidence in the MMR vaccine amid rising vaccine hesitancy. Finally, they emphasize that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent measles infection and its serious health risks.   Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.    Additional Resources: SMFM Resources SMFM Page on Measles (Provider FAQs, infographic and 2024 podcast) SMFM Patient Education Page on Measles (patient fact sheet; patient MMR flowchart forthcoming) SMFM Blog Government Resources CDC Healthcare Providers Measles Page CDC Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings CDC Be Ready For Measles Toolkit CDC Communications and Public Health Resources on Measles CDC Healthcare Systems Preparedness Checklist (last page) CDC April 2025 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on Measles  CDC HAN March 2024 on Measles CDC HAN March 2025 on Measles CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks in the US Partner Organization Resources AAP Fact Checked: Measles AAP Fact Checked Vaccine Ingredients ACOG Practice Advisory on Management of Obstetric–Gynecologic Patients During a Measles Outbreak AMA Measles Resources Children's Hospital of Philadelphia MMR vaccine ingredients Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) 24-Hour Epi-on-Call Contact List for Health Departments

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rachel Harrison welcomes Dr. Christina Megli to discuss vector-borne illnesses like Lyme, malaria, and dengue—highlighting symptoms, current trends, and diagnostic approaches. Together, they review treatment and management strategies, and offer practical tips to help patients make informed decisions about travel, vaccines, insect repellents, and prevention, and share trusted clinical resources for healthcare providers. Click here for the full episode transcript. For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.  Additional Resources: CDC resources https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/family-travel/pregnant-travelers.html https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list#group-f Insect repellent resources https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you Vector-borne illnesses resources https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/about/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/causes-and-spread/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/oropouche/symptoms/oropouche-and-pregnancy.html https://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/about/index.html

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Laura Riley, Chair of OB-GYN at Weill Cornell Medicine who was also the first OB-GYN to serve on the advisory committee for immunization practice at the CDC. Together, they discuss recent threats to vaccine access, the impact of reduced vaccine uptake, cuts in research, and the resurgence of diseases like measles. Clinicians are encouraged to stay informed about local policies, recommend vaccines, and work with community resources to improve vaccine access and combat misinformation, ensuring stronger public health protection.  Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Adam Crosland is joined by Dr. Sarah Horvath. Together, they discuss updates made to the CDC MEC and best practices for patient counseling. Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Amy Valent is joined by Drs. Clarissa Bonanno and Elyce Cardonick, two of the authors of the SMFM Consult Series on Cancer and Pregnancy. Together, they discuss the complex and evolving landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy. Topics include treatment options that align with standard care, the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, long-term outcomes for children exposed to chemotherapy in utero, counseling strategies, and the importance of individualized care. They also share helpful resources for both clinicians and patients navigating this rare but challenging situation. Additional resources For patients: ·      Cancer and Pregnancy Register: www.cancerandpregnancy.com Email: cancerandpregnancy@cooperheath.edu ·       HOPE for TWO (800) 743-4471 – A pregnant women with cancer will be matched to someone who had the same cancer in pregnancy and delivered their child.   For oncologists and healthcare providers: ·       ABCIP (Advisory Board on Cancer, Infertility, and Pregnancy): provides a platform where physicians from all over the world can request recommendations regarding the medical care of pregnant women diagnosed with cancer or regarding fertility preservation.  For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org. Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shad Deering welcomes Dr. Sindhu Srinivas, the newly appointed President of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Srinivas shares her journey to becoming an MFM, reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, and discusses her early involvement in advocacy and organized medicine. She also offers insight into her leadership vision for SMFM, including expanding member engagement, strengthening advocacy efforts, and advancing educational initiatives like the newly launched Pregnancy Journal. Whether you're a fellow, early-career MFM, or a long-time member, this episode highlights the many ways to get involved and stay inspired within the MFM community. Click here for the full episode transcript.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Amy Valent welcomes back Dr. Ebony Carter, Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, for a deeper discussion on community engagement in MFM practice. Building on the insights from Community Engagement 101, Dr. Carter shares her experiences in developing meaningful community partnerships that improve patient care. From navigating the complexities of building trust to ensuring patient voices shape interventions, Dr. Carter provides practical advice on engaging with communities in a way that is collaborative, sustainable, and impactful. She reflects on lessons learned in St. Louis, the challenges of starting over in a new community, and the importance of listening before leading. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how MFMs can integrate community engagement into their research, practice, and advocacy efforts. Subscribe to the SMFM Podcast for more discussions on high-risk pregnancy care, and explore additional resources at education.smfm.org. Full transcript.  Additional Resources: SMFM Podcast Community Engagement 101   The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $200,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it doesn't have to be negative. In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rachel Harrison sits down with Dr. Ngina Connors, OB/GYN Chair at Atrium Health and Vice Chair of SMFM's Practice Management Committee, to explore strategies for effective conflict resolution. They discuss the different types of conflict that arise in maternal-fetal medicine, from interpersonal disagreements to team dynamics on labor and delivery. Dr. Connors shares insights on fostering open dialogue, managing workplace conflicts, and approaching difficult conversations with patients and colleagues. They also provides practical techniques, including the power of active listening and the "7-second rule," to help de-escalate tensions and build stronger, more collaborative teams. Listen now and explore additional resources from SMFM at education.smfm.org. Practice Management Virtual Course  Click here for the full episode transcript. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Rupesh Patel speaks with Dr. Ashley Battarbee and Dr. Judette Louis about the CDC's Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package (HPCP)—a comprehensive resource designed to improve the identification, management, and prevention of complications related to hypertension in pregnancy. Dr. Battarbee and Dr. Louis discuss the collaborative effort behind developing the HPCP, its key components, and how it can be implemented in outpatient settings to enhance patient care. They highlight practical strategies for clinicians, address common challenges, and explore the role of the change package in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, they delve into the postpartum aspects of hypertension management and the importance of continuity of care. Tune in to learn how the HPCP serves as a structured, evidence-informed tool to optimize hypertension care in pregnancy and postpartum. Additional Resources: Hypertension - Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Hypertension in Pregnancy Change Package Education.smfm.org The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $320,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.      

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Melissa Spiel is joined by Dr. Jason Vaught, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and surgical critical care physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to discuss SMFM Consult: Diagnosis and Management of Right and Left Ventricular Heart Failure During Pregnancy and Postpartum. Dr. Vaught shares insights on the frequency of cardiomyopathy as an underlying cause of maternal mortality, the importance of screening and early detection, and key considerations for managing heart failure in pregnant patients. The discussion covers counseling strategies, self-monitoring techniques, delivery planning, postpartum care, and addressing healthcare disparities in cardiovascular disease. Tune in to hear expert perspectives on optimizing care for patients with heart failure during pregnancy and beyond. Additional Resources: SMFM Educational Website

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Jamie Lo is joined by Dr. Rolanda Lister, Officer of Health Equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Ann Borders, Executive Director of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, to explore the essentials of community engagement in maternal-fetal medicine. Learn how partnering with community stakeholders, engaging patient voices, and addressing social drivers of health can improve birth outcomes. The discussion highlights practical strategies, real-world examples, and emerging data supporting the transformative impact of community engagement on clinical care, quality improvement, and research. Stay tuned for insights on building relationships with community organizations, fostering long-term partnerships, and integrating patient-centered approaches into practice. Plus, hear about SMFM's upcoming 2025 postgraduate course, Building Bridges Between Hospitals and Community Partners to Promote Birth Equity and Improved Birth Outcomes. Additional Links/Resources SMFM's 2025 Postgrad Course - Building Bridges Between Hospitals and Community Partners to Promote Birth Equity and Improved Birth Outcomes. Engaging Communities to Improve Perinatal Outcomes Special Interest Group Visit education.smfm.org for more educational  Click here for the episode transcript.  Funding Acknowledgement: The Public Health System Components: Clinicians who are related to Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) totaling $200,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.