Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Best friends Shanna and Laura got pregnant just a few weeks apart, and they are here to check in on their pregnancies, week by week and share everything they learn and experience along the way! This week, the Laura reports on getting her ultrasound upgraded by a few days, and Shanna discusses the results of her NIPT test. In the special segment "What I Googled This Week," they reveal the questions the asked the internet recently about pregnancy, diving into the topics of thigh chafing, nipple pain and more. Finally, they wrap things up by sharing their highs or lows (big fat positives or big fat negatives) of the week. Laura is 8 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 12 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 8 of pregnancy -Week 12 of pregnancy -Prenatal testing -NIPT -Ultrasounds -Pregnancy chafing -Pregnancy nipple pain -Nausea -Diclegis -Pet dogs This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna reports on her first trimester screening and shares the results of her nuchal translucency scan (NT scan), and Laura discusses how her geneticist mom encouraged her to do comprehensive genetic testing. In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out," the moms-to-be also discuss what pregnancy related topics they felt anxious about recently, diving into the topics of telling friends and family about being pregnant, getting home renovations done before the baby arrives and more. Finally they divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 9 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 13 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 9 of pregnancy -Week 13 of pregnancy -Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) -First-trimester screening -NT scan -Genetic testing in pregnancy -3D ultrasounds -Sharing news of being pregnant -Pregnancy announcement -Home renovation -Maternity jeans -Maternity clothes -Keeping pregnancy a secret This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reveals the sex of her baby and shares the results of her noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT), and Shanna talks about morning sickness as well as celebrating her birthday while pregnant and how she feels about being a "geriatric" mom. In the special segment "Today I Learned," the moms-to-be discuss fun and unusual pregnancy facts they learned recently, diving into the topics of fetal body hair, Disneyland and more. Finally, they divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 10 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 14 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed this week: -Week 10 of pregnancy -Week 14 of pregnancy -Gender reveal -Baby sex -Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) -Morning sickness -Pregnancy nausea -Food aversions -Turning 40 -Geriatric pregnancy / geriatric mom -Advanced maternal age -Lenugo -Fetal body hair -Disneyland while pregnant -Telling people about pregnancy -Pregnancy nausea -Pregnancy and alcohol -Pregnancy restrictions This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna reports on visiting her OBGYN and feeling anxious about her second trimester screening, and Laura talks about dealing with a tragedy while pregnant. In the special segment "Internet Insanity," things get wacky as Shanna and Laura discuss what’s going down in the online baby forums - hormones and husbands and dogs, oh my! Finally, the moms-to-be divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 11 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 15 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 11 of pregnancy -Week 15 of pregnancy -OBGYN appointments -Second trimester screening -Baby names -Death of a friend -Online pregnancy forums -Husband being annoying during pregnancy -Dogs knowing you're pregnant -Alcohol and pregnancy -Mocktails -Pregnancy Nausea This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reports on going to her nuchal translucency (NT) scan and seeing fetal movement during the ultrasound, and Shanna discusses how her pregnant belly “popped” so much earlier than it did in her first pregnancy. In the special segment, “OMG I’m Freaking Out!” the moms-to-be discuss what pregnancy related issues they have been worrying about recently, including revealing pregnancy to employers and whether it's possible to love your second baby as much as the first. Finally, they divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 12 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 16 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 12 of pregnancy -Week 16 of pregnancy -Nuchal translucency (NT) scan -Fetal movement -Pregnant belly popping -Telling work about pregnancy -Will I love my second baby as much as my first? -Maternity leave -Pregnancy and pineapple This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna reports on how pregnancy has affected her appetite, and Laura discusses being at the tail-end of the first trimester. Also, in the special segment "Internet Insanity," things get wacky as Shanna and Laura discuss what’s going down in the online baby forums, including fake pregnancy tests, old wives' tales and and more! Finally, the moms-to-be divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 13 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 17 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 13 of pregnancy -Week 17 of pregnancy -Telling work you are pregnant -Pregnancy affect on appetite -End of first trimester -Dying hair while pregnant -Fake pregnancy tests -Pregnancy old wives' tales -Being pregnant at work -Pregnancy heartburn This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reports on entering the second trimester and taking a babymoon to Hawaii, and Shanna describes feeling her baby move. Also, in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," embarrassment abounds as Shanna and Laura admit the pregnancy topics they asked the internet this week, including the topics of sore butts, peeing while sneezing and more. Finally, the moms-to-be also divulge their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) this week. Laura is 14 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 18 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 14 of pregnancy -Week 18 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Babymoon -Hawaii -Fetal movement -Feeling your baby move -Butt hurting from sitting while pregnant -Peeing while sneezing when pregnant -Mercury in fish -Prenatal vitamins / gummies -Baby nursery design This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna and Laura discuss pregnancy cravings, headaches and placentas, and they make a discovery about one more thing their pregnancies have in common. Also, in the special segment "Today I Learned," the moms-to-be share fun and fascinating facts they have learned recently about their developing fetuses, diving into the topics of what babies can taste and what coats their skin while they are in utero. Finally, they share their highs and lows (BFPs and BFNs) for the week. Laura is 15 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 19 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 15 of pregnancy -Week 19 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Placentas -Anterior placenta -Headaches during pregnancy -Pregnancy cravings -Fetus taste buds -Can fetuses taste things in utero? -What is vernix? -Prenatal yoga -Prenatal pilates This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna reports on her 20 week anatomy scan and how her previous missed miscarriages affect her experience of this pregnancy, and Laura discusses getting parenting advice from friends, including info about the first poop after childbirth. Also, in the special segment "Big Topic," the moms-to-be dive deep into a discussion about how to decide if you want kids. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 16 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 20 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 16 of pregnancy -Week 20 of pregnancy -Second trimester -20 week anatomy scan -Miscarriage -Missed miscarriage -Pregnancy anxiety -First poop after childbirth -Deciding if you want kids -How to decide if you want to become a parent -Sleeping while pregnant -Congestion during pregnancy This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna and Laura interview nurse midwife and fellow pregnant person Teresa Keirns! Teresa answers some of their burning questions about giving birth as they dive into the topics of delivering babies, pregnancy nausea, c-sections, pooping during childbirth, baby gender vs. sex and more! Also Laura and Shanna both report on how to handle being sick during pregnancy, and Shanna talks about how her pregnancy is really starting to show. Finally, the moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 17 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 21 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 17 of pregnancy -Week 21 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Being sick during pregnancy -Having a sinus infection during pregnancy -Can I take Sudafed while pregnant? -When does my pregnancy start to show? -Being in the "cute stage of pregnancy" -Nurse midwife interview -Delivering babies -Placenta previa -C-section vs. VBAC -Pooping during childbirth -Baby sex vs. gender -Ibuprofen and Tylenol during pregnancy -Maternity clothes -Pregnancy insomnia This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reports on her pregnancy nausea becoming associated with one of her favorite pastimes, and Shanna talks about telling her 2.5-year-old daughter that she is going to be a big sister. Also, in the new special segment "Stump the Preggo," Shanna and Laura quiz each other on fascinating pregnancy-related trivia, including the topics of blood volume during pregnancy, which country reports the highest rate of twins and more! Finally, the moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 18 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 22 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 18 of pregnancy -Week 22 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Pregnancy immune system -Pregnancy nausea -Spinning wool -How to tell your toddler about your pregnancy -Preparing your child for a second baby -Pregnancy trivia -Blood volume increase -Time spent in labor -Twins This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s special segment “Big Topic,” Laura discusses her journey of trying to conceive, including the details of her methodical approach to getting pregnant and the product she believes helped her get pregnant quickly. Also, Shanna discusses announcing her pregnancy on social media, and Laura talks about getting her home ready for her new baby by nesting. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 19 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 23 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 19 of pregnancy -Week 23 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Announcing pregnancy -Nesting -Getting home ready for new baby -Trying to conceive -Tracking menstrual cycle and ovulation -Baby names -Maternity bras This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna divulge the embarrassing pregnancy issues they asked the internet about, including questions about indigestion during pregnancy and whether babies cry in the womb. Also Shanna talks about adjusting to her new body and pregnant belly, and Laura reports on her 20-week anatomy scan. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 20 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 24 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 20 of pregnancy -Week 24 of pregnancy -Size of your baby bump -Maternity clothes -20 week anatomy scan -Pregnancy ultrasound -Indigestion, acid reflux, burping during pregnancy -Do babies cry in the womb? -Bending over while pregnant -Mothers as makers of death article This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna and Laura learn about vaccines during pregnancy during their interview with pharmacist, immunization specialist and fellow pregnant person Keri Hurley-Kim! Also, Laura discusses her unexpected reaction when people tell her “congrats” about her pregnancy, and Shanna reports on feeling and seeing her baby's fetal kicks and punches. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 21 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 25 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 21 of pregnancy -Week 25 of pregnancy -Unexpected thoughts and feelings when pregnant -Baby kicks -Fetal pigmentation -Vaccines when pregnant -TDAP vaccine during pregnancy -Flu vaccine during pregnancy -Maternity clothes -Prenatal constipation This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reports on her interview with a doula and how it didn't go as expected, and Shanna talks about the physical challenges of being pregnant, including insomnia and body aches. Also, in the new special segment “They Said What?!” Laura and Shanna share the shocking or ridiculous things people have said to them about pregnancy, including some choice words about breastfeeding, placentas and more! The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 22 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 26 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 22 of pregnancy -Week 26 of pregnancy -Doulas -Pregnancy insomnia -Physical discomfort during pregnancy -Weird things people say when you're pregnant -Breastfeeding -First poop after birth -Eating your placenta -Being pregnant at work -Going to the zoo while pregnant This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the special segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura and Shanna discuss what is sending them into a tizzy this week in their pregnancies, diving into the topics of hormone-induced anger, pregnancy brain and more. Also, Laura reports on finally feeling her baby’s movements and having an unexpected reaction to them, and Shanna reports on doing a three-hour gestational diabetes test after having failed her glucose screening. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 23 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 27 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 23 of pregnancy -Week 27 of pregnancy -Doulas -Baby kicks -Fetal movement -Gestational diabetes test -Pregnancy rage -Pregnancy hormones -Second trimester -Third trimester -Pregnancy brain -Pubic bone pain -Pubic symphysis pain -Stretch marks This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shanna talks about her upcoming baby sprinkle, and Laura reports on clearing out her non-maternity clothes. Also, in the special segment “Internet Insanity,” they discuss the wild and wacky things going down online in the world of pregnancy, including unusual beliefs about the effect of too much tickling during pregnancy, decorating pregnant bellies, gender reveals gone wrong, and Halloween costumes for pregnant people. The moms-to-be also reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 24 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 28 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 24 of pregnancy -Week 28 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Third trimester -Baby showers -Baby sprinkles -Pregnancy glucose test -Maternity jeans -Pregnant belly painting -Pregnancy Halloween costumes -Gender reveal party gone wrong -Giving urine samples during pregnancy -Pubic symphysis pain This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura admit the pregnancy topics they recently asked the Internet about, including a question about the effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy, and preparing for an emergency. Also, the Shanna reports on feeling emotional and overwhelmed during the third trimester, and Laura discusses the results of her pregnancy glucose test. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 25 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 29 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 25 of pregnancy -Week 29 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Third trimester -Pregnancy glucose test -Gestational diabetes -Size of 29 week fetus -Big emotions during pregnancy -Caffeine during pregnancy -Emily Oster's book "Expecting Better" -Home birth -Stand up comedy -Pregnancy hip pain -Difficulty sleeping during third trimester This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the new segment, “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Laura and Shanna answer a listener question about how to handle your baby's bodily functions and share a listener story about a shocking thing that a stranger recently did to her baby. Also, Shanna discusses getting her house and nursery ready for her new baby, and Laura checks in on making pregnancy friends. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 26 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 30 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 26 of pregnancy -Week 30 of pregnancy -Second trimester -Third trimester -Nesting -Pregnancy friends -Handling baby's sickness -Pregnancy massage -Huntington Gardens This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura reports on checking in with her OBGYN about her pubic symphysis pain, and Shanna talks about her third trimester pregnancy anxiety and shares a an unsettling prediction that her 2.5-year-old made about her pregnancy. Also, in honor of Thanksgiving, Shanna and Laura give up the pregnancy grousing and share things they are thankful for in a Gratitude Slam! Finally, they dive into the topics of lightning crotch and pilates when they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Laura is 27 weeks pregnant, and Shanna is 31 weeks pregnant. Topics discussed in this episode: -Week 27 of pregnancy -Week 31 of pregnancy -Pubic symphysis pain -Knitting baby items -Sick while pregnant -Pilates -Lightning crotch -Second trimester -Third trimester This episode's full show notes can be found here. Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey. Visit our website! Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices