The Obs Pod

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Episode 189 The Odon Assist

2026-09-2852:11

Have you listened to Episode 42 Assisted Birth and Episode 181 Assisted vaginal birth a woman's persepctive. Did you wonder if assisted vaginal birth could things be improved? If so this episode is a glimpse into development of a new device The Odon Assist that is an interetsing new option for clinicans. Join me as I chat to Emily Hotton obstetrician and Georgina Kelly midwife about Odon Assist, a new method of assisted vaginal birth designed for when the baby’s head is already low, and...

Episode 188 A Chat with Frances, Consultant midwife

2026-05-2942:07

In this episode I talk with my wonderful collelague consultant midwife Frances Rivers about what the role looks like on the ground and why it matters for women, midwives, and obstetricians. We dig into evidence, inequality, and personalised care, and how respectful conversations can keep trust even when choices sit outside recommendations. • what a consultant midwife does and why the role was created • the four pillars: clinical expertise, leadership, research, education • h...

Episode 187 Palpitations In Pregnancy

2026-05-1520:50

We explain why palpitations and a fast heart rate are so common in pregnancy, and how to separate normal physiological change from signs that need urgent assessment. We walk through the questions we ask, the tests we choose, and how we stay reassuring while still taking symptoms seriously. • normal pregnancy physiology and a typical 10 to 20 bpm rise in resting pulse • why a high heart rate is a general sign of illness rather than a diagnosis • infection screening in pregnan...

Episode 186 Induction of Labour Update

2026-05-0123:33

In this update I talk about why induction of labour is such a charged topic and why the real-world experience can feel long, uncomfortable, and out of step with what the evidence promises. We explain how drug shortages and new research are pushing the NHS towards oral and mechanical methods that could make induction more streamlined and less intrusive. What if you could take a tablet to start your labour? Would you be willing to help shape treatment for the future by participating in r...

Episode 185 Medicines In Pregnancy

2026-03-2820:07

We talk frankly about why medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding feel frightening, even though most women take something during pregnancy and many treatments are genuinely safe. We break down why the evidence is often patchy, how to think about benefit versus risk, and where to find clear information you can trust. • British Pharmacological Society statement and the scale of medicine use in pregnancy • why pregnant and breastfeeding women are often excluded from trials • ...

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