Ask Dr. Sterling Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Cervical Exams and Membrane Sweeping: Your Rights and Comfort Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Sterling discusses cervical exams during pregnancy and labor, emphasizing patient consent and comfort. Learn about why these exams are performed, how to make them more comfortable, and get a brief introduction to membrane sweeping as a potential labor-inducing procedure.

Key Moments

Your Right to Consent
Purpose of Cervical Exams
Bishop Score Explained
Making Exams More Comfortable
Introduction to Membrane Sweeping

Connect With Us:

Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com

Email your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com

Gestational Diabetes Screening: What to Expect and How to Prepare Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down everything you need to know about gestational diabetes screening during pregnancy. From test procedures to understanding results, this guide helps expectant parents navigate this important aspect of prenatal care with confidence and clarity.

Key Moments

One-Step vs. Two-Step Screening
Test Preparation & What to Expect
Understanding Results
Alternative Testing Options

Important Reminders

Dr. Sterling emphasizes that abnormal results don't mean you've "failed" a test, and that the majority of people who have an abnormal one-hour test will not be diagnosed with gestational diabetes after the three-hour test. For those who are diagnosed, 70% can manage with diet and exercise changes alone.

Connect With Us:

Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com

Email your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com

What to Expect at Your Anatomy Ultrasound Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling walks you through everything you need to know about the second trimester anatomy ultrasound—what it is, what to expect during your appointment, and how to make sense of the findings. Whether you’re wondering why your bladder needs to be full, what a “low-lying placenta” means, or why you might be asked to come back for another scan, this episode is packed with clarity and reassurance.

From understanding how the ultrasound works to breaking down common findings (like EIFs and choroid plexus cysts), Dr. Sterling gives you the facts—without the fear.

Key Moments

What the anatomy ultrasound actually looks for
What happens during the appointment
Common reasons you might be asked to come back
Findings that sound scary but usually aren’t
What "limited by maternal habitus" actually means

Connect With Us

Join the Sterling Parents community: www.sterlingparents.com

Send your questions to: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Understanding Fetal Movement: From First Flutters to Active Kicks Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this mini episode, Dr. Sterling explores the fascinating world of fetal movement during pregnancy—when it begins, how it feels, and what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. Whether you're experiencing those first subtle flutters or wondering about movement patterns, this episode provides clarity and reassurance about this exciting milestone.

Key Moments

Early Movement Detection
What Movement Feels Like
Timing Differences
Monitoring Movement

Connect With Us

Join the Sterling Parents community at sterlingparents.com
Follow us on Instagram @askdrsterlingpodcast
Email your questions to podcast@sterlingparents.com

Genetic Screening in Pregnancy: Understanding Your Options Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this comprehensive episode, Dr. Sterling breaks down the complex world of genetic screening and testing in pregnancy. From understanding the difference between screening and diagnostic tests to navigating the various options available at different stages, this guide helps expectant parents make informed decisions about their prenatal care journey.

Key Moments

- Screening vs. diagnostic testing explained

- First trimester screening options

- Cell-free DNA testing benefits

- Second trimester screening approaches

- Special considerations for twin pregnancies

- Making informed decisions

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First Trimester Prenatal Care: What to Really Expect at Your Appointments Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this insider's guide to first trimester care, Dr. Sterling pulls back the curtain on what really happens at your early prenatal appointments. From transvaginal ultrasounds to weight discussions, genetic screening options to aspirin recommendations, she provides a comprehensive roadmap while sharing practical tips most providers don't tell you.

Key Moments

First appointment expectations
Weight discussions and recommendations
Physical exams and testing explained
Genetic screening conversations
Aspirin recommendations for preeclampsia
Insider tips for navigating care

Connect With Us

Join the Waitlist: sterlingparents.com
Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com
Advanced Maternal Age Class

Fear of Loss in Early Pregnancy & Sharing Your News Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Sterling addresses one of pregnancy's most challenging emotions: fear of loss. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, she offers a groundbreaking approach to managing anxiety while making decisions about sharing pregnancy news, using home dopplers, and building essential parenting skills.

Powerful Quotes

"Emotions aren't good or bad - they're pieces of information and data that our body and brain are sending us." - Dr. Sterling

"I would rather honor my boundaries and have you be upset with me than to betray myself." - Dr. Sterling

Connect With Us

Join Sterling Parents Membership
Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Pregnancy Dos & Don'ts: A Modern, Evidence-Based Guide Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down pregnancy guidelines with a refreshing, evidence-based approach centered on personal wellness. Moving beyond rigid rules, she explains the science behind common recommendations while emphasizing the importance of individual decision-making and self-compassion. Get ready for the do's and don'ts of food safety guidelines, caffeine and alcohol, beauty product safety, exercise recommendations and more.

Connect With Us

Join Sterling Parents Membership
Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

I'm Pregnant, Now What? Your Guide for Early Pregnancy Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this special series premiere, Dr. Sterling shares exclusive content from the Sterling Parents pregnancy course, breaking down exactly what you need to know in those first crucial weeks after seeing those two pink lines. From calculating your due date to choosing the right provider, this episode offers evidence-based guidance for starting your pregnancy journey.

Key Moments [35 mins]

00:00 - Series introduction and app announcement 03:15 - Calculating your due date accurately 08:30 - When to schedule first appointments 15:45 - Choosing your healthcare provider 22:30 - Prenatal vitamin essentials 28:15 - Managing early pregnancy emotions

Expert Insights

Dr. Sterling breaks down:

Why 8-10 weeks is standard for first appointments
Exceptions for earlier care
NICU levels and hospital selection
Practice styles and their pros/cons
Prenatal vitamin components
Early pregnancy emotional changes

Connect With Us

Join Sterling Parents Membership
Instagram: @askdrsterlingpodcast
Submit questions: podcast@sterlingparents.com

Managing Anxious Thoughts in Motherhood: A Therapist's Guide with Dr. Cassidy Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sterling welcomes Dr. Cassidy Freitas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in maternal mental health. Using her powerful "car metaphor," Dr. Cassidy breaks down how to develop a new relationship with anxiety during the reproductive years and beyond, offering practical tools for managing anxious thoughts without trying to eliminate them completely.

Powerful Quotes

"Anxiety is like a backseat passenger in your car - it has important data to share, but it shouldn't be in the driver's seat." - Dr. Cassidy

"We can only avoid these parts of ourselves for so long until they get louder and louder to the point where we can't ignore them anymore." - Dr. Cassidy