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 and promote health equity. 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.

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son is joined by Dr. Marvin Williams and Dr. Amber Samuel to explore the highlights of the postgraduate courses and scientific forums at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From CME-accredited courses on evidence-based labor management and fetal interventions to member-driven forums tackling topics like cardio-obstetrics and health equity, this year’s program offers something for everyone in maternal-fetal medicine.

Learn about the collaborative process behind the selection of courses and forums, how these opportunities foster research and innovation, and why the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting is a can’t-miss event. Plus, get tips on registering for sessions, accessing resources, and making the most of your time at the meeting.

Mark your calendar for January 27 to February 1, 2025, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. Subscribe to the SMFM Podcast Series for more updates, and visit smfm.org/2025 to register today!

Click here to access the full transcript. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz welcomes Dr. Bill Grobman, Editor-in-Chief of SMFM’s first official journal, Pregnancy. Together, they explore the vision behind this new Open Access journal, its mission to increase accessibility and transparency of original research in obstetrics, and the global and diverse representation it aims to achieve. Dr. Grobman shares his passion for advancing research on pregnancy in its broadest context, touching on topics such as equitable outcomes, the life-course impact of pregnancy, and socio-political dimensions.

Listeners will learn about the journal's format, submission guidelines, and opportunities for involvement, including serving as a reviewer or joining the editorial board. Discover how Pregnancy aims to serve as a platform for groundbreaking research and collaboration, fostering meaningful contributions to the field of maternal-fetal medicine.

Click here for the full transcript. 

Additional Resources: 

Learn more about the new journal by visiting smfm.org/pregnancy

In this Pregnancy Meeting edition of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son welcomes Dr. Allison  Bryant to discuss everything you need to know about posters and abstracts at the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting. From the equity-focused review process to the impressive lineup of over 1,100 poster  presentations and groundbreaking oral sessions, this year’s meeting promises to showcase the  best in maternal-fetal medicine research.

Discover how sustainability initiatives are shaping the format of the meeting, what’s new for poster presenters, and why this year’s program is a must-attend event for anyone in the field. Plus, get key tips to make the most of your experience with the SMFM mobile app and learn about important deadlines for registration and planning.

Mark your calendar for January 27 to February 1, 2025, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver,  Colorado. Be sure to subscribe to the SMFM Podcast Series for more updates and visit  smfm.org/2025 to register today

Click here for the full episode transcript. 

In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lo welcomes Dr. Sarah Osmundson to discuss SMFM Consult #71, focusing on the management of previable and periviable preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Together, they delve into key considerations for patient counseling, the challenges of defining viability across different institutions and regions, and the maternal and neonatal outcomes linked to various management strategies.

Dr. Osmundson highlights the critical role of informed consent, the need to align care with patient values, and opportunities to address gaps in research through collaborative efforts. This episode unpacks the complexities of managing PPROM and provides valuable insights for maternal-fetal medicine providers navigating these nuanced and sensitive conversations.

Click here for the full episode transcript. 

Additional Resources

-         SMFM Consult Series #71

-         SMFM Clinical Webinar Series: Management of Previable and Periviable Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

-         Maternal morbidity after preterm premature rupture of membranes at

Show notes

In this week’s episode of the SMFM podcast, Dr. Kecia Gaither and Dr. Neil Silverman discuss maternal RSV vaccination and the Pfizer Abrysvo vaccine. Learn about the latest updates for the 2024-2025 respiratory season, how to counsel patients effectively, and strategies to ensure vaccine access.

The conversation also covers addressing vaccine hesitancy, navigating barriers like cost and availability, and comparing maternal vaccination with neonatal immunization options to protect infants from severe RSV infections

Resources

SMFM Podcast: Maternal RSV Vaccination 101

smfm.org/RSV

Full transcript can be found here. 

Disclaimer: Sponsored by a grant from Pfizer, Inc. No content should be considered a solicitation, promotion, or advertisement for any Pfizer product.

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Shannon Son, MFM from the University of Colorado and Local Arrangements Chair for the 2025 Pregnancy Meeting, sits down with Program Chair Dr. Blair Wylie to discuss what’s in store for this year’s Pregnancy Meeting in Denver Colorado. They cover everything from exciting new features and inclusivity initiatives to the rigorous abstract review process and sustainability efforts. Tune in to hear about standout sessions like the President’s Workshop on preterm birth, new high school and medical student engagement programs, and some unique networking opportunities, including the return of the Puppy Lounge! Don't miss the chance to prepare for a week full of cutting-edge science, education, and connection with colleagues in maternal-fetal medicine.

Register Here! 

Full transcript can be found here. 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Marwan Ma’ayeh discusses maternal RSV vaccination with Dr. Sarah Boudova, an expert in infectious diseases and a third-year maternal-fetal medicine fellow. They dive into the Abrysvo vaccine and explain its importance for protecting newborns from RSV-related respiratory illnesses. Dr. Boudova provides essential insights into the vaccine's components, its unique role during pregnancy, timing considerations, and co-administration with other vaccines. They also touch on current recommendations from leading health organizations and outline practical advice for healthcare providers on storing and administering the vaccine. Listen to learn how maternal RSV vaccination can safeguard infant health during the RSV season and look out for the upcoming episode, which will cover patient education, access, and cost.

For more resources on RSV, visit smfm.org/rsv. \

SMFM Podcast: Maternal RSV Vaccination 102

Click here for the full transcript. 

Disclaimer: Sponsored by a grant from Pfizer, Inc. No content should be considered a solicitation, promotion, or advertisement for any Pfizer product.

Show Notes: 

In this episode of the SMFM podcast, Dr. Marwan Maayeh is joined by Dr. Sura Alwan, an expert in teratology and birth defects epidemiology. Together, they explore the role of teratogens—agents that can cause birth abnormalities when exposed to the developing fetus. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges MFM specialists face when counseling patients on medication use during pregnancy and the resources available for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Dr. Alwan highlights the work of OTIS (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) and TERIS (Teratogen Information System) in providing evidence-based guidance on drug and environmental exposures in pregnancy. They also discuss the importance of research in identifying and managing teratogenic risks, the role of teratology databases, and combating misinformation in the field. Tune in for practical insights and resources on navigating these complex issues in MFM practice.

Additional Resources:

TERIS

OTIS/MotherToBaby

Teratogenesis, Perinatal, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After In Utero Exposure to Antiseizure Medication Practice Guideline From the AAN, AES, and SMFM

smfmadvocates.org/positions

Transcript: Click here for the full transcript 

In this episode of the SMFM Podcast Series, Dr. Alireza Shamshirsaz hosts a discussion with Dr. Sarah Obican about SMFM Consult Series #72, focusing on the management of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) in monochorionic twins.

Dr. Obican shares insights into the latest evidence and practice guidelines for TTTS and TAPS, discussing the importance of early sonographic determination, recommendations for TTTS screening, and the complexities of managing TAPS. The conversation also covers fetal therapy options, doppler use, and the challenges of staging TTTS. Tune in to hear how these evolving guidelines impact clinical practice and patient care.

Additional Resources: SMFM Consult #72: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence

Click here to access the full transcript.