You’ve heard it all—“Tylenol causes autism” vs. “Totally safe.” Safe doesn’t mean risk-free, and you deserve the full picture.

If you’re pregnant and dealing with headache, fever, or pain, this short episode gives you a clear, guilt-free way to think about acetaminophen (Tylenol). I walk you through what the research actually says, why observational studies can confuse the conversation, and how to make a smart, individualized decision with your clinician.

You’ll learn:

• Why “safe” ≠ “risk-free,” and how OBs should communicate benefits vs. risks
• What big studies say about acetaminophen and neurodevelopment—and what they don’t prove
• Why untreated fever and significant pain carry their own real risks in pregnancy
• A simple decision framework: lowest effective dose, shortest time, with guidance
• Non-drug options to consider for pain (PT, yoga, chiropractic)

Resources Mentioned:

• Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology (cautious, judicious use; association ≠ causation)
• Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability (no association in sibling-controlled analyses)

Vaginal exams are one of the most common — and most misunderstood — parts of labor. They can empower you or leave you feeling powerless. The difference? Knowing what they really mean.

In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek inside The Birth With Power Pathway, my upcoming childbirth education program. We’ll demystify vaginal exams — what they measure, how often they should be done, and how to make them more comfortable and respectful. By the end, you’ll understand how to stay informed, set boundaries, and keep your power every step of the way.

You’ll learn:

• What dilation, effacement, and fetal station actually measure
• How to interpret those numbers (and why they can vary between providers)
• How often vaginal exams are typically done — and when you can say “no”
• Tips to make exams more comfortable and less painful
• What true informed consent looks like during labor
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Resources Mentioned:

The Birth With Power Pathway — join the waitlist: drnicolerankins.com/email

Follow me on Instagram: @drnicolerankins

When Ashley’s hands and feet started to itch, she almost brushed it off as “just another pregnancy symptom.” But that simple sign turned out to be something much more serious — intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This condition can significantly increase the risk of stillbirth.

In this episode, Ashley shares how she faced ICP not once, but twice — from an unexpected early labor that left no time for pain meds to finding peace and confidence in her second birth. Her story is a raw and empowering reminder to trust your instincts, speak up when something feels off, and lean on your care team.

You’ll learn:

• What ICP is and why early detection matters
• How Ashley’s lightning-fast first birth unfolded (and what she wishes she’d known)
• How her second birth experience was completely different — and healing
• Practical signs to watch for if you ever experience unexplained itching
• Why listening to your body can literally save lives
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Resources Mentioned:

• ICP Care — support and information for families affected by ICP