Pregnancy Myth-Busting with Emily Oster: Sushi, Caffeine, Epidurals & More

This week on Two Parents & A Podcast, we’re joined by Emily Oster — bestselling author, economist, and the data-driven voice behind ParentData.org — to separate pregnancy facts from fear-based fiction. From sushi and soft cheese to caffeine, deli meat, and yes — even a little wine — Emily breaks down what’s actually backed by research vs. what’s just outdated “pregnancy police” rules we’ve all heard. We also get into nausea myths, Ozempic, Botox, NIPT false positives, elective inductions, epidurals, and the real risks people should pay attention to. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting pregnancy advice, Googled something you immediately regretted, or wondered what really matters for a healthy pregnancy — this one’s going to bring so much relief (and maybe give you permission to enjoy that Diet Coke again!!!). Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Two Parents & A Podcast! 00:00:44 Introduction to Emily Oster 00:03:25 How did an economist become one of the most trusted voices in pregnancy? 00:07:07 What’s the #1 pregnancy rule that doesn’t make sense once you look at the research? 00:10:16 How much of the advice we hear is truly backed by research vs. just old-school caution? 00:11:02 Is there any truth to “more nausea = healthier pregnancy”? 00:15:50 What’s the real risk with deli meat and listeria today? 00:19:02 Can pregnant women safely eat sushi? 00:24:40 Soft cheeses & runny eggs 00:25:12 How much caffeine is safe during pregnancy? 00:26:54 Can you drink alcohol during pregnancy? 00:28:30 Can you smoke, vape, or eat gummies during pregnancy? 00:30:18 Can you take Ozempic, get Botox, or use retinol during pregnancy? 00:33:48 What is the #1 thing to avoid during pregnancy? 00:35:07 How accurate is NIPT really? (False positives explained) 00:38:45 Elective inductions at 39 weeks — what does data say? 00:45:09 Do epidurals affect labor progression? 00:45:40 Vitamin K shot & newborn eye ointment — what parents need to know 00:46:30 Should women eat their placenta? 00:49:16 Rapid-fire: Diet Coke, spicy food, stress, flying & prenatals 00:51:45 What pregnancy myth do you wish would disappear forever? 00:52:34 Thank you for listening! #twoparentsandapod --------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Manukora: Get up to 31% off plus $25 in free gifts with the Starter Kit at https://www.manukora.com/TWOPARENTS . * Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off at https://www.magneticme.com with code TWOPARENTS. * SKIMS: Shop Alex’s favorite pajamas at https://www.skims.com/TWOPARENTS . #skimspartner * Aura Frames: $35 off with code TWOPARENTS — shop perfect holiday gifts at https://on.auraframes.com/TWOPARENTS . * Kachava: Get 15% off your next order at https://www.kachava.com with code TWOPARENTS. --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the pod on YouTube/Spotify/Apple: https://www.youtube.com/@twoparentsandapod https://open.spotify.com/show/7BxuZnHmNzOX9MdnzyU4bD?si=5e715ebaf9014fac https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-parents-a-podcast/id1737442386 --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Two Parents & A Podcast: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/twoparentsandapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@twoparentsandapod Follow Alex Bennett: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/justalexbennett TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justalexbennett Follow Harrison Fugman: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/harrisonfugman TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@harrisonfugman Find our guest: Website | https://parentdata.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/profemilyoster TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@profemilyoster --------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House – https://www.justmediahouse.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices