Clinical Conversations:
​A Functional Maternity Series

Clinical Conversations is a free, monthly educational series created by Functional Maternity.

Each month, we host two in-depth lectures exploring focused topics in maternity care. These sessions are designed to:
  • Go deeper than surface-level advice
  • Explore the "why" behind common pregnancy complications
  • Bridge research with real-life application
  • Build off of our social media platforms
  • Create a space for thoughtful discussion and Q&A on specific topics

Clinical Conversations is free and open to our community. At the end of each session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask relevant questions and join in on the discussion. 

Our goal: to share accurate, up-to-date information that empowers both providers and families to understand maternal physiology and together improve pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.

Clinical Converstaions with sarah Thompson

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Oxidative Stress in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is more than "elevated glucose"; it reflects a shift in oxidative stress during pregnancy. In this lecture, we'll discuss how insulin resistance becomes a symptom of systemic inflammation, as well as how redox balance may be the answer to GDM prevention and management.

CLINICAL CONVERSATIONS with Leah Martinson

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Sugar Truths
In this lecture, Leah will help you navigate the truths and myths of sugar intake in pregnancy. Learn how sugar intake affects glucose, and what you can do to make healthy sugar choices in pregnancy. Hint: Fruit is not the enemy.

Clinical Conversations with Sarah Thompson

Monday, April 6th, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Mountain Time
​The Clinical Physiology of Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is more than just severe nausea; it's a complex metabolic and genetic disorder that requires careful evaluation and management. In this lecture, we'll cover the etiology of HG patterns, to help providers create customized protocols to help prevent and manage HG. 

CLINICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH LEAH MARTINSON

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Nourishing Through Nausea: Nutrition Support for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is common, but that doesn't make it easy. In this lecture, Leah will help you create simple nutrition strategies that can manage blood sugar, support nutrient intake, and make eating more manageable in early pregnancy. 

Clinical Conversations with Sarah THompson

Monday, May 4th, 2026, 1:00 - 2:00 PM Mountain Time
A Functional Approach to Anemia
Anemia in pregnancy is often treated as just an iron problem, but iron is only part of the story. In this lecture, we'll look at the broader nutrient interactions involved in healthy red blood cell production. 

Clinical Conversations with Sarah Thompson

Monday, June 8th, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM Mountain Time
​Using the Lactate Dehydrogenase Blood Test in Maternity Care
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is considered one of the most sensitive markers for preeclampsia, and is often reviewed as a single measurement. But, its isozyme patterns can reveal much more about tissue stress and organ involvement in pregnancy. 

Clinical Conversations with Sarah Thompson

Monday, July 6th, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Rethinking Methylation: Clinical Implications Beyond MTHFR
Methylation in Pregnancy is often reduced to MTHFR, but that pathway is far more complex. In this lecture, Sarah will take you on a journey to explore the complexity of the Methionine pathway, including B12 recycling, methionine metabolism, transulfuration and why testing homocysteine should be part of your normal blood workup. 

CLINICAL CONVERSATIONS WITH SARAH THOMPSON

Monday, August 3rd, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Thyroid Function in the Third Trimester: Implications for Labor and Birth Outcomes
Thyroid hormones influence far more than just metabolism in pregnancy, and may be the key to better birth outcomes. In this lecture, Sarah will cover how third-trimester thyroid dysfunction may impact labor progression and birth outcomes. 

Clinical Conversations with Sarah Thompson

Monday, September 9th, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Mountain Time
Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy: Finding the Clinical Balance
Iron needs increase in pregnancy, but supplementation isn't always straightforward. In this lecture, Sarah will discuss normal iron physiology, ferritin interpretation, and the potential risks of excess iron supplementation. This lecture is designed to help providers and mamas make more informed decisions in care.

Clinical Conversations with Sarah Thompson

Monday, October 5th, 2026 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM Mountain Time
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