With the Wind with Dr. Paul - Show 172: Pediatric Perspectives - Nutrition for Moms: Preconception and Early Pregnancy with Scott Hankinson, M.D.

In this episode of With the Wind, Dr. Paul Thomas welcomes OB-GYN and wellness advocate Dr. Scott Hankinson for a timely discussion on maternal nutrition, with a focus on preconception and early pregnancy. This episode is part of our Pediatric Perspectives series, which takes a closer look at how everyday decisions—like diet and lifestyle—can impact generations of health. From vitamin D to gut health, Dr. Hankinson outlines how simple nutritional practices can set moms and babies on a path toward lifelong wellness.

Dr. Hankinson opens the conversation with a powerful message: “We are not just influencing one life—we’re potentially shaping the health of two or three generations at once.” As an OB-GYN with a passion for prevention, Dr. Hankinson discusses how diet, vitamin levels, and even gut bacteria can affect not just fertility and pregnancy, but also the long-term health of children and grandchildren.

One of the central concepts explored in this episode is epigenetics, the study of how our behaviors and environment can affect how our genes are expressed. Nutritional choices made during preconception and pregnancy can turn genes on or off—either promoting resilience or increasing vulnerability to chronic disease.

To help families introduce these ideas to their children, Dr. Hankinson co-authored a children’s book called Happy Bugs, which explains the importance of gut health in a fun, accessible way. In the episode, he and Dr. Paul discuss how the gut microbiome influences everything from digestion to immunity—and why both children and expecting moms should eat fiber-rich, whole foods.

Dr. Hankinson also encourages families to check out his educational content at Whole Foods Health on YouTube, where he shares nutrition tips specifically tailored for moms-to-be.

​Dr. Hankinson and Dr. Paul take time to discuss the current CDC vaccine schedule for pregnancy, which recommends four vaccines: Tdap, flu, RSV, and COVID. Dr. Hankinson raises critical questions about the lack of pre-licensure safety data for many of these shots and calls for true informed consent. He emphasizes that moms must be given the full picture—including risks and benefits—before agreeing to medical interventions during pregnancy.

This episode is a wake-up call and a call to action. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, currently expecting, or guiding others on their journey to parenthood, Dr. Hankinson’s advice is clear: start with nutrition, prioritize gut health, and be willing to question medical norms. Your decisions today can shape a legacy of health for generations to come.