The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby
The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby

End of pregnancy Q&A

July 22, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

“I literally can't believe I'm just sitting here in peepee pants right now. Is that okay?” That’s how Abby opens the episode, eight months pregnant and matter-of-fact about the indignities of late pregnancy. The Unplanned Podcast with Matt and Abby is a casual, conversational Q&A covering the weeks just before their third son is due. The throughline is preparation: for birth, for a new baby, for the logistics of three boys under five, and for the launch of Abby’s own mascara company, Biswell Beauty. The episode moves between practical planning, honest talk about pregnancy and birth, and the business of building a product from scratch.

The final stretch of pregnancy and birth philosophy

Abby is in her last weeks of pregnancy and describes feeling Braxton Hicks contractions — “just feels like your tummy tightening” — which are intense but not yet painful. Matt is struck by how hard the uterine muscle works during a contraction: “Holy cow. Like it is such a freaking muscle just going to work.” Abby’s goal for this birth is simple: “I want to have fun. Is that too much to ask?” She and Matt have hired a doula for the first time, and both agree it’s the smartest decision they’ve made. Matt explains the difference: “The doula is there more for your feelings, and the doctor is there more for your health.” The doula gives them time and bedside manner that doctors often can’t, and

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:00) **NFL Promo & Pre-Show Banter** - A brief promo for NFL on ESPN, followed by casual conversation about pregnancy, kids starting school, and a playful dispute over tilapia.
  • 2 (07:31) **Discussing the C-Word and Birth Preferences** - The couple navigates a taboo anatomy term and shares their thoughts on doctors, doulas, and birth plans.
  • 3 (09:36) **Biswell Beauty Launch & Product Development** - Abby details the launch of her mascara company, Biswell Beauty, including the chemistry and paperwork behind creating a single product.
  • 4 (16:05) **Makeup as Mom Confidence & International Sales** - Abby talks about the role of makeup in her identity as a mom and the legal hurdles of selling internationally.
  • 5 (21:45) **Preparing for Birth: Braxton Hicks & Hiring a Doula** - Abby describes her physical symptoms and why hiring a doula for the fourth pregnancy was their "smartest decision."
  • 6 (27:06) **Logistics of Three Boys: Week One Plan** - The couple outlines their strategy for the first week postpartum, including having grandparents take the older boys overnight.
  • 7 (36:21) **The Mom Car Upgrade** - Matt and Abby discuss their new family vehicle and the challenge of fitting three car seats.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

We’re officially in the final stretch before baby #3! In this end-of-pregnancy Q&A, we’re answering your questions about third trimester life --> from shaving while nine months pregnant to nesting, preschool emotions, and how we’re preparing for the transition from two kids to three. Our Place: Upgrade your kitchen with Our Place at https://fromourplace.com/UNPLANNED and use code UNPLANNED for 10% off sitewide with a 100-day risk-free trial. Unreal Snacks: Visit https://unrealsnacks.com/UNPLANNED to get $4 off a bag of Unreal. Terms and conditions apply. BetterHelp: Don’t let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/UNPLANNEDPODCAST. #ad Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping at https://nutrafol.com with promo code UNPLANNEDPOD. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby 09:00 - Launching my own makeup company 23:09 - Hiring a doula 26:27 - Maternity leave 29:24 - Transition from 2 to 3 35:55 - Mom car 38:46 - Nesting 45:26 - Neighbors calling the cops on us 48:09 - Audience questions 50:49 - Living in Arizona 52:21 - Where have you lived the longest 55:55 - Dad bod 56:51 - Would you move back to Missouri 58:40 - Weekly date nights 01:01:59 - Preparing for baby #3 01:03:18 - Potty training 01:07:19 - Matt's trip to Turkey

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The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby