The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby

Episode: Our due date, baby names & the first trimester
Release Date: September 10, 2025

Overview

In this candid episode, Matt and Abby—high school sweethearts and parents in Phoenix—open up about their third pregnancy. They answer a variety of listener questions about the first trimester, baby names, due dates, birth plans, pregnancy cravings, body changes, and family life while keeping the conversation warm, humorous, and very real. This episode offers insight into both the physical and emotional journeys of expecting, making it essential listening for expectant parents or anyone curious about the modern pregnancy experience.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. First Trimester Recap & “We’re Pregnant” Discourse

• Abby is officially through the first trimester and feeling supported by Matt.
  • “She officially did it. High five.” (01:48, Matt)
• Discussion of whether it’s weird for couples to say “we’re pregnant.”
  • Abby appreciates the sentiment of togetherness:
    • “I like it when people say... ‘we’re having a baby.’ I don’t want to do this alone.” (01:56, Abby)

2. Q&A: Pregnancy, Birth Plans, and Gender Reveal

Would you do a home birth?

• “No. Unless they can do cesareans at home.” (03:18, Abby)
• Historical discussion on cesareans led to a tangent on birth scenes in "House of the Dragon" (03:37-04:25).

Will you find out the gender?

• Matt is eager, Abby prefers waiting for the anatomy scan (approx. 20 weeks).
• They’ve never used genetic testing and are cautious after hearing of inaccurate blood tests.
  • “Absolutely not. I gotta know. I have to know if this is a boy or a girl.” (06:36, Matt)
  • On gender surprise: “Could you wait till birth? ... I know my mental state right after birth is really rollercoaster-y.” (06:36, Abby)

Is this your last baby?

• Both are open to more children and not rushing the decision.
  • “I think we got another one. Who knows? ... I just am not ready to, like, process formally closing that chapter.” (10:28-10:48, Abby)
• Brief discussion of the idea of twins.

3. Pregnancy Symptoms, Body Positivity & Cravings

Cravings

• Abby craves “anything and everything,” no specific recurring craving. (12:04)
• Very vivid cravings, e.g., needing a Krispy Kreme donut after dreaming about it. (12:24-13:04)

Weight Gain & Body Image

• Abby embraces “eating whatever the frick” she wants and faces body changes with Matt’s enthusiastic support.
  • “I want to work out still, but I want to just eat. … You guys, don’t worry. By your third, you’re just like, it is what it is.” (13:36-13:43, Abby)
  • Matt compliments Abby’s pregnant body often:
    • “I like curvy Abby. I’m a fan of curvy Abby.” (33:14, Matt)

Morning Sickness & Gassiness

• This pregnancy has had less morning sickness. Abby also discusses being extremely gassy (including humorous anecdotes about farting on Matt’s lap in public). (15:31-16:40)

4. Family Logistics & Lifestyle

Vehicle Shopping

• Debating between a minivan and an electric SUV as their family grows.
  • “We are getting a new vehicle…We have to get a third row before we have this baby.” (30:04, Abby)
• Abby leans toward a minivan; Matt is interested in an electric vehicle (Rivian).

Preparing for Baby #3

• Planning a “baby moon” (likely a cozy cabin or local trip).
• Abby prioritizes passing on maternity clothes and creating functional spaces in the home for kids’ toys (44:11-45:47).

5. Health, Fitness, and Mental Wellbeing

Fitness During Pregnancy

• Abby has kept up a regular exercise routine (five to six times per week), focusing on safe modifications and listening to her body.
  • “I do lift weights. I’m only doing stuff with dumbbells, too. … My gym is very good at having pregnancy modifications.” (22:32-23:07, Abby)

Managing Mental Health

• Both emphasize the importance of community and support.
  • “If you want your pregnancy to go well, try to find community to do life with.” (34:20, Matt)
• Abby is proactive about watching for postpartum depression:
  • “If I feel like something is off, I’m totally down to having interventions to fix that. Because your mental health is so important after having a baby.” (48:44, Abby)
• The stigma of mental health treatment is challenged openly.

6. Product Recommendations & Parenting Wisdom

• Products they’ve used or plan to use:
  • Mamaroo bassinet, considering the Snoo, Ollie swaddle, Soli wrap, Dreamland weighted sleep sacks, and nipple shields.
  • Less anxiety over bottle use, contact naps, and using nipple shields in this third round.
• Lessons learned:
  • “Here’s things I’m not gonna stress about with baby number three…” (28:02, Abby)
  • Avoid over-purchasing products like hiking carriers and focus on essentials.

7. Notable Listener Questions & Answers

• How do you avoid taking out moods on your kids?

  • Abby responds that she’s more likely to vent to Matt than the kids and credits having a supportive spouse and community.
    • “Your spouse shouldn’t be the only person solving your every need… you need community in your life.” (34:45, Matt)

• Caffeine & Nausea Remedies

  • Abby stays under 200 mg of caffeine per day and uses a combination of Unisom and vitamin B6 to manage nausea. (39:32, Abby)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The reason I kind of was, like, hoping for twins…they’re gonna have to slice me open anyway. Might as well just get two for one.” (11:25, Abby)
• “You look so good. Your little bump is so bumping.” (33:11, Matt)
• “If you want your pregnancy to go well, try to find community to do life with.” (34:20, Matt)
• “If I feel like something is off, I’m totally down to having interventions to fix that. Because your mental health is so important after having a baby.” (48:44, Abby)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:42 — Episode starts, first trimester celebration
• 03:18–04:52 — Home birth, C-section, and “House of the Dragon” discussion
• 06:10 — Gender reveal plans and why they wait for the anatomy scan
• 10:26 — Will this be the last baby?
• 12:04 — Pregnancy cravings and donut dreams
• 13:29 — Weight gain and embracing changes
• 22:00 — Abby’s fitness routine during pregnancy
• 28:02 — Lessons learned and stressing less with baby #3
• 30:04 — Discussing the new family car
• 34:20 — Importance of support systems while pregnant
• 39:32 — Nausea remedies (Unisom & B6)
• 48:14–50:53 — Postpartum depression conversation
• 57:20 — The due date: February 28th

Baby Talk & The Due Date

• The baby's due date is February 28th, 2026 (“Technically, the due date is February 28th. Yeah, we’re holding that loosely.” (58:20, Abby))
• Naming remains undecided: More certainty on the boy name, less agreement on the girl name.

Final Thoughts

Matt and Abby deliver an honest, warm-hearted look at pregnancy and family life, balancing humor (lots of gas jokes), relatable challenges, and genuine advice. They emphasize flexibility, support, and enjoying the process. The hosts are transparent about what they’ve learned, what they’re still figuring out, and their excitement for the future.

Listeners are encouraged to:

• Comment if they share a due date (“due date buddies”)
• Suggest baby names
• Join in the supportive community the Howards are passionate about building

For Future Episodes

Listeners can submit questions, guest requests, and baby name ideas as Matt and Abby continue sharing their growing family's journey.