This observational study was done to identify presently available podcasts in the field of obstetrics. Total number of 3304 podcasts were retrieved on Google search covering various fields including common obstetric conditions, obstetric emergencies, selected topics from renowned journals, lectures for medical students and expecting mothers. These podcasts were produced by medical professionals, students as well as mothers themselves. There is not much literature published currently on use and efficacy of the podcasts. More podcasts need to be produced on holistic approach to pregnancy.

Medical professionals have been using internet services since years for various purposes including searching literature, getting guidelines, videos and images. Professional exploration of internet is on rise. Professionals have recently started using mobile apps for getting easy, effective and concise information on various aspects in the medical field. Podcasts and blog posts are the newer tools. Podcasts are defined as audio and video files that are available online to provide knowledge in various fields. They are easily available which one can listen even while driving, eating, cooking, exercising and daily chores, thus requiring no extra time.

Podcasts when combined with other methods have been found to be better for student teaching than the lectures in terms of knowledge acquisition and retention [1]. There are several podcasts available in the field of obstetrics which are useful for the medical professionals, pregnant women and students appearing for examinations. However one is not knowledgeable about availability and relevance of these podcasts. To address this research question and filling the gap in knowledge this observational study was done with the aim to identify various podcasts available in the field of obstetrics and to provide relevant information both for health professionals and pregnant women.

This was an observational study conducted over a period of 15 days. Google search was done using search words podcasts, obstetrics, obstetrician, pregnant women and expecting mother. All the results with the above mentioned search words were retrieved. Sample size was determined by the number of podcasts available on google. After searching the podcasts, they were further categorized into certain broad groups according to their content and probable users. Available number of podcasts in each broad groups was further formulated in a tabular form as mentioned in results. No consent was required for the present study

Ethical issues: None

A total number of 3304 relevant podcasts were retrieved on search. The podcasts were categorized into certain groups depending upon their content and probable user as displayed in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.

Podcasts have been gaining popularity in the medical education. They are being increasingly used by medical professionals, students and also the common people. However, there is paucity of literature on the efficacy of the podcasts. Schreiber., et al. found no difference between live lectures versus video podcasts in terms of knowledge acquisition [2], while Back., et al. in a recent randomized controlled trial mentioned that podcast users scored significantly higher in a post-test evaluation compared to text-based users [3].

Another randomized controlled trial in 2018 on knowledge retention and usage conditions in undergraduates using podcasts and blog posts found both to be useful for extracurricular knowledge acquisition with podcasts users being able to engage in multiple activities while using the learning material [4]. Apps in obstetrics and gynecology have been recently reviewed by Gupta., et al. and their relevance have been observed [5]. But there are not many available articles about obstetrics podcasts. This study is an extensive review of the obstetrics podcasts.

Most common topics which are covered in these podcasts are pregnancy induced hypertension, post-partum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, puerperal sepsis, preterm deliveries and vaginal and caesarean deliveries. Some journals present selected topics from their journal periodically in the form of podcasts. The podcasts meant for teaching students can be improved by presenting in an interview style so as to engage them more. Pregnant women also have lot of apprehension regarding various issues related to their pregnancy like common pregnancy symptoms, growth of fetus, emergency situations like pregnancy induced hypertension, mode of delivery related issues and care of their newborns. Several mother friendly podcasts are available which can be used by expecting mothers and remain fully informed about their pregnancy. More podcasts need to be developed for common pregnancy issues like diet, increased requirement of dietary supplements, pregnancy exercises, yoga, meditation, anemia, hypothyroidism and daily fetal movement count.

The present study suggests that large numbers of relevant podcasts are available in obstetrics for medical professionals, students and pregnant women. However these podcasts still need to be adequately exploited for improving obstetric care. There is need to have more evidence for assessing the efficacy of podcasts. This also brings out the necessity of having podcasts from various regions of world and customized according to the local population.

Podcasts for students should be designed in a manner which engages students more for example in an interviewing style. Podcasts need to be developed on holistic approach to pregnancy like pregnancy exercises, yoga, meditation, preparing for normal labor, breast feeding and kangaroo mother care. Podcasts sanctity will enhance knowledge acquisition and scientific practice in obstetrics and medicine.