This episode explores the impact of technology on pregnancy and early motherhood, featuring Amanda Hess, author of "Second Life, Having A Child In The Digital Age," who shares her personal experiences and critical insights. Hess recounts her journey through a high-risk pregnancy, triggered by an abnormal ultrasound, and how she navigated the flood of information and misinformation online, revealing the anxieties and judgments amplified by digital culture. Against the backdrop of maternal expectations and the pressure to achieve a "normal" pregnancy, Hess details her encounters with pregnancy apps, online communities, and even pseudoscientific theories that contributed to her self-doubt. More significantly, the discussion pivots to the ethical implications of emerging fertility technologies, such as AI-powered embryo screening, and the growing reproductive technology gap between affluent parents and those lacking basic prenatal care. Hess also reflects on the pervasive nature of surveillance tech in modern parenting, questioning whether it enhances care or habituates children to constant monitoring. Ultimately, Hess advocates for a shift in cultural values, challenging the stigma surrounding disability and promoting a more equitable and compassionate approach to reproductive health and parenting in the digital age.
