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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
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Managing advanced maternal age risks with your Chicago obstetrician

As time has gone on, we have seen an increase in women choosing to become pregnant later in life. A quick glance through medical literature, however, can cause a great deal of stress for the “older” mother-to-be. Thirty-five is by no means aged as it pertains to general health and wellness. When planning pregnancy, however, there are certain considerations to make in order to properly manage advanced maternal age risks. The physician team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, in Chicago works with patients on a one-on-one basis to achieve optimal health for mom and baby during and after pregnancy.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Managing advanced maternal age risks with your Chicago obstetrician

Before pregnancy

  • Family planning should ideally begin before you become pregnant. Your experienced physician can perform a thorough medical history and examination to confirm the absence of genetic issues that may impact pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy visits also cover important issues such as diet and lifestyle habits to promote conception and a healthy pregnancy. Medical problems should be brought under control, if necessary, so they will not have an effect on the future pregnancy.
  • As age increases, conception may become more challenging. Working with your obstetrician, you can discover the steps to conception and determine if hormone levels are prime for becoming pregnant.
  • Your doctor should be advised of all current medications, prescription and otherwise. Before becoming pregnant, it is important to ensure the body is ready and that there are no medications that could complicate pregnancy in the blood.
  • Your doctor may suggest that certain supplementation begin while you are in the process of conception. Folic acid, in particular, is a supplement recommended for advanced maternal age as this acid can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the growing fetus.

During pregnancy

Prenatal care is vital to any mother-to-be. Routine prenatal care involves monitoring of fetal development and maternal health. With our patients, we discuss healthy dietary and exercise habits such as avoiding high-mercury foods like fish and the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial but should not go beyond what was done before pregnancy. Obvious recommendations include avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs.

In addition to routine care, we will offer specific testing for the pregnancy that occurs later in life. The testing often includes stepwise ultrasound and blood tests, amniocentesis, CVS, or cell free DNA.

Patients with advanced maternal age have increased risks for gestational diabetes, hypertension which can cause preeclampsia, small fetal growth, or increased risk for cesarean section. Our practice screens for all of these, as we guide you through them to get a healthy pregnancy.

The team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates has many years of experience with pregnancy and delivery, even those that are complicated. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, schedule your visit with us sooner rather than later.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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