For a safe and healthy pregnancy: What you need to know about Obstetricians/Gynecologists near Chicago, IL
When you become pregnant and embark on the journey to becoming a parent, it can be overwhelming to learn about the development of your baby, the changes happening in your body, what you should do for a safe and healthy pregnancy, and what you need to avoid. With the guidance of a trusted obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), those stresses can dissipate as your doctor helps you navigate pregnancy while also monitoring the health of you and your baby. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C., patients near Chicago, can find the trusting, compassionate care they need through all stages of pregnancy—from before you are even expecting to postnatal care after your baby is born.
Importance of prenatal health care
Whether you are pregnant with your first child or your fifth, it is vital that you obtain regular health care during your pregnancy. Getting prenatal care not only helps ensure that your baby stays healthy, but also that you remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
If a mom isn’t healthy while she is pregnant, her baby’s growth and development can be impaired. As such, at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates S.C., we take your health as seriously as we take your baby’s. When you are pregnant, a huge number of changes are occurring in your body and it can be difficult to know what’s normal and what is a cause for concern. We are here to answer any questions that you have—no question is too embarrassing or silly to ask! We understand that pregnancy is a time when you may be feeling more anxious than usual as your body undergoes changes and you are uncertain of whether your baby is developing properly. The reassurance your OB/GYN provides can be invaluable and help eliminate some of the stresses of this exciting but occasionally daunting phase of life.
Your OB/GYN also monitors your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy to make sure she or he is growing at the expected rate, that their organs, bones, and other structures are developing properly, and to ensure that the baby is not stressed as your delivery date gets closer. If you are at high risk for developing complications during your pregnancy, such as if you have advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, or are pregnant with twins, we will closely monitor you and your baby’s health with specialized care.
What to expect at your OB/GYN appointments
- Before pregnancy (pre-pregnancy care): Before you even become pregnant, you can ensure that your body is as healthy as possible for growing a baby. We can perform an examination, answer your questions, and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, current medications, and other health issues to help you get your pregnancy started off on the right track. We also recommend that patients with gum disease see their dentist to get treated prior to becoming pregnant, as it can cause health issues for you and your baby once you become pregnant.
- During pregnancy (prenatal care): We will typically schedule your first prenatal appointment when you are 7-8 weeks pregnant. At first, you will generally see us every four weeks if you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, and then as you get closer to your due date, you will begin having more regular appointments. These appointments are essential in monitoring your baby’s development and your health, and we will routinely check the baby’s heartbeat, your weight and uterus size, and other important indicators of the baby’s growth at each appointment.
- Labor and delivery: Women who receive their prenatal care at our practice deliver their babies at Northwestern Memorial/Prentice Women’s Hospital, where one of our OB/GYNs will assist you in your delivery. Our excellent nurses and care team will make sure you are comfortable while keeping you and your baby’s health and safety at the forefront of the labor and delivery process.
- After delivery (postnatal care): We don’t stop providing health care for you when your baby is born. Monitoring your health in the months after you deliver is just as important as during pregnancy. We typically see new moms six weeks after their baby is born to ensure that they are healing well. This is also an important time to check on your mental well-being, as having a baby can be a big adjustment and the dramatic post-partum hormonal changes can cause issues such as depression and anxiety.
Call us to schedule your prenatal appointment
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we encourage you to call our office at 312-440-9400 to schedule an appointment. We are here to guide you every step of the way so you can have a happy, healthy pregnancy!
