Our staff is here to help you make informed decisions about conception and planning for a healthy pregnancy. Scheduling a preconception appointment allows ample time to discuss fertility planning, genetic testing, diet, exercise, supplements, and medications while you are trying to conceive and once you are pregnant.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, schedule a preconception appointment with your provider as soon as you begin considering pregnancy. This appointment is especially important if you’re in your 30s or 40s or have any chronic health conditions or specific concerns. We will review your health risks during this visit.

With frequent unprotected intercourse, most healthy couples conceive within one year. Understanding your fertile window can help facilitate conception. It’s also crucial to follow certain do’s and don’ts, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and having regular intercourse—particularly around ovulation. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

At your preconception appointment, our providers will review your ethnic background, family history, and discuss optional genetic testing before you become pregnant. Evaluations may include tests for sickle cell disease, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and a panel of tests that are more common in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, among other genetic options.

We also offer an educational class titled “What to Expect Before You’re Expecting,” covering topics such as nutrition for fertility, the importance of preparing for pregnancy, lifestyle factors that optimize fertility, and monitoring your cycle.

Click here for more information regarding our virtual class.

The journey leading up to your baby’s birth is an exciting and special time, often filled with questions. The team at the Women’s Group of Northwestern is privileged to guide you through each step of this journey. Our providers are dedicated to providing personalized care in a supportive environment, ensuring you have the information and support needed to make informed decisions for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

As a group practice, our providers have varied schedules, including office days, hospital shifts for deliveries, and days off. The advantage of this setup is that we encourage you to schedule regular prenatal visits with multiple providers, ensuring you are familiar with the entire team in case your primary provider is unavailable during labor. Our excellent team of advanced practice providers is also available for routine and problem visits to accommodate your scheduling needs. Our entire team is dedicated to you and your baby.

On your special day, both mother and baby will be cared for by our experienced obstetrical team at Prentice Women’s Hospital, part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital located in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Prenatal services are essential for the health of you and your baby. The Women’s Group of Northwestern offers in-house ultrasounds, laboratory testing, and fetal monitoring. Our ultrasonographers are fully accredited to perform routine screenings and anatomic surveys.

Our providers follow a structured schedule to ensure you and your baby receive the best possible care throughout your pregnancy.

• New OB Visit – Initial visit to establish care

• 12 Weeks – Genetics consultation

• 16 Weeks – Routine visit

• 20 Weeks – Routine visit & ultrasound

• 24 Weeks – Routine visit & 1-hour glucose test (must be at 24 weeks + 1 day or later)

• 28-38 Weeks (every 2 weeks) – Routine visit

• 39 Weeks – Routine visit

• 40 Weeks – Routine visit & Ultrasound

If your pregnancy is more complex, additional visits may be necessary. We recommend making 2-3 appointments in advanced if possible.

Most pregnancies progress without complications, but some may require specialized obstetric care. Conditions that might lead to a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Gestational diabetes

• Multiple pregnancies

• Obesity

• Advanced maternal age

• Hypertension

• Thyroid disorders