Are you planning to have a child? If so, now is the time to begin planning things with your local OB/GYN. Your Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare doctors are here to help you through your pregnancy in Hoffman Estates, IL. Being pregnant can put stress on both the mother's body and the developing child. Therefore, you must keep up with your appointments and have key discussions with your OB/GYN professional.

Overall Health Condition

 Be honest about your overall health. Starting at a healthy weight will make conception easier, as you will gain weight as the child grows. Be mindful about managing existing health conditions that can affect the pregnancy and your health throughout. For example, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and other conditions that can put stress on your body, discuss this with your doctor so you have the extra care you need. If you are taking medication or supplements to help with various conditions, you should review them during your discussion about pregnancy planning in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Genetics

 Review your family history with your OB/GYN. Your OB/GYN may be able to do genetic testing to see if your child is at risk for various hereditary conditions. Discuss chronic diseases that may run in your family, such as cancer, hypertension, sickle cell, or mental illness.

Lifestyle Adjustments

 When planning a pregnancy, you must be aware of your ovulation cycle to increase your chances of conception. If you've already conceived, you should make various lifestyle adjustments to ensure you stay healthy and your child gets the nutrients they need to grow. Therefore, if you drink or smoke, you should refrain from that during your pregnancy. Better prenatal health can reduce the likelihood of premature birth. Be mindful of getting enough exercise and having as balanced a diet as possible. You may need to start taking prenatal vitamins to get extra nutrients as well.

Emotional Support

 Will you have a solid support network during a pregnancy? Pregnancy isn't just hard on a body physically, but it can also be emotionally and mentally daunting for a woman. Therefore, open up about emotional support concerns, such as being in a city away from family. If you don't have as much support as you need, your doctor may be able to refer you to therapy or other support groups.

When planning your pregnancy in Hoffman Estates, IL, the Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare team has your back. Call our office at (847) 884-1800 for help as you plan to expand your family.